The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) announced the launch of a global research network aimed at strengthening its capacity to identify new trends and developments related to terrorism and monitor Member States’ counter-terrorism efforts.
Committee Chair H.E. Ms. Raimonda Murmokaité announced the launch on Thursday at a meeting held at United Nations headquarters(Following a decision by the Counter-Terrorism Committee during their meeting on 19 March 2015, the report from the launch is now available here).
“Today’s event offers a unique opportunity for the CTC and CTED to share experiences with representatives of leading counter-terrorism think tanks and research institutes on major issues of international concern”, she said.
The Committee’s Executive Directorate (CTED) has developed its strategy to broaden its engagement with external partners, in particular those from the academic world.
The meeting participants included CTED Executive Director Jean-Paul Laborde; representatives of research institutes and think tanks from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East; and several other UN entities.
Interactive dialogue among the participants
Security Council resolution 2129 (2013) mandates CTED to work not only with international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, but also with civil society organisations, academia, and other private entities.
The new partnership is expected to enable CTED to leverage the expertise of research institutes and think tanks around the world and exchange information and analysis on current counter-terrorism trends and challenges.
The launch event focused on research into the main gaps and best practices in Member States’ response to the foreign terrorist fighter (FTF) phenomenon.
In paragraph 25 of its resolution 2178 (2014), the Security Council “underlines that the increasing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters is part of the emerging issues, trends and developments related to
[Security Council ] resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005).”
The participants engaged in interactive dialogue on issues such as radicalization, recruitment and returnees, as well as on future cooperation between the CTC/CTED and research institutes.CTC members were also briefed about the institutes’ findings and about the benefits of closer networking and cooperation with academic partners.