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

Global Counterterrorism Forum Ministers Renew Commitment to Combating Terrorism in Africa

PRESS RELEASE

The Global Counterterrorism Forum held its 24th Coordinating Committee and 14th Ministerial Plenary Meetings in New York City. The high-level meetings brought together international stakeholders to address pressing counterterrorism needs, particularly in East and West Africa. Read more »
The GCTF’s plan to tackle terrorism in East Africa

The GCTF’s plan to tackle terrorism in East Africa

25 September 2024

The East Africa Capacity-Building Working Group (EA WG) Co-Chairs, Kenya and Kuwait’s 2024-2026 Work Plan will embark on an ambitious journey to galvanize the GCTF capacity and convening power to support countries of East Africa in their fight against terrorism.

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Guide to Effective Border Security and Management

Guide to Effective Border Security and Management

25 September 2024

Two practical accompaniments to the 2016 GCTF Good Practices on Border Security and Management

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Good Practices for Oversight in Counterterrorism

Good Practices for Oversight in Counterterrorism

25 September 2024

A new GCTF Good Practices document on oversight and accountability mechanisms in counterterrorism endorsed during the 24th Coordinating Committee Meeting.

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Activities

Initiative on the Protection of Soft Targets in a Counterterrorism Context - Inaugural Meeting

Initiative on the Protection of Soft Targets in a Counterterrorism Context - Inaugural Meeting

8-9 December 2016

Launched at the GCTF Seventh Ministerial Plenary Meeting in New York on 21 September 2016, the STI aims to raise awareness, identify needs, and leverage expertise and experiences to better protect soft targets (locations that are relatively vulnerable to a terrorist attack due to their open access and limited security barriers) and to develop a set of internationally-recognized non-binding good practices, which can serve as the basis for international engagement, assistance, and training to enhance the security and resilience of sites that are potential soft targets.  

 

Some of the key themes of the meeting’s discussion included:
 

  • Identify what constitutes a ST and categorize and prioritize them in accordance with risk management;

  • Advocate for improved preparedness and training as means to promote vigilance, prevention, and protection;

  • Facilitate dialogue with the private sector to promote peer-to-peer cooperation and integration of safety and security measures.

 GCTF Insights

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