UAE’s Efforts in Combating Extremism and Terrorism: UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

UAE Warns of Growing Terrorist Threats and Calls for International Efforts to Combat Extremism

New York (Union) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its commitment to involving all actors, including civil society, women, youth, and religious leaders, in its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. The UAE emphasized the importance of vigilance against the growing terrorist threats and called for concerted international efforts to root out extremism and build a better future.

In a statement delivered before the General Assembly on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the UAE highlighted the global and complex nature of terrorism that transcends borders, cultures, and religions. The UAE stressed the need for a multilateral and multidimensional approach capable of responding to the advanced methods employed by terrorist groups.

The UAE emphasized the significance of the biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy as an opportunity to assess progress and update it in line with existing and emerging terrorist threats. The statement, delivered by Salem Al Zaabi, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the challenges posed by terrorists’ exploitation of new technologies, including information technology, social media, and electronic gaming platforms, to spread destructive ideas.

The UAE expressed concern over the dangerous spread of extremism, hate speech, and misinformation, which disintegrate societies, undermine social fabric, and increase the targeting of religious and ethnic minorities. Al Zaabi highlighted the potential threat advanced technology poses to international peace and security if it falls into the hands of terrorist groups. The UAE called for the global counter-terrorism strategy to reflect this new reality and enable an effective response from the international community.

The UAE stressed the importance of addressing intolerance and extremism at the international level through strengthened prevention approaches. By focusing on the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and dialogue, the UAE believes peaceful and prosperous societies can be built that celebrate cultural, ethnic, and religious differences.

The UAE has made combating extremism and terrorism a top priority, both locally and internationally. The country was pleased to note the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2686 on “tolerance, peace, and international security” by the Security Council. The resolution, submitted by the UAE and the United Kingdom, recognizes that hate speech, racism, and extremism contribute to the multiplication of threats and the emergence of conflicts. It urges states and international organizations to reject hate speech and extremism and calls for a comprehensive response that includes monitoring, reporting, and addressing these issues while ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights.

The UAE’s commitment to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence is an integral part of its nation-building process and future vision. The UAE has established institutions and launched initiatives to immunize societies from the scourges of extremism and terrorism. The country supports the Hedayah Center, which plays a crucial role in developing innovative solutions and strategies to combat extremism worldwide.

As the UAE warns of the growing terrorist threats, it calls for international cooperation and concerted efforts to combat extremism, eradicate terrorism, and create a stable and prosperous future for all.

How can international cooperation and collaboration be enhanced to effectively combat terrorist groups’ utilization of encrypted messaging apps and cryptocurrency for funding their activities?

Security, noting that terrorist groups are adept at utilizing encrypted messaging apps and cryptocurrency to fund their activities.

In light of these challenges, the UAE called for enhanced international cooperation, collaboration, and capacity-building to effectively combat terrorism. The UAE emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention, prosecution, and rehabilitation, and encompasses all elements of society.

The UAE also reiterated its commitment to countering the financing of terrorism and emphasized the importance of disrupting the funding networks that sustain terrorist activities. The country highlighted its efforts in implementing robust legal frameworks and international standards in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Furthermore, the UAE underlined the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, unemployment, and marginalization. The country emphasized the need to empower youth, women, and communities to counter extremist ideologies through education, employment opportunities, and social inclusion.

The UAE’s call for international efforts to combat extremism and terrorism comes at a critical time, as the world continues to face the devastating consequences of terrorist attacks. By involving all segments of society and promoting global cooperation, the UAE aims to eradicate the threat of terrorism and build a safer and more prosperous future for all.