UAE calls for stronger strategy to counter cross-border terrorism

new york — The UAE has called for stronger multilateral partnerships to counter terrorism around the world.

In a statement delivered before the UN High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States, Salem Al Zaabi, head of the UAE delegation to the conference and the UAE National Counter-Terrorism Committee, noted the serious challenges posed by crossborder terrorism today.

He said that countering terrorism in all its forms required the development of integrated and comprehensive strategies with prevention at its core. Al Zaabi stressed the importance of eliminating radicalism by challenging extremist narratives, particularly at a time when terrorist groups have been developing methods to spread their ideologies by exploiting Internet and social media platforms for recruitment and attracting young individuals.

Role of youth

Regarding the role of youth in preventing extremism, Al Zaabi said that youth are integral to developing practical and innovative solutions to challenges they encounter today. He added that the UAE is working to ensure that youth are immune from terrorist narratives, while also placing them at the forefront of national efforts to prevent extremism.

He added that the Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, is implementing policies that respond to the needs of youth.

Al Zaabi noted that the International Conference for the Criminalisation of Cyber Terrorism, which was held in May 2017 in Abu Dhabi, oncluded with the Abu Dhabi Declaration for Criminalising Cyber-Terrorism, aimed to create a coordinated international action to address cyber-terrorist threats. Al Zaabi reiterated the UAE’s aspiration to create peaceful societies and building better futures for youth around the world. —