At World Summit experts assess terrorism's global impact

Participants in the 11th World Summit on Counter-Terrorism, held in Israel from 11 to 14 September 2011, examined a number of issues at the top of the counter-terrorism agenda. Government policymakers, academicians, researchers, and experts from international and regional organizations discussed the current state of affairs and developments in the past decade, including successes and flaws in international cooperation since 9/11.

A panelist at the World Summit organized by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), CTED Deputy Executive Director Weixiong Chen said that “significant progress has been made in the global fight against terrorism, yet the international community will still face immense challenges in the years ahead.”

Extradition, border control, mutual legal assistance and terrorism financing are some of the areas where more international cooperation is required. Human rights aspects of counter-terrorism efforts should also be adequately addressed. Moreover, law enforcement agents in some countries are in dire need of professional training and equipment. “Such challenges point to the impact of the current financial crisis affecting the policy orientation and practical operations of Member States,” said Mr. Chen.

Partnering with Governments, regional and international organizations, universities, research institutions and other social actors have contributed to counter-terrorism around the world. This point was reiterated by Mr. Chen in his meeting with Boaz Ganor, Executive Director of the ICT. Both senior officials expressed their readiness to continue to cooperate in improving knowledge and understanding of counter-terrorism issues.

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