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MENA Regional Hub: Advancing City-Led Strategies to Prevent Hate, Violent Extremism and Polarisation in the Middle East and NorthAfrica — From Innovation to Implementation

Publication Date:

03/07/2025

Content Type:

Event Reports

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MarrakechMENA Regional HubSocial CohesionUrban DevelopmentYouth Engagement

Summary

On 14 – 15 May 2025, the Strong Cities Network Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Hub organised a workshop on Advancing City-Led Strategies to Prevent Hate, Violent Extremism and Polarisation in the Middle East and North Africa: From Innovation to Implementation. The event brought together over 40 mayors, deputy mayors, governors, municipal practitioners, national government officials and civil society organisations from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco, as well as representatives from Canada and the United Kingdom. 

Supported by the European Union through its STRIVE Cities initiative, the event facilitated knowledge exchange on municipal strategies to address hate, polarisation and violent extremism. Building on the MENA Hub’s three previous workshops and technical support activities, including youth engagement in Morocco and the strengthening of local prevention networks in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, the event focused on locally driven resilience through youth empowerment, digital transformation, inclusive urban planning, crisis preparedness and response.

Opening remarks from Mr. Mohammed Idrissi, First Deputy Mayor, City of Marrakech (Morocco), highlighted Morocco’s long-standing commitment to peace, tolerance and countering extremism, particularly through education, religious reform, urban development and targeted community support. Eric Rosand, Executive Director, Strong Cities Network emphasised the increasing need for city leadership and structured collaboration with national authorities to counter complex and evolving challenges on the ground in Morocco and throughout the region. 

Key Takeaways

1. Environmental Stress as a Driver of Vulnerability: Environmental degradation, including desertification, water scarcity and climate-induced displacement, is creating socio-economic pressures in urban peripheries. These conditions heighten vulnerabilities to crime and radicalisation to violence. 
2. Local Prevention Networks and Multi-Stakeholder Mechanisms: Inclusive local prevention networks and early warning mechanisms can play an important role in detecting and responding to emerging threats. 
3. Rehabilitation and Reintegration (R&R): Successful reintegration of returnees from conflict zones requires strong national-local cooperation. Psycho-social support, economic inclusion and context-specific, gender- and age-sensitive programmes are essential components of meaningful R&R, and local governments have an important role to play in delivering them. 
4. Urban Planning as a Prevention Tool: Urban design is a crucial mechanism for reducing social fragmentation, protecting public spaces and embedding social cohesion into physical infrastructure. 
5. Youth Engagement: Engaging young people, through youth councils, arts, civic programmes and entrepreneurship, as both a preventative tool and a means to foster local ownership, is a foundational element of effective and sustainable prevention. 
6. Digital Resilience: Municipalities are increasingly responding to online hate, misinformation and polarisation through local strategies that integrate technology, media literacy and education, and multi-sectoral partnerships. 

Threats, Challenges and City Needs

Participants identified a series of interconnected threats that continue to erode stability, cohesion and inclusive governance across cities in the region. These include the rapid proliferation of digital harms, the disengagement of youth from civic and political life and longstanding deficiencies in inclusive urban planning and service provision. These challenges are not isolated but must be understood within the context of broader regional and global dynamics. 

The persistent lack of structured, long-term engagement with young people, particularly those from marginalised communities, was seen as a significant driver of vulnerability. Participants emphasised that youth exclusion, compounded by limited educational and economic opportunities, continues to fuel frustration and mistrust, leaving young people susceptible to extremist narratives and recruitment. 

In parallel, the rapid expansion of digital platforms, without adequate regulatory frameworks or investment in digital literacy, has enabled the unchecked spread of online hate, misinformation and polarising content. These digital threats are increasingly embedded in the wider ecosystem of radicalisation, often translating into real-world consequences in local communities. 

Deficiencies in urban planning and basic infrastructure were also highlighted as contributing factors to social fragmentation. Inadequate access to housing, transport and safe public spaces exacerbates inequalities and reinforces perceptions of marginalisation. Planning gaps can intensify existing divisions and undermine community trust in local authorities. 

Participants also stressed that these local vulnerabilities are amplified by overlapping regional and global crises, including ongoing armed conflict, refugee movements, internal displacement, climate-related stress and economic instability. These cumulative pressures have overwhelmed many municipal governments, undermining their ability to respond effectively and reinforcing the appeal of divisive and extremist ideologies. 

Taken together, these complex, multi-layered threats underscore the urgent need for city-led, prevention-focused approaches that centre youth, strengthen digital resilience, invest in inclusive urban development and foster robust national-local collaboration

Key Themes

1. Youth Engagement as a Cornerstone of City-Led Prevention 

The centrality of youth in prevention strategies was reinforced throughout the workshop. Cities presented initiatives that institutionalise youth voice in governance, promote civic participation and channel young people’s energy into constructive community contributions. In Jordan, Mohamed Nayef Zawahrah from the City of Zarqa presented the evolution of the Local Prevention Network, which was developed with support from Strong Cities, into a Community Prevention Network that emphasises youth inclusion through legal clinics, peer-learning exchanges and a dedicated youth branch. In Lebanon, a representative from Tripoli described how their local prevention network has remained active despite ongoing national crises, with a strong emphasis on youth leadership. Young people have played a central role in sustaining hate speech monitoring, organising dialogue initiatives and leading community-based responses. These efforts reflect the City’s commitment to empowering youth as key actors in prevention, even in times of instability.

Fes (Morocco) showcased its Communal Youth Council, which was established with support from Strong Cities. Hakima Hatri, Deputy Mayor, City of Fes (Morocco) described the council’s participatory formation, with 91 elected members now holding a consultative mandate to propose local projects and represent youth interests in policymaking, In Iraq, Yawez Mahmood, Deputy Governor, City of Kirkuk stressed the importance of integrating youth into local governance frameworks – including the local sub-committees mandated under the national countering violent extremism strategy – as a means of enhancing both legitimacy and impact in prevention.

Participants agreed that engaging youth in city-led prevention and local governance is essential to addressing the root causes of polarisation, violent extremism and hate speech. Meaningful youth participation fosters a sense of belonging and civic responsibility, while offering an alternative narrative to one focused on exclusion and grievance that can lead to radicalisation to violence. By empowering youth as active partners in prevention, local governments can ensure that local policies and initiatives are more responsive, inclusive and reflective of the diverse realities within their communities.

City of Fes (Kingdom of Morocco)

• Challenge: With a population exceeding one million, the City of Fes has faced growing challenges related to youth disengagement from civic and political life. In response to discussions during the MENA Regional Hub workshop (January 2024), the City initiated the establishment of a Communal Youth Council. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Communal Councils (AMPCC) and the Strong Cities Network, aimed to create a structured platform for youth participation in local governance and prevention of violent extremism.
  
  
• Approach: The process began with an open call for applications targeting young residents aged 18 to 40 with an interest in community affairs. The call generated 250 applications from across the city. The selection process prioritised professional diversity, gender balance and the inclusion of youth with disabilities.
  
  Following this, a series of focus groups and consultative sessions were held — both online and in person — to co-design the council’s structure. These sessions, organised jointly by the City of Fes, AMPCC and Strong Cities, actively involved participating youth throughout the entire design process. Peer learning was also integrated, with other Moroccan municipalities sharing lessons learned from their own youth council experiences.
  
  
• Impact: In February 2025, the Fes Communal Youth Council was formally established, comprising 91 members and an elected president. The council serves an advisory and consultative role, offering young people a structured opportunity to represent their visions and priorities, propose projects and contribute scientific and practical ideas to benefit the city and its youth population. This initiative marks a significant step towards institutionalising youth engagement and advancing participatory democracy at the local level in Morocco.

2. Urban Planning as Prevention: Local Solutions for Resilience, Recovery and Social Cohesion

Participants emphasised the critical role of integrating safety, accessibility and inclusivity into urban design. Well-designed public areas, inclusive infrastructure and equitable access to services were identified as essential tools for reducing social fragmentation and fostering a sense of shared ownership and belonging across diverse communities. Participants also highlighted the need to incorporate safety measures, including principles of environmental design and emergency response planning, into urban development processes. These measures not only enhance the protection of vulnerable public areas but also promote openness, trust and accessibility.

The role of cities in organising large-scale events, such as sporting competitions, was also discussed. With several Moroccan cities preparing to host major events in the coming years, city leaders underlined the opportunity to embed social cohesion objectives into urban planning processes through inclusive design and human rights-based policies. In this way, urban development can contribute to mitigating security risks while building community resilience against divisive ideologies and targeted violence.

Rashid Mehnah, Deputy Governor, City of Anbar (Iraq) underscored the importance of urban planning and crisis preparedness as integral components of post-conflict recovery. Drawing from Anbar’s experience following the devastation caused by ISIS since 2014, he highlighted how rebuilding efforts must extend beyond physical reconstruction to encompass social cohesion, reintegration and institutional resilience. In response to complex challenges such as large-scale displacement and the reintegration of returnees, Anbar established a locally led, multi-stakeholder crisis response system. Despite limited resources and continued strain on infrastructure, Anbar’s proactive and inclusive approach demonstrates how local governments can serve not only as first responders but also as engines of innovation and resilience. Mehnah emphasised that cities must be recognised not simply as victims of crisis, but as critical actors in shaping sustainable recovery and long-term stability through integrated planning and community engagement.

The City of Marrakech (Morocco) shared its first-hand experience in crisis management following the devastating September 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, offering valuable lessons on the role of cities in leading coordinated, inclusive and culturally sensitive disaster response and recovery efforts. Marrakech’s response combined decisive national leadership with effective local governance through municipal crisis cells, which coordinated needs assessments, logistics and emergency operations. Swift activation of national ministries, security forces and civil protection agencies was complemented by local mechanisms that ensured community needs were addressed promptly. Financial assistance was rapidly disbursed through direct emergency grants and reconstruction funds, and immediate care was provided for orphaned children and other vulnerable groups. The City also leveraged specialised capabilities, including military engineers, medical teams, drones and helicopters, while repurposing public facilities such as sports halls to shelter displaced populations. Civil society played a crucial role, with hundreds of NGOs mobilised to deliver aid, organise blood drives and strengthen community solidarity.

In the reconstruction phase, Marrakech prioritised cultural preservation and sustainable design. Architectural guidelines were developed to protect heritage sites and ensure the respectful rehabilitation of public and religious infrastructure. A dedicated reconstruction agency coordinated funding from national, local and international sources, enabling a cohesive and efficient recovery process. Marrakech’s experience underscores the central role of cities not only in responding to crises but also in leading inclusive and resilient urban recovery. It highlights how integrated planning, cultural awareness and strong partnerships can transform disaster response into an opportunity for sustainable rebuilding and strengthened social cohesion.

Abderrahim Zebbakh from the city of Tangier (Morocco) spoke about local planning that includes the needs and priorities of marginalised communities, migrants and those with disabilities, aligning with Morocco’s broader urban resilience agenda and which in turn fosters a sense of belonging and enhances social cohesion.

Additionally, participants underscored the necessity of improving the provision of social services, including mental health support, to all residents and, more fundamentally, strengthening local governance structures given that disparities in service provision, especially in underdeveloped urban neighbourhoods and rural areas, can exacerbate feelings of exclusion and marginalisation. By addressing these inequalities and ensuring that all communities have access to quality services, local governments can better contribute to building resilient cities and communities.

Greater Amman Municipality (Jordan)

• Challenge: Amman faces the dual challenge of managing rapid urbanisation while maintaining sustainability and strengthening social cohesion. Demographic growth is placing significant strain on public services, infrastructure and natural resources, contributing to uneven development across neighbourhoods and growing socio-economic divides. These pressures have the potential to undermine trust, inclusion and equitable access to city life.
  
  
• Approach: Amman faces the dual challenge of managing rapid urbanisation while maintaining sustainability and strengthening social cohesion. Demographic growth is placing significant strain on public services, infrastructure and natural resources, contributing to uneven development across neighbourhoods and growing socio-economic divides. These pressures have the potential to undermine trust, inclusion and equitable access to city life.
  
  
• Impact: Amman’s planning approach is underpinned by strong legal and institutional frameworks that support inclusive development and participatory governance. By improving access to services, enhancing shared public spaces and proactively addressing urban disparities, the City is fostering a greater sense of belonging, connection and shared responsibility among its diverse population. These efforts are not only improving quality of life but also reinforcing social cohesion as a cornerstone of long-term urban resilience.

3. Digital Resilience and Local Leadership: Preventing Hate and Polarisation Online

Across the MENA region, cities are increasingly on the frontlines of digital threats with far-reaching social consequences, from misinformation and online hate to the erosion of public trust and social cohesion. While these challenges reflect global trends, effective responses must be rooted locally, led by municipalities in close coordination with national and international partners. Building digital resilience has therefore become a key priority for many cities, encompassing efforts to strengthen digital literacy, promote critical thinking and empower youth to resist harmful narratives. Participants highlighted the urgent need for investment in monitoring online harms, countering disinformation and promoting constructive digital content that supports inclusive and cohesive communities. City leaders agreed that a proactive, multi-stakeholder approach to digital governance is essential to ensure that technology serves as a bridge for connection, not a catalyst for division.

Laila Bilrha, Deputy Mayor, City of Rabat (Morocco), outlined her City’s work under the Rabat, City of Light initiative, including AI-powered monitoring systems, public engagement apps like Mobi4u and Rabat Animation, and civic education in schools. Rabat’s strategy emphasises youth as a frontline defence against digital extremism, investing in youth centres, awareness campaigns and partnerships with civil society to counter online hate. Cultural and educational infrastructure has been strengthened to foster digital literacy and promote values of tolerance.

For a comparative experience from outside the region, participants learned about approaches to digital resilience in Canada, which offers a compelling model for tackling online harms through a multi-level strategy that integrates national legislation, provincial programming and municipal and community action. The Foundation for a Path Forward (F4PF) contributes to this effort by connecting national policy frameworks with the local community through cutting-edge research, grassroots training and international collaboration. Tariq Tyab, Founder of F4PF, shared Toronto, Ontario’s media literacy outreach to London, Ontario’s post-crisis leadership against Islamophobia as examples of how cities can respond to digital threats. F4PF’s initiatives, including AI-powered hate monitoring, senior digital literacy programs and youth empowerment in coding and cybersecurity, reinforce the notion that digital safety begins with informed, inclusive and community-led responses. 

From Egypt, Reham Salamah of Al Azhar Observatory discussed the organisation’s campaigns with youth and international students to counter online extremist propaganda. Similarly, Hakima Al Hatri, Deputy Mayor of Fes (Morocco), emphasised how digitalisation in local governance has strengthened citizen trust and improved public engagement.

Abderrahim Zebbakh from the City of Tangier (Morocco) shared its Digital Urban Diwan initiative, which combines local culture with tech innovation to address the misuse of AI and counter digital hate. These efforts form part of a broader shift toward inclusive, prevention-first digital governance.

City of Rabat (Kingdom of Morocco)

• Challenge: Like many urban centres across the MENA region, Rabat has faced rising challenges linked to online hate speech, misinformation and the digital radicalisation of youth. With young people both highly connected and particularly vulnerable to harmful online narratives, the City recognised the urgent need to strengthen digital resilience through targeted, community-based interventions.
  
  
• Approach: Rabat placed youth at the centre of its digital resilience strategy. The City invested in upgrading youth centres with digital tools and designated spaces for dialogue, learning and creativity. It launched ongoing workshops and awareness campaigns to educate young people about the risks of online violence and hate speech, while promoting critical thinking and digital responsibility. Rabat also signed cooperation agreements with youth and media organisations to amplify messages of tolerance and inclusion across digital platforms.
  
  
• Impact: The City is actively supporting locally led initiatives that produce counter-narrative content and engage neighbourhood associations in both online and offline awareness campaigns. Through this multi-stakeholder and youth-focused approach, Rabat is fostering a digitally literate and resilient generation equipped to challenge hate and contribute to a more cohesive and inclusive digital environment.

Recommendations and Next Steps

Participants offered several recommendations for cities, partners and Strong Cities to strengthen local prevention and respond effectively to challenges posed by hate, polarisation and violent extremism across MENA:

• Institutionalise Youth Participation: Cities should establish youth councils that include representation from all communities, particularly those where feelings of exclusion and marginalisation might be high and integrate youth into decision-making platforms.
• Strengthen National-Local Cooperation: Local governments should encourage their national counterparts to establish formal national-local cooperation platforms for joint planning, especially in areas like crisis response and urban development.
• Advance Digital Resilience: Governments and international partners across the region should invest in tools and training to catalyse the development and implementation of city-led digital literacy and online harm detection efforts.
• Local Early Warning Mechanisms: Cities should develop and strengthen early warning systems that combine field-based intelligence with technology-enabled monitoring tools to detect emerging risks related to hate, violent extremism and community tensions. This includes establishing trusted local reporting channels, community liaison structures and mechanisms for real-time data collection and analysis. Integrating these systems into existing municipal platforms can enhance a city’s ability to identify early signs of polarisation, misinformation or potential violence, enabling timely, coordinated responses.
• Crisis Preparedness: Municipalities should embed inclusive crisis preparedness plans into their broader urban development and governance strategies. This involves developing multi-stakeholder response frameworks that prioritise the needs of all community groups, including marginalised and vulnerable populations. Preparedness plans should cover natural disasters, public health emergencies and conflict-related crises, incorporating elements such as early warning, evacuation, service continuity, communication protocols and recovery planning. Embedding these plans into urban policy helps ensure that crisis response is not an ad hoc activity, but a core function of local governance, improving both resilience and public trust in institutions.

The MENA Regional Hub will continue to support implementation through technical assistance and regional coordination. The fifth and final STRIVE Cities workshop will be held in the second half of 2025 to reflect on progress and showcase successful initiatives and practices.

Additional Resources

• Countering Hate Speech in Times of Crisis: Considerations for Mayors and Local Governments, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• Managing Migration: City-Led Approaches for Being an Inclusive, Welcoming and Socially-Cohesive City, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• City-Led Prevention of Hate, Extremism and Polarisation: Leveraging Local Youth Councils, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• City-Led Youth Engagement in Addressing Hate, Extremism and Polarisation: Ten Recommendations for Cities, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• Creating Safe, Cohesive and Resilient Cities through Urban Planning & Design: Ten Considerations for Mayors and Local Governments, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• National-Local Cooperation: A Pillar of City-Led Prevention of Hate, Extremism and Polarisation – A Practice Update, Strong Cities Network, December 2024
• Global Crises, Local Impacts Initiative, Strong Cities Network, 2024
• A Guide for Cities: Preventing Hate, Extremism & Polarisation, Strong Cities Network, updated 2024
• A Guide for Mayors: Preventing and Responding to Hate, Extremism & Polarisation, Strong Cities Network, updated 2024
• A Guide for City-Led Response, Strong Cities Network, May 2024
• Constructing UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Cities, Operational Guidelines, May 2024
• City Spotlights Library, Strong Cities Network
• National-Local Cooperation Toolkit, Global Counterterrorism Forum, Strong Cities, September 2023

Donors and Partners

Contact Information

For more information on this event and the Strong Cities’ MENA Regional Hub, please contact [email protected]

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