Global Counterterrorism Forum: Egypt co-chairs with a pioneering role and international solidarity

Aya Ezz

Terrorism is one of the most serious challenges facing the world today, and confronting it requires joint and integrated international efforts. In this context, Egypt’s co-chairmanship of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), which it assumed on May 4, in cooperation with the European Union, stands out as an important step on the road to eradicating this black scourge and promoting peace, security and development in the world.

Egypt co-chairs GCTF

In this report, the Reference reviews the objectives, priorities and mechanism of the GCTF’s work, Egypt’s role in co-chairing this forum, and the challenges and opportunities of this chairmanship.

In 2023, Egypt assumed the co-chairmanship of the forum, in cooperation with the European Union, for a period of two years. This reflects Egypt’s prominent role in the field of combating terrorism at the regional and international levels, and its tireless efforts in this regard.

In light of the changing patterns, methods and objectives of terrorist threats, especially in light of the spread of the corona pandemic and its impact on the security, economic and social conditions in many regions, the importance of solidarity and partnership between the countries of the global North and South in the field of combating terrorism is increasing, and in this field Egypt’s chairmanship of the GCTF stands out.

GTCF’s goals and priorities

The GCTF was established in 2011 by 30 countries, including Egypt, with the aim of strengthening international efforts in the long-term strategic approach to combating terrorism and violent extremism through frank and open discussions between senior officials and experts in the field.

The forum includes five working groups dealing with various topics, including countering violent extremism, criminal justice and the rule of law, foreign terrorist fighters, capacity building in the West African region, and capacity building in the East African region.

Egypt’s co-chairmanship of the GCTF reflects its prominent role in combating terrorism at the regional and international levels, as it has actively participated in all GCTF activities of since the forum’s establishment.

Egypt’s co-chairmanship also stresses the importance of solidarity and partnership between the countries of the global North and South in this field. The joint chairmanship of Egypt and the European Union has drawn up a document that defines their priorities during their chairmanship, including:

– Focusing on the role of civil society in combating extremism.

– Working to enhance the role of women and youth in combating extremism and terrorism.

– Supporting regional and international initiatives to combat terrorism in Africa, especially in the Sahel and Sahara region.

– Cooperating with the United Nations and relevant international and regional organizations in the field of combating terrorism.

– Exchanging experiences, information, training and best practices in the field of combating terrorism.

– Enhancing the role of civil society, the private sector and the media in combating extremism and terrorism.

Challenges and opportunities for Egypt’s chairmanship of the forum

Egypt’s chairmanship of the GCTF faces great challenges in light of the changing patterns, methods and objectives of terrorist threats, especially in light of the spread of the corona pandemic and its impact on the security, economic and social conditions in many regions.

Egypt’s chairmanship also faces challenges in providing the funding and support necessary to implement projects and programs aimed at building capacities and enhancing cooperation in the field of combating terrorism.

However, Egypt’s chairmanship also opens up great opportunities to highlight Egypt’s leadership role in the field of combating terrorism, exchange its expertise and experiences with its partners from northern and southern countries, and present a comprehensive strategic vision to confront the phenomenon of terrorism in its various dimensions.

It also opens up opportunities to strengthen solidarity and partnership between African countries, which are witnessing an increase in the activity of terrorist groups, and European countries, which face the threat of the return of terrorist fighters from conflict areas.

How the forum works

The GCTF works to achieve its objectives by holding periodic meetings at the level of senior officials and experts; organizing workshops, seminars and conferences; launching initiatives, programs and projects; and providing recommendations and guidance to member states and partners.

The forum also works to enhance coordination and cooperation with the United Nations and relevant international and regional organizations in the field of combating terrorism.

The GCTF currently includes 30 member states: Australia, Algeria, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

A group of non-governmental, academic and religious organizations are also participating in the forum.