United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called for renewed global action to prevent terrorism by tackling its root causes, warning that rising global instability is creating conditions in which extremist groups can thrive.
Speaking at the Fourth High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said the world was facing a convergence of armed conflict, climate pressures, economic hardship and displacement that was increasing vulnerabilities.
"We meet at a moment of acute instability," Guterres told delegates.
"These conditions, of want, fragility and mistrust, are ideal circumstances for terror to thrive."
Guterres said affiliates of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State remain active across Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, while xenophobic, racist and other extremist ideologies continue to pose domestic threats in many countries.
He warned that terrorist groups are increasingly using artificial intelligence, digital platforms, criminal financial networks and drones to recruit followers, raise funds and carry out attacks.
At the same time, he said emerging technologies could strengthen counter-terrorism efforts by improving early threat detection and disrupting illicit financial flows.
Marking the 20th anniversary of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Guterres said prevention must remain the top priority, urging governments to address poverty, discrimination, exclusion and human rights abuses.
"These wrongs do not justify terrorism. Nothing can," he said.
"But they can create vulnerabilities that terrorist groups are quick to exploit."
He also stressed that no country could tackle terrorism alone and called for deeper international cooperation, alongside greater involvement from civil society, youth groups, victims and the private sector.
Guterres warned that heavy-handed counter-terrorism measures could backfire by deepening divisions and fuelling further radicalisation.
"Our response must be rooted in the very principles terror seeks to destroy: justice, human dignity and solidarity," he said.
Police in Monaco and France were searching on Tuesday (30 June) for a suspected bomber after a parcel explosion wounded three people in the wealthy Me...
The United States is expected on Wednesday to formally signal that it will not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), triggering a lengthy r...
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called for renewed global action to prevent terrorism by tackling its root causes, warnin...
For decades, Japan was one of Asia's most popular destinations for Chinese tourists. From 1 July, however, a steep rise in visa fees is adding fresh p...
The United Nations has warned that an ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could cost the continent up to $3.6 billion and put as many as 328,000 ...
Police in Monaco and France were searching on Tuesday (30 June) for a suspected bomber after a parcel explosion wounded three people in the wealthy Mediterranean principality. Authorities are treating the incident as attempted murder.
The United States is expected on Wednesday to formally signal that it will not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), triggering a lengthy review process that could ultimately reshape the North American free trade framework.
For decades, Japan was one of Asia's most popular destinations for Chinese tourists. From 1 July, however, a steep rise in visa fees is adding fresh pressure to a travel market already weakened by political tensions and falling visitor numbers.
The United Nations has warned that an ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could cost the continent up to $3.6 billion and put as many as 328,000 jobs at risk if it is not brought under control.
Fourteen people were killed on Sunday after a helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, according to Saudi state media.
Rescue teams raced on Sunday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news agency TASS.
The United States and Iran have agreed to halt strikes against each other, in a potential breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions. The two sides are expected to meet in Doha on Tuesday to address their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' and resume technical talks, allowing vessels allowed to move freely under the interim peace deal, a U.S. official said.
Pakistan has responded to a deadly Karachi Rangers compound attack with cross-border strikes and diplomatic protests against Afghanistan, signalling a tougher counterterrorism stance towards militants it says are based there.
Police in Monaco and France were searching on Tuesday (30 June) for a suspected bomber after a parcel explosion wounded three people in the wealthy Mediterranean principality. Authorities are treating the incident as attempted murder.
The United States is expected on Wednesday to formally signal that it will not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), triggering a lengthy review process that could ultimately reshape the North American free trade framework.
For decades, Japan was one of Asia's most popular destinations for Chinese tourists. From 1 July, however, a steep rise in visa fees is adding fresh pressure to a travel market already weakened by political tensions and falling visitor numbers.
The United Nations has warned that an ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could cost the continent up to $3.6 billion and put as many as 328,000 jobs at risk if it is not brought under control.
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