UN chief urges countries to adopt plans to fight extremism

United Nations, Jan 8: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging all 193 UN member states to develop a national plan of action to prevent the spread of violent extremism.

Ban said in a report to the UN General Assembly circulated today that what is most alarming today is the rapid expansion of violent extremist ideologies in different parts of the world, which are being fueled by the technological revolution.

He called for actions that are "as agile and far-reaching as the phenomenon itself." Ban said national plans should focus on preventing conflict and promoting dialogue; strengthening good governance, human rights and the rule of law; engaging communities with a long history of distrust; empowering young people; promoting gender equality; investing in education and job creation; and countering media messages that drive people to violent extremism.

PTI