New York:  The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, jointly chaired with his Canadian counterpart, Mélanie Joly, the 12th session of the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism, held today Wednesday in New York.

  In his opening speech, Bourita emphasized that developments in the field of international security should not lead to overlooking the shared responsibility in combating terrorism.

  In this regard, he highlighted the importance of "genuine multilateralism," expressing Morocco's conviction that such spirit and commitment are necessary in the coming decade, especially in a context where the threat posed by terrorist groups remains a priority. 

  He also confirmed that the meeting is an occasion to launch reflections on the achievements and effectiveness of the forum during its first decade, recalling that efforts have focused particularly on reducing the vulnerability of individuals to terrorism, through prevention and effective combatting of recruitment and incitement to terrorism. 

  Regarding the progress achieved by the forum under the Moroccan-Canadian presidency, Mr. Bourita highlighted the efforts made (during the first decade) to maintain the "non-political and consensual nature of the forum," which has adopted a practical approach to enhancing international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

  He said that the forum’s work draws from the existing international legal framework, particularly the United Nations Charter, the wise recommendations of the UN Security Council, and the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

  The minister added, during the meeting held on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, that an innovative formula was adopted combining "political leadership and the expertise of practitioners within a State-centered process with efforts to broaden commitments with various partners of the UN system as well as institutions and NGOs inspired by the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism."

  He considered that the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism, strengthened by this approach, succeeded in establishing consensus on emerging topics, paving the way for other international organizations to develop the necessary standards to structure the work of the international community in facing urgent challenges.

  He added that the forum has accomplished "remarkable" work thanks to a proactive approach concerning foreign terrorist fighters, border security management, modern information and communication technologies, and combating terrorism financing while preserving the civil space.

  According to the minister, these achievements, based on effective commitment, contribution, and leadership, result from preserving the core values of the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism as stipulated in the forum’s governing documents.

  He mentioned that the forum has undoubtedly become a key player in the "international architecture for the prevention and combating of terrorism and violent extremism," praising the "constructive and solid" partnership between the participating parties at the United Nations and the forum.

  On another note, and on the eve of the new mandate period both at the forum level and its working groups, Mr. Bourita acknowledged that the battle is unfortunately not yet over. 

  He explained that terrorists continue to adapt their plans for redeployment, seeking safe havens that feed their territorial ambitions, and recruiting new fighters among vulnerable individuals and communities.

  In this context, Mr. Bourita stressed that "we must preserve the identity and core values of the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism, as this forum is more legitimate and necessary than ever," highlighting that Morocco, during its various co-presidencies, has committed to making the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism effective and contributory for a safer and more secure world, above all narrow interests.

  He concluded that during the joint presidency with Canada, focus was on the future despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and "thanks to the work of all members, we succeeded in drawing an important roadmap for the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism for the next ten years, by adopting a strategic vision."

  The Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism is a platform launched in 2011, with Morocco sharing its presidency since 2016. The forum consists of 30 members (29 countries + the European Union) and cooperates closely with many international and regional organizations, including the United Nations.  Its structure is composed of five working groups concerned with combating violent extremism, foreign terrorist fighters, criminal justice and the rule of law, capacity building in West and East Africa. Its activities regularly bring together decision-makers and experts in the fields of counter-terrorism.