UNOCT and GCC EMC Conclude Expert Meeting on Oil and Gas Infrastructure Protection and Crisis Management against Terrorist Threats
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Emergency Management Centre of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC EMC) convened an Expert Meeting on “Oil and Gas Infrastructure Protection and Crisis Management against Terrorist Threats” in Kuwait City on 1-3 July 2025.
The high-level opening featured remarks by Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of UNOCT; H.E. Mr. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General ; Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al Matrouk, General Department of Civil Defence, Ministry of Interior, State of Kuwait; Brig. Gen. Dr. Rashed M. Al-Marri, Chairman of the GCC Emergency Management Centre; Ms. Ghada Hatim Eltahir Mudawi, United Nations Resident Coordinator to the State of Kuwait; Mr. Musaed Al-Rasheed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Kuwait Oil Company, and H.E. Mr. Vladimir Zheltov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the State of Kuwait.
Hosted by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and organized with the financial support of the Russian Federation, the Expert Meeting gathered over 60 participants from six GCC member states Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Experts from the Russian Federation, including the Russian Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters and the Gubkin Oil and Gas University, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and UNOCT also contributed to the discussions.
This initiative marked a significant milestone in regional and international cooperation to protect vital energy infrastructure from terrorist threats. By bringing together government officials, energy sector stakeholders, regional organizations and international entities, the meeting reinforced the shared responsibility of safeguarding energy infrastructure, which is essential for global peace and security.
Over three days, the event provided a platform to discuss emerging terrorist threats, challenges, and vulnerabilities facing the oil and gas sector. Participants engaged in technical discussions on protective security measures, sharing good practices and recommendations to mitigate risks for various types of oil and gas facilities. Special emphasis was placed on civil protection and efficient emergency response.
Through a table-top exercise held at the KOC Crisis Management Centre, delegations examined crisis management capabilities and communication protocols in the event of a security incident involving an oil facility and hazardous materials. In closing, GCC delegations exchanged technical recommendations to enhance operational continuity and emergency preparedness.
“As we look ahead, our priority must remain clear. We must strengthen our collective defenses against terrorist threats targeting the oil and gas sector.”
“The security of our region’s energy-related assets is central to the global market’s wellbeing. The GCC Regional Security Vision stated objectives affirm the need towards “Building strategic relationships and regional and international partnerships to deal with sources of threat and tension in the region and world-wide, including through GCC states’ role in: 1. ensuring security of energy supplies and stability of oil markets, 2. enhancing maritime security and freedom of navigation."
“Our shared mission extends beyond physical protection; it encompasses the preservation of global economic stability, the safeguarding of human security, and the protection of our natural environment.”
“Kuwait Oil Company reaffirmed its commitment to sharing its expertise in emergency and crisis management in cooperation with regional and international partners.”
“The Russian Federation will continue to support the UNOCT’s project on securing the energy infrastructure. The second phase of the initiative will begin in the coming months. So, we invite all interested parties to consider joining this project.”
UNOCT organized this event under the United Nations Global Programme on Countering Terrorist Threats against Vulnerable Targets and a dedicated project on protecting energy infrastructure from terrorist attacks. The meeting built upon the cooperation established between UNOCT and the GCC Emergency Management Centre during the High-Level Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security,” co-hosted by UNOCT, Kuwait, and Tajikistan in Kuwait City on 5-6 November 2025.
The UNOCT Technical Guide on Protecting Critical Energy Infrastructure against Terrorist Attacks, developed through a series of international events, served as the foundation for the discussions, incorporating best practices, tools, and case studies highlighted in the publication.
