Global counter-terrorism experts, diplomats, and policymakers gathered at the United Nations Headquarters to address the growing threat of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and virtual assets that are being exploited by militant organizations, and appealed for urgent international cooperation for the implementation of effective protective measures.
According to a statement issued today by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, this high-level event, themed “New and Emerging Trends in Terrorism”,
in cooperation with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, is an important forum for the exchange of views among various participants, including UN policy experts, civil society representatives, private sector stakeholders, and academics.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed,
co-chaired by Acting Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Alexander Zuev, the discussions highlighted the changing nature of global security challenges. Chief, Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch, Mr. Raffi Shah moderated the proceedings.
In his inaugural address, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed highlighted the rapidly evolving threat landscape, including xenophobia, racism, other forms of intolerance, and extremism rooted in religion or belief. He also highlighted existing gaps in the global counter-terrorism framework and sanctions regimes, challenges posed by cross-border threats, and critical issues of accountability for social media platforms and technology companies. The Ambassador also acknowledged the increasing use of sophisticated tools by militant groups in various regional contexts and reiterated Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Acting Under-Secretary-General Zuev noted that terrorism is becoming increasingly multifaceted and complex. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to counter new and emerging threats, specifically mentioning artificial intelligence, which is creating new threats through clandestine services and digital assets. Mr. Zuev affirmed the importance of such discussions in illuminating emerging trends in terrorism, digitalization, and the misuse of these technologies.
Panel discussions highlighted threats arising from modern information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as the misuse of social media platforms, the spread of terrorist propaganda and misinformation, the application of artificial intelligence tools, virtual assets, and the use of digital wallets like cryptocurrency. Participants stressed that national governments are facing considerable obstacles in addressing these issues, such as the borderless nature of cyberspace, complex legal intricacies, and the limited capacity of traditional law enforcement systems. This calls for robust protective measures and increased global cooperation.
Speakers universally emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism and instability, along with timely preventive actions.
Discussions also considered global terrorism hotspots, including threats against communities in occupied territories and threats from militant groups based in Afghanistan such as TTP, BLA, Majeed Brigade, ETIM, and ISIL-K. Groups active in West Africa and the Sahel, such as JNIM, also came under consideration. The increasing use of sophisticated methods for terrorist propaganda and financing through online networks was also a key point.
The event reflects Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue on multilateral platforms and advancing practical measures for shaping comprehensive national, regional, and global strategies to address growing and evolving terrorism threats. As an elected member of the UN Security Council for 2025-26, counter-terrorism remains a top national priority for Pakistan.