EU and UNCCT convene Global Network of Counter-Terrorism Centres in Brussels

The UNCCT and the European Union co-hosted the Second International Conference entitled “Engaging Partners for Capacity-Building: United Nations’ Collaboration with Counter-Terrorism Centres,” in Brussels on 21 and 22 October 2014.

Thirty-one (31) international, regional and national counter-terrorism institutions, including CTITF entities, met to exchange information on their respective work and share ideas on enhancing their collaboration and working methods. They also reflected on how to better contribute together to the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Recent changes in the terrorist landscape and the rise of violent extremism featured prominently in the discussions.

Participants noted that counter-terrorism measures would only be effective if they are comprehensive and combine both law enforcement and measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. They agreed on the need to intensify their cooperation on the Foreign Terrorist Fighters phenomenon, countering violent extremism, capacity-building and resources mobilization. In particular, they stressed the importance of mobilizing their Centres’ comparative advantages rooted in their international, regional and national expertise.

In this regard, participants welcomed the creation of the UNCCT Network Against Terrorism (NAT) web portal, which was presented by UNCCT at the Conference. NAT is designed to facilitate the sharing of information, expertise and best practices between the different counterterrorism centres.

The counter-terrorism centres recognized the important role being played by the UNCCT in facilitating information exchange, cooperation and collaboration between national, regional and international counter-terrorism Centres and other relevant institutions. They called on the UNCCT to continue to strengthen this network through enhancing its collaborative efforts.