Blog
GNF Partners with Google Ideas and Institute for Strategic Dialogue in Cutting Edge Venture
April 25th, 2012 - 9:26am
Filed under International Security
For the first time ever, former violent extremists ("formers"), survivors of violent extremism, NGOs, government, and private sector leaders will be united in a virtual global community to share ideas, foster new collaborations, and share solutions to prevent violent extremism among at-risk youth. Against Violent Extremism (AVE) is an innovative philanthropic approach to one of our greatest community and global security threats. With the help of the Gen Next Foundation (GNF), this venture will launch publicly today at Google's New York office.
The AVE network was envisioned by GN Member Jared Cohen and seeded in the summer of 2011 at the Summit Against Violent Extremism (SAVE) in Dublin, Ireland, which was hosted by Google Ideas, the Tribeca Film Festival, and the Council on Foreign Relations and attended by a delegation of Gen Next Members. The summit proved that former perpetrators and survivors of violent extremism are powerful influencers in turning potential and existing extremists away from a violent path. Here is a moving video from the summit.
The Gen Next Foundation and Members of Gen Next will work with Google Ideas, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), and other partners to build a major global community of stakeholders--with formers at the forefront--empowered with a web platform that facilitates connections and delivers online resources to help match project needs with the means to execute.
The project is an example of what can be achieved when a dynamic collaboration applies private sector methodologies, human capital, and specific expertise to a problem normally handled by governments.
Many Gen Next Members have been inspired and are already providing resources for network users. In the first week of the launch Aaron Bare's company Buzz Mouth and Micha Mikailian's company eBoost Consulting are offering substantial in-kind support for projects and formers in the AVE network. We welcome Members to join the network at AgainstViolentExtremism.org and identify ways to be part of this innovation solution. A wide array of support services are needed, including, but not limited to: online advertising, digital strategy, SEO, business coaching, legal, and more. Other Members have already pledged major support, and we'll continue to announce Member involvement in and progress of this venture.
Gen Next Member, Pierre-Richard Prosper, Retained to Help American Sentenced to Death in Iran
January 11th, 2012 - 3:29pm
Filed under International Security
Pierre-Richard Prosper, a Gen Next Member and prominent international lawyer, has been called as the defense for Amir Hekmati, an Iranian-American U.S. citizen and decorated former marine. Hekmati has been sentenced to death by Iran’s Revolutionary Court. He was charged with spying for the Central Intelligence Agency during a visit to Iran in September.
Iran has denied the Swiss access to Hekmati despite U.S. demands for his release. The situation comes in the midst of increasing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Prosper, the Former U.S. Ambassador-At-Large for War Crimes and Genocide, also negotiated the release of Reza Taghavi, after being imprisoned Tehran. Taghavi was never formally charged for a crime.
To read more about the story visit Wall Street Journal.