UNOCT hosts Regional Forum for National Focal Points on Major Sporting Event Security in Africa

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), through its Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism, organized a National Focal Points (NFPs) Regional Forum for African Member States in Dakar, Senegal, from 30 November to 1 December 2022.  The event built on the success of the two previous NFPs Regional Fora for Member States from the European and the Asian and Pacific regions.

The Forum in Dakar brought together 16 NFPs from across the region, offering a platform to share lessons learned and good practices in securing major sporting events. Discussions were tailored to the African context, taking into account regional characteristics such as geographical features, common or overlapping vulnerabilities, and drivers of violent extremism conducive to terrorism. 

The event included expert presentations, working group sessions, and networking opportunities, enabling participants to exchange national perspectives on securing major sporting events and leveraging sport as a tool for preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism (PVE).

The Forum strengthened regional cooperation and enhanced Member States’ capacities to apply recognized standards when developing advanced PVE policies or planning the security of upcoming major sporting events.

The event also marked the launch of the  Handbook on Preventing Violent Extremism through Major Sporting Events, developed within the framework of the Programme.