The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Combating Extremist Ideology

AMMAN, JORDAN: The Strong Cities Network in Jordan , and in collaboration with our implementing partner, the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) Institute, held its Fourth virtual panel discussion (Diwaniya) on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, titled: “THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN COMBATING EXTREMIST IDEOLOGY” as part of the network’s newly launched series of virtual panel discussions: The “Diwaniya” Initiative.
Guest Speakers representing different Institutions in Jordan discussed a number of topics, including, but not limited to the role of both, public and private institutions in combating violent extremism.
Strong Cities Network Project Manager in Jordan, Ms. Alaa Mufleh introduced the “Diwaneyeh” by providing an overview of the Strong Cities Network in Jordan.  The “Diwaneyeh” was facilitated by Mr. Mohmmad Affan, a member of the Local Prevention Network in Irbid, and Director of Quaylba Center for Youth Empowerment.  Our guest speakers included:

- Dr. Ali al-Kawaldeh, Secretary General of the Ministry of Political Affairs;
- Mr. Mahmoud Hishmeh, Director of the East and West Center for Sustainable Development;
- Mrs. Israa al-Shayyab, Social Justice Program Coordinator, West Asia and North Africa Institute.

The Diwaneyat initiative -a joint initiative by the Strong Cities Network in Jordan and the West Asia - North Africa Institute- is a series of seminars through which we aim to facilitate systematic sharing of knowledge, expertise and lessons learned on building social cohesion and community resilience to prevent violent extremism.  It should be noted that the Strong Cities Network, which is led by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and funded by the Dutch government, is the first ever global network of mayors, municipal-level policy makers and practitioners united in building social cohesion and community resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms. In Jordan, the project is currently being implemented by the WANA Institute, which is a non-profit policy think tank based in Amman, Jordan, and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal.

For inquiries about the Strong Cities Network in Jordan and to discuss ways to get involved, please contact SCN project Manager in Jordan, Ms. Alaa Mufleh at: Alaa.Mufleh@WANA.JO.