The UNCCT was created in September 2010, with the support of the Government of Saudi Arabia, and seeks to support the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 2006.

Ban stressed that countries need to focus on realizing the four key areas of action of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which consist of tackling the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, preventing and combating terrorism, building States’ capacity to counter terrorism, and ensuring respect for human rights against the backdrop of the fight against terrorism.

“Suppressing the financing of terrorism is a critical area where internationally-accepted guidelines need to be effectively applied,” Ban said.

“At the strategic level, we need to try to understand – and counter – the appeal of terrorism. That means building a culture of dialogue, spreading education and promoting inter-community engagements,” he added.

Ban encouraged members of the UNCCT Advisory Board, which is made up of almost two-dozen experts in the field of counter-terrorism, to focus on developing institutional and technical capacities at a national level, particularly by helping to create and review national strategies. Ban also emphasized the UNCCT’s potential to highlight the plight of victims of terrorism. “Victims and their families are among the most powerful voices in the fight against terrorism, and I urge the UNCCT to support their efforts.”

Ban co-chaired the meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, with whom he held a joint press conference after a meeting in which they discussed the latest developments in Syria, and the transition in Yemen, as well as regional issues. Ban also met with the Saudi Defence Minister, Prince Salman bin Abdel Aziz, and the Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs, Prince Mohammed Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz.