On Monday, 29 April 2024, the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) convened an open meeting to discuss strategies for building community resilience against radicalization to terrorism.
In his opening statement, H.E. Amb. Amar Bendjama, Chair of the CTC, noted that “effective counter-terrorism measures require a multi-dimensional approach that goes beyond purely security-focused responses,” and highlighted the importance of addressing underlying drivers that fuel radicalization to violence, including social, economic, and political grievances.
CTED’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Weixiong Chen, flagged some of the key elements that contribute to community resilience. Among others, this includes ensuring a whole-of-society approach; the vital inclusion of women and youth as pillars of change; using new technologies as a means to consider and explore contemporary and innovative approaches to supporting communities in building resilience against terrorism; and working with cities to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of a terrorist act.
The event, which took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, brought together a broad spectrum of experts – including representatives from civil society organizations, research institutes, regional organizations, as well as United Nations entities – to share experiences, identify emerging trends, and discuss best practices in this space, underscoring the vital role of grassroots initiatives, inclusive governance, robust social cohesion, and tailoring approaches to the needs on the ground.
The presentations addressed the complex interplay between societal vulnerabilities and effective, human-rights compliant and gender-responsive countermeasures. Key themes included the imperative for cross-sectoral collaboration, leveraging technology for good, and empowering marginalized groups to actively participate in resilience-building efforts. Recognizing the interconnected nature of modern threats, participants underscored the importance of forging global partnerships and sharing knowledge to confront challenges collectively.
The meeting is available to watch .
Additional resources:
Speakers’ statements and presentations:
- H.E. Amb. Amar Bendjama, Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee: Opening remarks | Closing remarks
- Mr. Weixiong Chen, Deputy Executive Director, CTED: Opening remarks
- Ms. Humera Khan, President, Muflehun: Statement | Presentation
- Ms. Mauna Bagwasi, Lead Alert and Prevention Analyst, the African Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT): Statement
- Mr. Eric Rosand, Executive Director, Strong Cities Network: Statement | Presentation
- Ms. Rachel Sullivan, Program Officer – Program on Violent Extremism, RESOLVE Network, United States Institute of Peace: Statement | Presentation
- Mr. Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha, Alumnus of Youth Engagement and Empowerment Programme, UNOCT/UNCCT Global Programme on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism: Statement
- Mourchidate, Female Faith-based leader, Mauritania:
- Ms. Chiara Bologna, Programme Officer (Special Assistant) United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute: Statement
- Ms. Annabelle Bonnefont, Senior Legal Analyst and Human Rights Advisor, Global Center on Cooperative Security: Statement
Statements from the floor:
- Ms. Diane Shayne D. Lipana, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the Philippine to the United Nations: Statement
- H.E. Amb. Francisco José da Cruz, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations: Statement
- Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations: Statement