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This side event will examine cooperation between the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS), and the Commonwealth of Independent States Anti-Terrorism Center (CIS ATC) in addressing evolving security challenges in Central Asia.
The discussion will focus on practical examples of regional cooperation supporting the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Joint Plan of Action for Central Asia. While Central Asia continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of evolving terrorist threats, it remains exposed to risks associated with developments in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East, as well as challenges related to terrorist travel, terrorism financing, cyber-enabled threats, and online radicalization.
These challenges require coordinated regional responses and sustained cooperation among Member States and international and regional organizations.
Building on established frameworks, including the UNOCT-SCO Memorandum of Understanding and the 2022 Joint Action Plan, these organizations have expanded collaboration through joint initiatives such as the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network and the Regional Expert Council on Returnees.
The event will provide an overview of these mechanisms, identify opportunities to strengthen cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of good practices to enhance coordinated responses to terrorism and violent extremism in Central Asia, while promoting approaches consistent with international law, human rights, and the rule of law.
This event is organized on the margins of the 2026 Counter-Terrorism week (CT Week). For more information visit: www.un.org/counterterrorism/en/2026-counter-terrorism-week
