The Alliance intends to engage youth as potential leaders to be listened to and strengthened as they seek to engage in constructive activism.

Youth have been at the forefront of major social and political advancements and non-violent movements throughout history. At the same time, as a vulnerable sector of society, youth have been associated with violent extremist groups, especially in environments in need of public services, employment, and educational opportunities. In many developing countries, the population below the age of thirty accounts for a majority.

Because youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but in fact the potential leaders of today, they need to be heard and their efforts to contribute to the world around them need to be supported. 

With regard to relations between western nations and predominantly Muslim populations, the importance of youth engagement is evident. In several countries in the West and in many predominantly Muslim countries the number of young recruits to radical groups is on the rise. Therefore their participation in an effort to reverse the tide of extremism is imperative.

Viewing youth as an essential asset for developing a concrete plan of action to surmount the challenges to global and local stability, the Alliance intends to develop a targeted network among groups employing creative methods for preventing extremism and promoting effective dialogue and action among youth. 

Download the Youth - Summary of Research