Invitation to a panel discussion: Countering terrorism

 Invitation to a panel discussion on:

Countering terrorism: is a strategic approach working?

While intellectual debates and analysis continue on the exact nature of the threat, the evolvement, rise and decline of various terrorist groups and organizations, ongoing bombings and indiscriminate violence against civilians are daily reminders and constant proof of terrorism continuing to remain one of the key security challenges of our world.  Countering terrorism remains on the priority list of almost all countries – it is a key peace and security challenge for the United Nations just as much as it is an issue for major regional organizations including the European Union.

The past half decade has seen a shift from over-reliance on only military, security or law enforcement methods to a more complex strategic approach to tackling terrorism looking at ways to prevent terrorist incidents by also focusing on the softer aspects of countering the condition conducive to the spread of terrorism as well as taking into consideration the respect of human rights and the rule of law in combating this menace. The European Union adopted its four pillar counter terrorism strategy of prevent, protect, pursue and respond in December 2005. A year later, in September 2006 all member states of the United Nations agreed for the first time to take a truly global and strategic approach to countering terrorism through a practical plan of action containing close to fifty specific and action-oriented points to take.

The panel discussion -- which comes just a week after the UN General Assembly’s review of the implementation of the global strategy -- will look at what have been the practical benefits of shifting to a strategic approach in tackling terrorism, building on the experience of both the EU’s regional work and the UN’s overall global efforts as well as looking at what possible difficulties such a more complex approach to countering terrorism may have brought with it.

Who?

-Jean-Paul Laborde, Chair of the UN Counter-terrorism Implementation Task Force;

-Gilles de Kerchove, EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator ;

-Thomas Baekelandt, Counter-terrorism Coordinator, Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 

-Professor Rik Coolsaet, Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Ghent.

The panel members will give short 7-10 minute introductions followed by a debate moderated by Janos Tisovszky, Deputy Director, UNRIC.

When? 15 September 2010, 18.15-20.00

Where?  International Press Centre, Maelbeek room, Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat, 155.  

Language of presentations: English.  

Registration:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

For more information:

Alexandra Froger This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Tel. +32 (0)2 788.84.61

Jean-Luc Onckelinx This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Tel. +32 (0) 476 215 485