Over the past ten years, peacebuilding and development actors have developed a more sophisticated understanding of why young people, in particular, are driven to participate in (or resist) violent extremist groups. However, understanding those drivers is only the first step. There is also a pressing need to gather evidence of “what works” in reducing violence and violent extremism. Without this evidence, donors and practitioners will continue to implement policies derived from conventional wisdom on these issues.

In this Brown Bag Lunch discussion, Dr. Rebecca Wolfe, Mercy Corps’ Director of Evidence and Influence and Chiara Galletti, Senior Peace Building Adviser at International Alert, will draw on fresh evidence from a range of countries including Afghanistan, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia and Syria to debate what types of development interventions do and do not work to reduce violence and violent extremism.

The presentations will be followed by an informal discussion with participants.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please note that seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please contact Lorenzo Angelini if you would like to participate.