Counterterrorism: EU renews commitment to fight terrorism at UNGA

The European Union (EU) will assume the co-Chair of the GCTF for the next two years, together with Morocco as its co-Chair until March 2023 and, subsequently, with Egypt.

By taking on a leading role in the GCTF, the EU will seek to promote human rights, respect for the rule of law and gender equality, which will be central to the EU’s co-lead of the forum.

HR/VP Borrell reaffirmed EU’s commitment to strengthen the GCTF’s impact around the globe, building upon the depth of experience and knowledge of the three GCTF-“inspired” institutions – the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), and the Hedayah Center.

Underlining EU’s partnership with these institutions, HR/VP Borrell announced a renewed financial support of €5 million to Hedayah and €3 million to the IIJ. He also pledged an additional €18 million contribution to the GCERF, thus making the EU its main contributor with a total of €30.5 million.

These funds will support concrete action in the field of countering terrorism and will contribute to make at-risk communities across the world more resilient to extremist influences.

Background

The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) was established in 2011 to serve as an informal, multilateral platform. It enables policymakers and practitioners to share experience and expertise, and develop tools and strategies for preventing violent extremism and terrorist threats. The GCTF has 30 members from around the world and strives to be action-oriented and nimble in its approach.

Based in Geneva, the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) is one of three so-called GCTF-Inspired Institutions next to the Hedayah Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ)

As a member of the board of governance in all of these institutions and as a donor, the EU will continue to support these organisations to contribute to further success of the GCTF.