OSCE social media challenge #DailyThrills promotes alternatives to violent extremism

VIENNA, 23 May 2017 – The OSCE launches today the #DailyThrills social media challenge inviting young people to share their stories of resilience and commitment to inspire their peers. Violent extremists often purport to offer meaning, belonging, recognition or adventure to attract new recruits. Rather than falling prey to these deceitful narratives, there are many positive ways young people are channelling their energy, passion, and desire to push their limits.

“We need the help of young people to articulate, illustrate and amplify the concept that the narrative leading to violent extremism is false, flawed and contrary to key principles underpinning our civilization,” said OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, announcing the challenge at the opening of the 2017 OSCE Counter-Terrorism Conference in Vienna.

"Youth, energy and creativity are key to invigorating our local, regional and global efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism,” said Zannier.

“Violent extremists promise disenfranchised youth a thrilling opportunity to become a hero, to earn status and recognition, spreading their lies far and wide through social media," said Matteo Pugliese, Special Representative on Youth and Security of the Austrian OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. "We, the young people, should make this strategy our own and start a chain of positive inspiration by sharing our #DailyThrills, those very concrete things that make us feel proud, that make us feel strong."

Everyone, and young people in particular, are invited to join the challenge via the #DailyThrills hashtag on Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook, or by uploading a photo or a video via www.osce.org/dailythrills until 27 June 2017. Every week the most popular and creative submission will be featured on the OSCE social media channels.

The challenge is being held as part of the OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism (#UnitedCVE) communications campaign. Launched in June 2015, the campaign highlights the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to countering violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism and reinforcing a global consensus against this threat. Follow the campaign on Twitter for more updates on the challenge.