Saudi Arabia has urged enhanced global collaboration to prevent terrorist groups from harnessing artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies for their nefarious purposes. During a United Nations General Assembly session focused on strategic capacity building, Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, called for a united front among nations. He underscored the importance of countries sharing expertise, fortifying national capabilities, and investing in comprehensive, long-term initiatives to counter evolving security threats.
Alwasil expressed concern over how rapid technological advancements have opened new avenues for extremist factions to recruit members, disseminate propaganda, finance their operations, and orchestrate attacks. He pinpointed Yemen as a critical region needing attention, highlighting the attempts by terrorist organizations, including the Houthi militia and Al-Qaeda, to exploit technologies like drones and sophisticated systems. Alwasil stressed the necessity for governments to bolster their readiness to keep up with the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by terrorist networks.
The Saudi envoy emphasized that effective counterterrorism strategies should extend beyond mere military and security measures. He advocated for robust institutions, modern legal frameworks, international cooperation, and sustained investment in both human and technical expertise as integral components in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Furthermore, Alwasil noted that capacity-building efforts must be tailored to the unique needs and priorities of each nation and should be conducted in close coordination with their respective governments to ensure enduring results.
Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s contributions to global counterterrorism initiatives, Alwasil mentioned the Kingdom’s pivotal role in founding the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre in 2011, providing $110 million to aid member states in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Saudi Arabia also actively participates in endeavors such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. Additionally, the Kingdom established the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, known as Etidal, which leverages advanced technology to track extremist content, counter online propaganda, and enhance public awareness.
Alwasil also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government. He noted the Kingdom’s efforts to bolster Yemen’s security institutions in collaboration with local authorities, which have enhanced the nation’s ability to identify and disrupt the financial and logistical networks that sustain terrorist organizations. These initiatives, according to Alwasil, have played a significant role in improving security and stability by limiting opportunities for terrorist groups to exploit instability and expand their operations.