Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has called for reviving long-stalled talks on a comprehensive convention against international terrorism, warning that gaps in current treaties threaten global security as extremist groups increasingly exploit new technologies to spread their influence.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee on Wednesday, Abdulla Al Ajeeli, member of the UAE Permanent Mission to the UN, said that terrorism “undermines peace, security and sustainable development” and cannot be tackled by security measures alone.
Pointing out extremists’ growing use of cyberspace, advanced technologies and AI to recruit and spread propaganda, Al Ajeeli also warned that existing treaties and resolutions are not enough to address evolving threats and legal gaps. Instead, he urged governments to focus on the conditions that allow extremism to take root.
“These conditions must be tackled through comprehensive strategies that promote and ensure inclusive development, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, women’s and youth empowerment, and meaningful participation of all sectors of society,” he said.
Al Ajeeli expressed the UAE’s readiness to work with member states “to reinvigorate negotiations and resolve outstanding issues” on a global treaty that would strengthen the international legal framework, address existing gaps and lead to a comprehensive convention against international terrorism.
“Building peaceful and resilient societies requires a comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he added.
The UAE also backed deeper international cooperation and stronger legal frameworks to counter terrorism and its financing in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
Al Ajeeli pointed to the country’s National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing 2024-2027, which he said tightens regulation, improves coordination among agencies and sharpens detection of financial crime.
“These reforms not only enhance the UAE’s domestic capacity but also reinforce global financial integrity, support international counter-terrorism efforts, and foster trust and secure capital flows across borders,” he added.
Al Ajeeli called for closer cooperation among states, UN bodies and the private sector on cybersecurity and the responsible use of digital platforms, including sharing expertise, capacity building and stronger laws, without stifling innovation.
He said that the UAE remains committed to supporting the UN’s counter-terrorism architecture, including the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre, advancing the “Tolerance, Peace and Security” agenda, and working with member states to “build a safer, more peaceful world for all”.
