Faith-Based Leaders Regional Dialogue Process on Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Space

May 21, 2026

'The role of faith-based leaders is so important today. In a world shaped by misinformation, you remain a trusted source of guidance for many in your communities. You bring a level of trust, authority and human connection that technology cannot replicate. You are the guardians of tradition but also an important line of defence against exclusion and hatred', said Frank Geens, EU Counterterrorism Expert to ASEAN, at the opening of the First Regional Forum of the Faith-Based Leaders Regional Dialogue Process on Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Space organised by UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub.

The Forum brought together more than fifty faith-based leaders, partners and stakeholders from across the region to discuss preventing violent extremism in the digital space.

Faith-Based Leaders as Anchors and Havens of Safety

Violent extremism and related forms of digital harm continue to gravely affect communities across Asia influenced by ideological beliefs, socioeconomic challenges, misinformation, and hate speech, amongst other things. These dynamics undermine social cohesion, trust and inclusive development. While addressing them requires a whole-of society response, faith-based leaders are uniquely positioned to influence the prevalence and severity of violent extremism in their communities and societies - for better or worse.

Faith-based leaders can play a critical role as trusted sources of guidance and as of safety for individuals vulnerable to radicalisation. However, taking on that role is not easy. It requires sustained support, partnership and capacity strengthening to truly promote the prevention of violent extremism online.

Much remains to be learned about how faith-based leaders can most effectively prevent and counter violent extremism. This is particularly true when it comes to digital harm, including specific ways that women and young people are impacted and targeted. While context is key in any meaningful initiative, creating opportunities for exchange, peer-to-peer learning and mutual support among faith-based leaders engaged in this work holds great potential.

Faith-Based Leaders Regional Dialogue Process

From 12-14 May 2026, UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub brought together more than fiftyfaith-based leaders, experts and partners from across Asia in Bangkok, Thailand for the First Regional Forum of the Faith-Based Leaders Regional Dialogue Process on Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Space.

Envisioned as a multi-year initiative, the dialogue process, is part of the ‘Supporting Asian Countries’ Resilience to Violent Extremism in the Digital Space’ project, a partnership between UNODC and UNDP funded by the EU, which supports countries in Asia to build resilience against violent extremism in digital spaces.

Over three days, faith-based leaders and partners from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka shared perspectives grounded on lived-experience, discussing both violent extremism itself but also how it manifests online. Reflections were shared on the specific impact and targeting of women and young people, their role in prevention efforts and practical approaches to building resilience in communities.

Stemming from deeply personal sharing, participants also explored the role of faith-based leaders in preventing violent extremism, amid challenges like the impact of current events, the manipulation of religious texts, the role of tech-platforms and the importance of protecting human rights. Time was also taken to look at technological challenges, online safety and mental wellbeing, equipping participants with practical tools to navigate increasingly complex digital environments.

‘Violent extremism grows where there is exclusion, injustice, discrimination, loneliness or loss of a sense of belonging. Technology amplifies these conditions – it does not create them though. And that is why preventing violent extremism cannot rely only on technology or security responses. It requires people to build resilience. People with trust. People with credibility. People rooted in community and everyday life. People like you,’ added Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand.