CTED representative at the Forum
CTED delivered a keynote address at the 2nd World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China.
The Conference, opened by the Chinese President on 16 December 2015, attracted representatives from 120 countries and 20 international and regional organizations.
Mr. Weixiong Chen, CTED Deputy Executive Director, informed participants about UN efforts to prevent and counter abuse of the Internet and social media by terrorists.
He highlighted the challenges faced by the international community, in particular the targeting of youth to spread violent extremism.
“This is a battle without gunpowder and smoke, but it is the most daunting challenge we currently face”, he said.
The UN serves as a vital platform for the exchange of views and sharing of good practices in this area.
Mr. Chen stressed the need for Governments and other stakeholders to continue to work together to find practical ways to prevent and counter the dissemination of violent extremist narratives via information and communications technology.
The Conference, based permanently in Wuzhen, is designed to enable participants from around the world to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapidly expanding and diversifying world of digital communications.