World is not witnessing a global gridlock: John Kerry

Asserting that the world is not witnessing a global gridlock, US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday said the fight against violent extremism is the "challenge of our generation".

It would be a long struggle against extremism, but "we are heading in the right direction", Kerry said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) here.

He was clear that the US will strengthen its fight against corruption, which is used by extremist groups as a recruitment tool.

"The fact is there is nothing, absolutely nothing, more demoralising and disempowering to any citizen of any nation than the belief that the system is rigged against them...," he said, adding that corruption complicates every single security, diplomatic and social initiative.

Hailing efforts of citizens around the world to increase inter-faith and inter-sectarian understanding, Kerry cited examples of Sunnis helping Shiites rebuild after terror attacks in the Middle-East, Muslims shielding Christians from terrorists in Africa, and Jews protecting Muslims in the United Kingdom.

"The world is not witnessing global gridlock. We are not frozen in a nightmare we cannot wake up from... If we stay serious and work in good faith, we can make progress," Kerry said. Calling for providing opportunities to the youth, Kerry said there are 700 million people under 30 years and all of them are seeking opportunity, dignity and respect and are aware of what they don't have in a world where everyone is connected 24/7.