神马午夜福利网

Enhancing Counter-Terrorism Early Warning in Central Asia through Open-Source Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence

From 21 to 22 July 2025, the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia (CT EWN) supported by the United Nations held a seminar in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on enhancing counter-terrorism early warning through Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event gathered national authorities and civil society representatives from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with international experts, United Nations entities, as well as international and regional organizations, to strengthen regional capacities in countering evolving threats of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Umarbek Nuriddinov, representing Uzbekistan's Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, noted: “The proactive involvement of Central Asian States in the CT EWN ensures that the initiative is responsive to regional needs, strengthens collective resilience, and reinforces the principle of national ownership while advancing the objectives of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”

On the first day of the seminar, participants delved into "Data Management Fundamentals," exploring the data lifecycle, data types, data quality, and ethical considerations. This was complemented by exploring "Cybersecurity Essentials for Early Warning Systems," addressing common cyber threats, basic cybersecurity principles, and legal frameworks for protecting critical data. A significant portion of the day was dedicated to "OSINT for Early Warning," including the principles of OSINT, building online monitoring systems using RSS technologies, and mastering source management and smart online search techniques.

The second day was dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of AI in counter-terrorism early warning systems. Modules covered "Introduction to AI and Machine Learning for Security," including core Machine Learning concepts and Natural Language Processing for text analysis. Discussions focused on the use of AI in identifying emerging terrorist narratives, countering terrorist propaganda, and monitoring processes of radicalization to terrorism. The session on "Advanced AI Applications" explored predictive analysis, geospatial AI for risk mapping, and automated alert systems. Importantly, the seminar explored "Ethical, Legal, and Implementation Considerations for AI". 

Throughout the seminar, discussions emphasized the need to protect and respect the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including privacy, data protection and non-discrimination. Dedicated sessions examined the ethical and legal implications of deploying new technologies, underscoring that adherence to international standards, including through inclusive, rights-based approaches are essential for both the effectiveness and legitimacy of counter-terrorism early warning efforts and responses.

The CT EWN is an initiative jointly supported by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA), as part of Phase IV the Joint Plan of Action to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia. The CT EWN was launched in 2022 and is implemented thanks to financial support from the UN Peace and Development Fund (China), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Turkmenistan.