Global Counter-Terrorism Forum: Morocco Co-Chairs the 12th Ministerial Meeting in New York – African Business

With his Canadian counterpart, Ms. Melanie Joly, the 12th Ministerial Meeting at the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum was co-chaired by Mr. Nasser Bourita (Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates). It took place in New York on September 21st 2022.

In his opening remarks at this meeting held on the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly, Mr. Bourita said that the international security’s changing landscape should not lead to neglect the shared responsibility to fight terrorism.

The Minister has, in this sense, highlighted the importance of “true multilateralism”, expressing Morocco’s conviction that such spirit and commitment is essential for the next decade, especially in a context where the threat posed by terrorist groups remains a priority.

He also indicated that the GCTF meeting was an opportunity to reflect upon the achievements and effectiveness the Forum during its first ten years. He recalled that efforts have been focused in particular on reducing vulnerability to terrorist attacks through prevention, effective fighting recruitment, and incitement.

Presenting the progress made by the Forum under the Moroccan-Canadian co-chairmanship, Mr. Bourita stressed the efforts made during the first decade to “maintain the apolitical and consensual nature of the Forum.”

This forum is now geared towards pragmatism as well as action to improve international efforts against terrorism and violent extremeism.

He noted that the Forum’s action draws from the relevant existing international legal framework, in particular the UN Charter, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

“We have adopted an innovative recipe combining political leadership with practitioner expertise in a state-centered process while expanding our engagement with various partners in the UN system and GCTF-inspired institutions and non-governmental organizations,” continued Mr. Bourita.

This approach has allowed the GCTF to reach consensus on emerging issues and paved the way for other international organisations to develop the standards necessary to structure the actions of international communities to address critical challenges.

The Forum has done a “remarkable” work through a proactive approach to foreign terrorist fighters, border security management, new information technologies and communication, the fight against terrorist financing while preserving the civic space, he further noted. These achievements, which are based on commitment, useful contribution and pioneering leadership, are the result of preserving the core values of the GCTF as enshrined in the Forum’s framework documents, Mr. Bourita affirmed.

“The GCTF has undoubtedly become a central player in the international architecture for preventing and combating terrorism and violent extremism,” said Mr. Bourita, welcoming the “constructive” and “strong” partnership between UN stakeholders and the Forum.

He also acknowledged that on the eve of a new mandate cycle both at the Forum and its working groups, the fight “is unfortunately not yet over” as terrorists “continue to adapt their tactics, seeking safe havens, harboring territorial ambitions, and seeking new recruits among vulnerable individuals and communities.”

“In this context, we must maintain GCTF’s identity and core values because this Forum is more relevant and necessary than ever,” he insisted, stressing that during its various co-chairmanships, Morocco has been committed to placing GCTF’s effectiveness, and contribution to a safer world above any narrow interests.

He concluded that during the co-chairmanship with Canada, the focus was on the future despite the COVID-19-posed difficulties and “we have managed, with the work of all members, to chart a significant course for the GCTF for the next 10 years with the adoption of the Vision Strategy for the next decade.”

The GCTF was launched in 2011 and co-chaired since 2016 by Morocco. It is made up of 30 members (29 nations + the European Union), and works closely with many regional, international and sub-regional organisations, including the UN.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.