Qatar reiterates support for UN global program on countering terrorist threats against vulnerable targets

Qatar has paid special attention to the issue of protecting targets at risk as part of its efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, and has developed its expertise and capabilities in this field, including protecting non-fortified sites such as major sporting events, especially in preparation for hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The State of Qatar reiterated its support for the United Nations global program on countering terrorist threats against vulnerable targets, and for the opening of program offices of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office (UNOCT), including the offices in Doha, Madrid and Rabat. This came in the statement of the State of Qatar made by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Spain Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Hamar on the occasion of the official launch of the project on protecting vulnerable targets by using behavioural insights to strengthen law enforcement capabilities in Madrid. His Excellency noted that field presence of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office contributes to the implementation of programs in a more effective and efficient manner and to being closer to the beneficiaries and national and regional actors. He said that the project on protecting vulnerable targets by using behavioural insights was launched in light of the threats facing the world that exploit the weakness of vulnerable targets, including vital infrastructure and vulnerable targets such as urban centers, tourist places and religious sites. This calls for international cooperation, partnerships, exchange of knowledge and experiences and harnessing all available tools to address these threats, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain underlined. His Excellency affirmed Qatar's support for the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the UN Counter-Terrorism Office to address the multiple facets of the challenge posed by terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, keep pace with new and emerging challenges, and exploit modern knowledge and technologies. In this context, HE the Ambassador referred to the financial contributions provided by the State of Qatar to the Counter-Terrorism Office to implement its programs, most notably the United Nations global program to counter terrorist threats against vulnerable targets which supports member states' efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, protect vulnerable targets, and help to recover from terrorist attacks, in implementation of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. HE the Ambassador highlighted Qatar's participation in the launch of the program last year and in the expert meetings, and its follow-up with interest of the many achievements the program has achieved, including providing assistance in building capacity for member states, establishing the United Nations Global Network of Experts on the protection of vulnerable targets against terrorist attacks, and producing innovative knowledge resources, specifically the launch of the Five Thematic Modules on the protection of vulnerable targets against terror attacks, which the State of Qatar participated in its launch event. His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's welcome to moving the Global Program to the UNOCT Program Office in Madrid, which contributes to cost-effectiveness and closer cooperation with donors and beneficiary countries. He said that the State of Qatar has paid special attention to the issue of protecting targets at risk as part of its efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, and has developed its expertise and capabilities in this field, including protecting non-fortified sites such as major sporting events, especially in preparation for hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. In this context, HE the Ambassador referred to the cooperation between the International Center for Sports Security (ICSS), a Doha-based non-profit organisation, and the UNOCT. He noted that one of the purposes for which the Global Program was established is to achieve a better understanding of threats and identify best practices to address them; calling for harnessing effective cognitive tools such as behavioural sciences, as they provide a better proactive understanding of threats and identification of risks. "Behavioural science can contribute to improving planning to prevent and respond to attacks against vulnerable targets and facilitate law enforcement efforts in this area," he added. His Excellency reiterated Qatar's keenness to harness modern knowledge and all possible tools to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, pointing to the State of Qatar's hosting and support for the "International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism" as a UNOCT Program Office in Doha. He indicated that the international centre aims to conduct research in behavioural sciences and provide assistance to build capacity and improve communication and partnerships in the field of harnessing behavioural insights to prevent and combat terrorism. He highlighted the achievements of the Program Office since its opening in Doha in 2020, noting that it has achieved tangible achievements, including establishing partnerships with governmental, non-governmental and academic agencies, holding workshops and training sessions and developing a guidance note, as well as working to establish an academy for behavioural insights in order to raise awareness and make the use of behavioural insights a dominant trend in the service of international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. His Excellency also drew attention to the distinguished academic experiences in the State of Qatar in this important field of research, pointing to the tangible interest of the United Nations in harnessing this modern tool in various sectors from combating terrorism to sustainable development. The Ambassador welcomed the cooperation between the International Hub on behavioural insights to counter terrorism in Doha and the program offices in Madrid and Rabat under the umbrella of the UN Global Program on countering terrorist threats against vulnerable targets, which resulted in the project on protecting vulnerable targets by using behavioural insights to strengthen law enforcement capabilities. He reiterated that the State of Qatar will continue to fully support these efforts and looks forward to their success in achieving their goal.