UNDP and KOICA Sign MoU to Tackle Violent Extremism in Africa

The partnership also aims to engage youth and women as agents of change and promoters of peace and stability.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance their collaboration, focusing on peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism in Africa. KOICA has pledged a significant financial contribution of USD 20 million over three years to support African countries, including Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan.

The expanded partnership aims to strengthen efforts addressing the root causes of conflict and crises in the region and promote community-based solutions to peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism. This initiative will encompass enhanced peacebuilding infrastructures, social integration, and economic resilience, alongside the implementation of new and innovative approaches to address systemic challenges in fragile and conflict-prone contexts.

Ulrika Modéer, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy at UNDP, expressed gratitude for the robust partnership with the Republic of Korea and emphasized its critical role in strengthening peace efforts by combating violent extremism and fostering social cohesion and community empowerment.

UNDP, leveraging its expertise in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, will utilize its extensive presence as a trusted partner at regional, national, and community levels to ensure effective implementation. The partnership also aims to engage youth and women as agents of change and promoters of peace and stability.

Jungmee Sohn, Vice President of KOICA, highlighted the significant opportunity presented by the MOU to enhance synergies between the two organizations committed to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus. Through the collaborative program in Africa, KOICA aims to prevent violent extremism and work towards sustainable and resilient peace in conflict-affected countries.

This expanded partnership, developed under the KOICA Conflict and Fragility Programme, aligns with UNDP's Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and the Republic of Korea's Humanitarian-Development-Peace-Nexus Implementation Strategy 2021.