10 June 2026
The GCTF Coordinating Committee, co-chaired by the European Union (EU) and Egypt, held its 26th meeting. Members and partners gathered in Brussels, Belgium, to align on future thematic priorities, including counterterrorism challenges posed by emerging technologies. In addition to the launch of a new GCTF resource on the nexus between climate change and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, the Forum launched a new GCTF Initiative on preparedness and response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear emergencies caused by acts of terrorism.
Addressing the implications of new and emerging technologies for counterterrorism
Marking 15 years of the GCTF, the Coordinating Committee took stock of the Forum’s value to the global counterterrorism architecture as a nimble, consensus-based platform that shapes forward-looking, non-binding policy, and practical guidance. As an informal body that can address emerging challenges in an agile manner, the Coordinating Committee aligned on prioritizing the countering of terrorist use of new and emerging technologies such as AI-generated content, encrypted communications, autonomous systems, and algorithmic amplification. The landscape around such threats is evolving rapidly and poses critical challenges for states globally. GCTF Members will work with the three Inspired Institutions and the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact to support and reinforce efforts to build capacity in these areas.
New GCTF Resource Launched
The Nairobi Toolkit on Addressing the Nexus between Climate Change and Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism* was presented by Germany, Kenya, and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund. The non-binding toolkit provides recommendations and practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners on the nexus which is indirect, context-specific, and mediated by social, political, and economic factors. Learn more about the toolkit here.
New GCTF Initiative Launched
The Forum launched the newly-formed GCTF Initiative on Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Emergencies Caused by Acts of Terrorism. Led by Spain and Morocco, the Initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation in responding to terrorist acts involving CBRN and enhance global preparedness and response by baking them into counterterrorism strategies. Learn more about the Initiative here.
*GCTF Recommendations, Memoranda, Good Practices and other guiding documents are non-binding, and their implementation should always respect national sovereignty and consider countries' varied histories, cultures, legal systems, and norms.