The State of Qatar and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) signed the contribution agreement to support the International Center for Behavioral Insights on Counter-Terrorism.
Established in Doha, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Qatar and the United Nations as a program office of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, said in a statement of the Embassy of the Qatar in Kathmandu.
Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations as Ms. Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov signed the agreement that took place virtually on behalf of the State of Qatar, and the United Nations respectively.
The center will provide capacity-building assistance to member states, regional organizations and civil society partners to develop and implement programs, projects and initiatives that integrate behavioral counter-terrorism ideas.
According to the agreement, the International Center will work to develop research in the behavioral sciences, to better understand the motives and factors that contribute to violent extremism leading to terrorism, it added.
Also, it work to enhance communication and partnerships to share knowledge, experience and lessons on behavioral-informed counter-terrorism operations.
During the signing ceremony, Qatari envoy to the UN Ms. Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani said, “The initiative to establish an international center for behavioral visions to combat terrorism in Doha comes in line with the role of Qatar as an active partner in international efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism, and its focus on developing advanced solutions with evidence-based global challenges.”
Expressing appreciation to the government of Qatar, Chief of the UNOCT, Vladimir Voronkov said the UN Center with close cooperation of Qatar will play a vital role to support counter-terrorism efforts by governments, regional organizations and civil society.
“The permanent strategic partnership with the State of Qatar is part of our collective efforts to enhance regional and international cooperation in the field of combating terrorism,” he said.
“The program office will benefit from the experiences of local and regional actors in the field of combating terrorism, and enhance cooperation and coordination in programming with the UNOCT.
Qatar has contributed five million dollars to support the center and its activities for three years.
