Terrorism is a persistent and evolving global menace. No country is immune. Social media, encrypted communications and the dark web are being used to spread propaganda, radicalize new recruits and plan atrocities. The threat ranges from the crude tactics of lone actors to sophisticated coordinated attacks and the horrific prospect of terrorists using chemical, biological or radioactive weapons.
Our response needs to be equally agile and multifaceted. That is why I am convening the first-ever United Nations High-level Conference on Counterterrorism this week in New York. Heads of national counterterrorism agencies and representatives from international institutions and civil society will discuss how to improve international cooperation and build new partnerships.
The conference will focus on four key areas. First, it will consider how governments, security agencies and law enforcement bodies can improve the exchange of critical information and strategies to detect, disrupt and prosecute terrorist networks. Second, the conference will discuss how the United Nations can do more to assist countries around the world affected by terrorism.