On 20 July 2016, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), Jean-Paul Laborde, met with Laura Chinchilla Miranda, Former President of Costa Rica and currently representative of Club de Madrid. The purpose of the Club de Madrid is to assist countries with critical elements of their democratic transition or consolidation, and counts among its members over 90 distinguished former Heads of State or Government of democratic nations.
Mr. Laborde noted that there is growing support within the UN system for efforts to counter and prevent violent extremism (CVE/PVE), efforts which recognize that long-term solutions for terrorism and violent extremism must involve a broader cross-section of society that also address development issues, inclusion, and ensure respect for the rule of law, including human rights. Mr. Laborde stressed CTED’s readiness and willingness to continue to engage with the CVE agenda of the Club de Madrid.
Former President Chinchilla highlighted the Club de Madrid’s initiative on Preventing and countering violent extremism, which aims to inform and empower stakeholders in the struggle against radicalization and violent extremism. Ms. Chinchilla further conveyed the organisation’s interest in cooperating with CTED on its counter-narrative work.