PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK CITY, 27 September 2024 – The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), a platform for multilateral engagement to prevent and counter terrorism, held its 24th Coordinating Committee and 14th Ministerial Plenary Meetings in New York City, co-chaired by Egypt and the European Union (EU). The high-level meetings brought together international stakeholders to address pressing counterterrorism needs, particularly in East and West Africa.
Focus on Counterterrorism Capacity-Building
The meetings centered on the urgent requirements for enhancing counterterrorism capacities in East and West Africa. The East and West Africa Capacity-Building Working Groups held further in-depth discussions on needs assessment and resource mobilization. These sessions highlighted the critical resources and strategic approaches necessary for building effective counterterrorism frameworks in the sub-regions.
Engagement with the African Union
The Ministerial Plenary featured active participation from the African Union's Peace and Security Commissioner, His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, who engaged GCTF Member ministers on the most pressing counterterrorism challenges faced on the continent. The discussions aimed to align GCTF efforts with the priorities identified by the African Union, ensuring a coordinated and impactful response to terrorism threats.
Endorsement of New GCTF Resources
The Coordinating Committee endorsed several new resources designed to strengthen global counterterrorism efforts. Among these, the EU-led GCTF Brussels Memorandum on Oversight and Accountability in Counterterrorism, prepared by the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law through the EU Facility for Human Rights Engagement in counterterrorism, received particular attention. This Memorandum provides practitioners and officials with guidance to ensure counterterrorism measures comply with international human rights standards.
Advancements in Border Security and Management
The Foreign Terrorist Fighters Working Group, co-chaired by Jordan and the United States, along with the co-lead, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, presented significant updates and accompaniments to facilitate the operationalization of the GCTF's Good Practices on Border Security and Management. This includes an addendum to the existing guidelines, as well as a comprehensive "training-of-trainers" curriculum aimed at implementing these good practices effectively.
H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Egypt, said, “In partnership with the EU, Egypt is honored to co-chair the GCTF’s 14th Ministerial Meeting and 24th Coordination Committee Meeting. Terrorism continues to undermine the capacity of the national state in the world and in a number of African countries, further exacerbating ongoing challenges such as climate change and economic crises and limiting the capacity of the governments to respond. We affirm our commitment to steer efforts in the GCTF towards tackling the main challenges facing governments, especially in Africa, in their fight against terrorism. Multilateralism and collective responses are important for a successful holistic strategy to counter terrorism. Driven by the firm belief in the importance of regional organizations in the fight against terrorism, we invited his excellency ambassador Bankole as a special guest to address the Forum and the challenges encountering African countries, as it is of paramount importance to bring African voices to the forefront.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy H.E. Josep Borrell said: “We must not lose sight of the still growing terrorism threat in Africa, endangering and crushing the daily life of millions. By strengthening our cooperation with African partners and the African Union, the GCTF will assist countries most affected by the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in their efforts to better protect their citizens. The European Union has always been, is and will remain a strong supporter of peace and security in Africa. The stakes are too high for the security and prosperity of the people on the continent, in Europe and worldwide.”
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About the GCTF:
The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) is an informal, apolitical, multilateral counterterrorism platform focused on identifying and addressing civilian counterterrorism needs, sharing expertise, and mobilizing resources to prevent and counter terrorism. GCTF works through its various working groups and initiatives to develop innovative strategies and practical solutions to combat terrorism globally. For more information, please visit www.thegctf.org.
Contact
Marc Dodsworth, Communications Manager
Mob: (+31) (0) 610341080 | Email: m.dodsworth@theGCTF.org
GCTF Administrative Unit
Email: outreach@theGCTF.org