Qatar Signs Contribution Agreement with UNOCT in Support of International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism

Qatar Signs Contribution Agreement with UNOCT in Support of International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism

New York – Information Office – 29 September

The State of Qatar and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) signed a contribution agreement to support the International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism, as it is a UNOCT Programme Office established in Doha, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Qatar and UNOCT.

The signing ceremony was held virtually, as HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani signed the agreement on behalf of the State of Qatar, while it was signed by HE UNOCT Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov on behalf of the United Nations.

The International Hub will advance research in behavioural sciences to better understand the drivers and factors contributing to radicalization leading to violent extremism and terrorism, provide capacity-building assistance to Member States, regional organizations and civil society partners to develop and implement programmes, projects and initiatives that integrate behavioural insights to counter terrorism, and promote outreach and partnerships to share knowledge, expertise, experiences and lessons on behaviourally informed counter-terrorism interventions.

The initiative to establish an International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism in Doha comes in line with the State of Qatar's role as an active partner in the international efforts to counter the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism and its focus on cutting-edge and evidence-based solutions to global challenges, HE Ambassador Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said.

For his part, HE UNOCT Under-Secretary-General Voronkov expressed appreciation to the Government of the State of Qatar for its generous contribution to the International Hub, and for the close cooperation between the State of Qatar and UNOCT.

He also expressed his full confidence on the important contribution that the International Hub will make to supporting the counter-terrorism efforts of governments, regional organizations and civil society.

Voronkov emphasized that the permanent strategic partnership with the State of Qatar is part of collective efforts to enhance regional and international counter-terrorism cooperation.

The Programme Office will leverage the expertise of local and regional counter-terrorism actors and enhance programming cooperation and coordination with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

The government of the State of Qatar has provided a financial contribution amounting to $5 million in support for the Hub and its activities for three years.