About the GCTF

The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) is an informal, apolitical, multilateral counterterrorism platform. It is small, nimble, inclusive, and consensus-based. Its overarching mission is to reduce the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by mobilizing expertise and resources to prevent, combat, and prosecute terrorist acts and counter incitement and recruitment to terrorism. 

The Forum brings together policymakers and practitioners from around the world to share experiences and expertise, and to develop practical, publicly available tools and strategies on how to prevent and counter the evolving terrorist threat. The GCTF is currently co-chaired by Egypt and the European Union. 

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What is the GCTF?

News

Fostering synergies to effectively counter improvised explosive devices in West Africa

Fostering synergies to effectively counter improvised explosive devices in West Africa

21 October 2025

Under the mandate of the Co-Chairs, Algeria and Germany, the West Africa Capacity-Building Working Group held a side event on the margins of the 25th Coordinating Committee Meeting to identify opportunities for collaboration to counter improvised explosive devices.

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Exploring new criminal justice issues in counterterrorism

Exploring new criminal justice issues in counterterrorism

21 October 2025

Under the mandate of the Co-Chairs, Italy and Nigeria, the Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group held its annual plenary meeting on the margins of the 25th Coordinating Committee Meeting to discuss recent activities and upcoming priorities, including the intersection of transitional justice and counterterrorism.

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Strengthening international judicial cooperation and evidence handling in terrorism cases

Strengthening international judicial cooperation and evidence handling in terrorism cases

16 October 2025

The East Africa Capacity-Building and Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Groups held an expert meeting to discuss existing initiatives and best practices for strengthening international judicial cooperation when countering terrorism.

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Enhancing the role of women in preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism in East Africa

Enhancing the role of women in preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism in East Africa

3 September 2025

Under the mandate of Kenya and Kuwait, the East Africa Capacity-Building Working Group led an activity to address the current gaps in P/CVE efforts in East Africa that stem from inadequate gender inclusion.

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First3Last

Activities

Eighth GCTF Ministerial Plenary Meeting

Eighth GCTF Ministerial Plenary Meeting

20 September 2017

The Eighth GCTF Ministerial Plenary Meeting was co-chaired by Morocco and the Netherlands. Both countries announced a two-year extension of their co-chairmanship, and look forward to continue to lead the efforts of the GCTF in countering terrorism and violent extremism during their second mandate.  

In the GCTF Ministerial Statement adopted during this meeting the Ministers of the GCTF Members reaffirmed their commitment to the joint international fight against terrorism and violent extremism. In the Statement, the GCTF Members recognized the need for enhanced capacity-building and expressed their support to the GCTF-Inspired institutions. 

This year’s Ministerial Plenary Meeting endorsed new GCTF Framework Documents addressing the prevention and countering of violent extremism and terrorism online as well as the protection of soft targets in a counterterrorism context.  

In addressing the challenges of 21st century terrorism, the GCTF will embark on a set of new Initiatives concerning, inter alia, homegrown violent extremists, the nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism, and the challenge to address returning families of foreign terrorist fighters. 

Documents to download

More links

 GCTF Insights

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