India to host UNSC counterterrorism meeting to focus on threat from abuse of modern technologies

On October 28 and 29, the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee will hold a meeting with the general theme of “Confronting the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes” in Mumbai and Delhi.

Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, stated during a joint media briefing held here that misuse of emerging technologies was a matter of growing concern and that terrorism remained one of the most serious threats to global peace and security. Although member states have achieved noticeable progress over the previous 20 years in combating terrorism and violent extremism supportive of terrorism, she claimed that the threat still exists and “despite our best efforts has evolved.”

“Terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. With the growing prevalence of technology and the rapid rise in digitisation, addressing the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes has become an issue of increasing concern,” she said.

“Mindful of addressing this issue whilst also recognising the potential of technologies to increase the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts, the Committee has come together in India to hold its special meeting countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.”

She said the main focus will be on the growing danger of three important technologies—the internet, including social media; new payment and fundraising tools; and unmanned aerial systems, including drones—being used for terrorist purposes.

The meeting would start with a homage to terrorism victims, according to Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs.

“UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee will be hosted in Mumbai and Delhi on October 28 and 29 respectively. The overarching theme would be “Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. It will begin with a tribute to victims of terrorism,” he said.

David Scharia, UN branch chief  Executive Directorate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, spoke at the press conference as well.

The Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council is currently chaired by India.