International cooperation is necessary to confront the evolving terrorist threat

This file tops the agenda of the Fourth United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, which brings together more than a thousand participants from about 119 countries, representing governments, regional organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector.

Alexander Zuev, Acting UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, reviewed the current landscape during a speech on Monday in the General Assembly Hall.

Terrorist groups ‘able to adapt’

At the opening of the high-level conference of heads of national counter-terrorism services, Zuev said that terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS and their associated groups, “remain able to adapt and withstand.”

He added that it has become more sophisticated, especially through the use of artificial intelligence and the exploitation of cyber threats.

And he said: “It exploits instability, gaps in governance, social and economic inequalities, and new and emerging technologies to expand its influence, recruit individuals, and mobilize resources.”

He referred to what the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, stressed that “terrorism is evolving, and therefore we must evolve as well.” He added that although the path forward is complex, the direction is clear.

“Through prevention, cooperation, and a firm commitment to human rights, we can build a safer world, where people everywhere live free from fear,” he said.

The importance of diversity of viewpoints

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, an occasion that the Secretary-General said provides an opportunity to take stock of progress achieved and strengthen commitment to moving forward.

Although Member States bear the primary responsibility for preventing and combating terrorism, the United Nations continues to emphasize the importance of engaging a wide range of actors, including victims of terrorism, women, and youth.

Women’s voices are essential

Dr. Fatima Ali Haider, from the Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations, called on governments to “ensure the involvement of victims in developing policies and strategies,” stressing that “we have a lot to offer.”

The doctor and academic, who herself survived a terrorist attack, pointed to the results of research she conducted that showed that women are affected by terrorism differently than men, as it may lead to serious forms of gender-based violence.

“However, women’s voices are conspicuously absent from all levels of strategic decision-making,” she added.

She said: “We need to redesign the security system to ensure women’s leadership and equal presence at all levels, from the home to the public sphere, and from national security institutions all the way to the Security Council.”

Training first response teams

John Hoeven was a first responder to the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City, and was in London during the July 7, 2005 bombings.

He stressed the need for “countries to be keen to train first response teams,” noting the importance of organizing simulation exercises and developing clear response plans.

And he said: “It requires ongoing training, investment in technology, and ensuring that every first responder knows what to do in the event of a terrorist attack,” He also stressed the importance of cooperation and communication between countries.

Young people as “protective agents”

Mr. Hoeven was also in Nigeria when the terrorist attack occurred there.

As for Shamsia Ibrahim Bardi, she grew up in northeastern Nigeria, a region that has suffered years of conflict, displacement, and violent extremism.

She said she witnessed insecurity, but she also witnessed “ordinary young people who chose education instead of violence, dialogue instead of division, and community service instead of despair.”

She added that she participated in the youth engagement and empowerment program he is implementing United Nations Office of Counter-TerrorismAnd I learned that “when young people are given confidence, support, and real opportunities, they become agents of prevention and positive change.”

A second chance after extremism

Rima Junosova, a mother of four from Kazakhstan, provided another example of positive change, after spending several years in Al-Hawl camp in northeastern Syria, which houses thousands of people detained because of their actual or alleged links to ISIS.

She said that she traveled with her husband to Syria in July 2013, in light of an “unprecedented wave of extremist media propaganda.”

She added that many did the same, including young people who “sincerely believed they were doing the right thing, but did not realize that they were being manipulated through carefully crafted narratives to hide the true nature of armed extremist groups.”

Ms. Junosova and her children were returned to Kazakhstan in May 2019, where she received social and psychological support and other services. Today she runs a small door-making workshop. During her speech, she stopped more than once to dry her tears.

She said through a translator: “I am not here to justify my past actions, but rather to remind us all that even a person who has taken a dangerous path is capable of change.”

added: “Governments, communities and international organizations that give people a second chance through rescue, education, health care and peaceful reintegration make the world safer for everyone.”