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What is the Global Research Network?

The Global Research Network (GRN) is an informal group of more than 100 organizations that conduct research into trends and developments in terrorism, countering terrorism and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism. The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) promotes the research of GRN partners to States Members of the United Nations to facilitate the evidence-based design of counter-terrorism policies and Security Council resolutions on terrorism. CTED also consults closely with GRN partners to inform its own knowledge and policy design on behalf of the Counter-Terrorism Committee through dedicated thematic and geographical consultations and regular informal briefings.

 When was GRN created?

CTED launched GRN in February 2015. This initiative aimed at enhancing CTED’s existing research and analysis capabilities, as mandated in resolution 2129 (2013), in which the United Nations Security Council directed CTED to identify emerging issues, trends, and developments pertaining to relevant Council resolutions.

How does GRN contribute to the efforts of the Security Council in addressing emerging threats and trends related to counter-terrorism?

In its resolutions 2395 (2017) and 2617 (2021), the Security Council reiterates CTED’s essential role within the United Nations to identify and assess counter-terrorism issues, trends and developments and notes the value of CTED’s relationships with, inter alia, academia, think tanks, and international, regional and subregional organizations in promoting an analysis of emerging threats and trends. In resolution 2617 (2021), the Council recalls “the importance of work with relevant partners in this area, including through the GRN”. It also “takes note of the value of […] the GRN […] to support the efforts of the [Counter-Terrorism Committee] to advance implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2178 (2014), and 2396 (2017), and other relevant counter-terrorism resolutions and to promote analysis of emerging threats, trends, and developments”.

Who are members of GRN?

GRN membership is composed of a majority of independent think tanks and academic institutes, as well as of government-affiliated and intergovernmental research centres. All have, at the least, a workstream dedicated to terrorism, counter-terrorism or the prevention of violent extremism conducive to terrorism. GRN has regional representation from all continents. 

Who can become a member of GRN?

CTED invites think tanks, academic institutions and non-profit organizations with a strong research focus on terrorism and counter-terrorism to consider joining GRN. CTED is particularly keen to connect with organizations based in Africa, Asia and Latin America to expand the geographical diversity of the network. 

How does CTED interact with GRN partners?

CTED monitors the research output of all its GRN partners to identify findings to incorporate into policymaking and to highlight to Member States. GRN partners are often invited to in-person and hybrid events at CTED to discuss trends and developments in terrorism and counter-terrorism. CTED occasionally invites GRN members to present their findings to CTED and other United Nations experts as well as to brief members of the Security Council or the General Assembly. GRN partners specializing in particularly technical areas have been invited to contribute to the formulation of guidance by the Counter-Terrorism Committee for Member States and other policy documents. 

Does GRN membership cost money?

GRN membership is without cost. 

Does CTED provide GRN members funds for research or travel?

CTED does not provide funding for research or travel for regular events due to United Nations funding restrictions. Occasionally CTED is able to access funding for official counter-terrorism meetings for which specific GRN partners will be invited to present their latest research on a particular geographical or thematic topic and their travel will be covered. 

Is GRN membership attached to a person or an organization?

GRN membership applies to an organization, although CTED tends to work with specific focal points. CTED encourages GRN members to keep CTED up to date with their contact details and staff changes so CTED can stay abreast of what GRN members are working on and get in touch with event invites, new research and updates from the United Nations. 

How can a GRN member be more involved?

CTED is always keen to be updated on the latest research by its GRN partners and can arrange for GRN members to brief all of CTED on their latest findings. For specific topics of priority for the Counter-Terrorism Committee, CTED can also arrange for GRN members to informally brief Member States. In accordance with CTED’s mandate, CTED always asks its GRN partners to present the gender and human rights aspects or implications of their research topics where applicable.

For further information on GRN please contact CTED’s Political Analysis and Research Team at cted-par@un.org.