Young people and politicians gather to fight extremism
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press release | Date: 26/05/2015 | Last updated: 28/05/2015
Around 200 young people and representatives of governments and local authorities from throughout Europe will be gathering in Oslo on 4–5 June to come up with strategies that can help stem the tide of violent extremism.
Norway is one of two European countries that have assumed the task of following up the initiative taken by US President Barack Obama when he hosted the White House summit on countering radicalisation and violent extremism in February.
The first day of the event in Oslo will bring together youth representatives from civil society and NGOs working to combat various forms of radicalisation and extremism. These young people will coordinate their input and present it to the representatives of European authorities who will be meeting the following day to discuss national and European measures to counter violent extremism.
'It is important to point out that this conference deals with all types of radicalisation and extremist violence,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. Mr Brende and Mr Anders Anundsen, Minister of Justice and Public Security, will co-chair the discussion on 5 June. Prime Minister Erna Solberg will open the event for youth representatives on 4 June.
The fact that violent extremists are now often better organised than moderate European forces gives cause for concern. One of the main objectives of the conference is to foster a vibrant network of young people that can speak out against hate speech and violent extremism. Ms Solveig Horne, Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, and Mr Vidar Helgesen, Minister of EEA and EU Affairs, are responsible for the network initiative.
For more information on the conference, see the draft concept note, or see the Youth Against Violent Extremism website or European Conference on Countering Violent Extremism.
Conference venue: Quality Hotel Expo Fornebu
Programme enclosed (4 June, 5 June). Please note that this draft programme is subject to change.
Contact person for Prime Minister Erna Solberg: Mr Rune Alstadsæter +4792816448, ral@smk.dep.no
Contact person for Ministers Børge Brende and Vidar Helgesen: Ms Ane Haavardsdatter Lunde, +47 976 71 250, ane.lunde@mfa.no
Contact person for Minister Solveig Horne: Ms Ingrid Brandal Myklebust, +47 995 01 917, ibm@bld.dep.no
Contact person for Minister Anders Anundsen: Ms Anne Rustad, +47 476 70 779, anne.rustad@jd.dep.no