UN Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov addressed the ongoing challenges of intelligence gathering and analysis.
He emphasized the continued threat posed by groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, particularly in regions like the Sahel and eastern Congo.
Voronkov stressed the global responsibility to support African nations battling terrorism and violent extremism. He echoed UN Secretary-General Guterres’ call for renewed solidarity with Africa’s pursuit of peace and prosperity.
The conference served as a platform for African intelligence agencies to share strategies and address threats like those posed by emerging technologies. Voronkov highlighted the importance of African-led solutions, as reaffirmed at a recent high-level meeting in Nigeria. Participants committed to stronger inter-state cooperation and exploring solutions to online radicalization.
While acknowledging the ethical considerations, Voronkov pointed to the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in fighting terrorism. He emphasized collaboration between governments, private sectors, and academia to effectively utilize AI tools.
Voronkov emphasized the importance of human rights considerations throughout the development and use of AI. He called for collaboration to develop regulations promoting the ethical use of these technologies.
The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism will continue assisting countries upon request, focusing on data analysis and new technologies. Voronkov reaffirmed their commitment to supporting agencies in these critical areas of the global fight against terrorism.
MN/fss/abj/APA