International Day to Prevent Violent Extremism 2026 - Press Conference | United Nations

Press conference by Alexandre Zouev, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, on the International Day to Prevent Violent Extremism. "UN senior official for counterterrorism Alexandre Zouev said while seizing the opportunities of new and emerging technologies to prevent violent extremism, the risks with transparency and accountability in full respect for human rights must be managed. The United Nations marked the fourth observance of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, under the theme “Preventing Violent Extremism in the Age of New and Emerging Technologies”. Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counterterrorism Alexandre Zouev briefed reporters in New York. On artificial intelligence, Zouev said, “this technology holds real promise for prevention, from early detection of harmful narratives to more targeted, community informed interventions. But they're also being misused to amplify myths and disinformation, spread violent extremism content, and enable recruitment and radicalization to terrorism, especially of young people and teenagers.” The UN top counterterrorism official also said, “We are expanding our practical support to help Member States navigate emerging risks in digital spaces. And that includes new workstreams on artificial intelligence and online gaming systems while reinforcing evidence-based, human rights-based prevention approaches.” He added, “this complements ongoing capacity building efforts to strengthen strategic communications, empower young people and develop PCVE (Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism) policies ensuring coherence between traditional prevention approaches and technology driven initiative.” Asked about repatriation and reintegration of former fighters, Zouev said that they should be investigated, adding “if they committed some crimes, they should be prosecuted according to national or international standards of prosecution and law.” He pointed out that there is also the aspect of women with children, who are the former or current wives of the former fighters. He took Central Asia, the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as example, who are “making a great effort to reintegrate and socially rehabilitate families of former fighters because they had also certain citizens of these countries recruited.” Established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 77/243, the International Day provides a platform for Member States, the United Nations system and all relevant stakeholders - including civil society, religious leaders, the private sector, academia and the media, to come together to strengthen the international community’s resolve to address the conditions conducive to terrorism, to raise awareness on the threat of violent extremism, and to renew collective action to prevent its spread. The observance aims to promote inclusive, human rights-based and gender-responsive approaches to prevention, grounded in dialogue, partnerships and community-led solutions."


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