The fourth regional meeting of the consortium of civil society organizations in the field of prevention and countering violent extremism was held in Novi Pazar from November 15 to 17, 2019.

The event is part of the project “Communities First: Creation of a civil society hub to prevent and counter violent extremism – From Prevention to Reintegration” implemented by the Forum MNE in partnership with the Center for Legal Citizens’ Initiatives (Albania), Hope and Homes for children (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Partners of Kosovo – Center for Conflict Management (Kosovo), Center for Common Ground (North Macedonia) and the Cultural Center DamaD (Serbia), with financial support from the European Union and the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro.

The meeting discussed the capacity building program currently being implemented in all Western Balkan countries, the planned small grants program, as well as the degree of involvement of the civil sector in the implementation and policy making in the field of prevention and countering violent extremism.

The members of the consortium were also welcomed by Mr. Nihat Biševac, Mayor of Novi Pazar, with whom they discussed the importance of regional cooperation and involvement of local actors in the prevention and countering violent extremism.

The consortium also met with the president of the Islamic Community in Serbia, Mufti Mevludin Dudić. Meshihat has adopted a Strategy for the Prevention of Addiction, Violence and All Forms of Youth Extremism in Sandžak and is open to supporting all projects that are done for the benefit of citizens and are in line with the principles of religion.