Saudi Arabia has urged the global community to enhance international collaboration to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies by terrorist organizations. During a United Nations General Assembly session focused on strategic capacity building, Abdulaziz Alwasil, the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN, underscored the importance of countries joining forces to share knowledge, bolster national defenses, and invest in long-term initiatives that address evolving security challenges. Alwasil cautioned that advancements in technology have paved new pathways for extremist groups to attract recruits, disseminate propaganda, fund their operations, and orchestrate attacks.
Particularly concerned about Yemen, Alwasil identified it as a hotspot where terrorist organizations, including the Houthi militia and Al-Qaeda, are attempting to leverage technologies like drones and other advanced systems. He emphasized the necessity for governments to enhance their preparedness in order to keep up with the sophisticated tactics employed by these networks. According to Alwasil, a robust counterterrorism strategy extends beyond military and security measures, involving the development of strong institutions, modern legal frameworks, and international partnerships, along with sustained investment in human and technical resources.
Alwasil also highlighted the need for capacity-building endeavors to be tailored to the unique needs and priorities of individual countries, ensuring they are conducted in close collaboration with local governments for enduring impact. He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s significant contributions to global counterterrorism efforts, noting its central role in the creation of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre in 2011 and its allocation of $110 million to aid member states in executing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia actively participates in initiatives such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. The Kingdom has also established the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, known as Etidal, which employs cutting-edge technology to monitor extremist content, counteract online propaganda, and foster public awareness. These contributions reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing the threat of violent extremism on a global scale.
In addition to its international efforts, Saudi Arabia continues to support Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Alwasil stated that the Kingdom has collaborated with local authorities to strengthen Yemen’s security institutions, improving their capacity to detect and disrupt the financial and logistical networks supporting terrorist factions. Moreover, these measures have helped prevent the transfer of advanced technology and military capabilities to extremists. According to Alwasil, these initiatives have played a crucial role in enhancing security and stability, thereby limiting the opportunities for terrorist groups to exploit vulnerabilities and expand their influence.