Phase II of the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network (CT EWN) for Central Asia to respond to the current and emerging security challenges and threats
Other partners: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), European Union projects (Law enforcement in Central Asia – LEICA, Border Management Programme in Central Asia - BOMCA.
Regional partner organizations: Regional Anti-Terrorist 神马午夜福利网 of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO RATS), Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for combating the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors (CARICC).
Stakeholders from the government sector, civil society, academia, regional and international organizations, UN agencies.
Synopsis
Objectives
This project aims to strengthen the capacity of Central Asian states on counter-terrorism strategies and measures through the incorporation of new technologies and proactive border community engagement in order to respond to security challenges related to the developments in Afghanistan, in a strategic, coordinated and human rights compliant and gender-responsive manner.
Components
The project’s support includes the organization of regional and national round-table events; the implementation of cascading and national community-oriented training courses; the development of research and awareness materials; the formation of national and regional task forces to develop a roadmap and standard operating procedures for border communities involved in the CT EWN; and the development of a working prototype of CT EWN ThreatWatch for Central Asia.
Main achievements
From March to July 2025, the project operationalized CT EWN Phase II through staff recruitment and the negotiation of a financial agreement with the implementing partner, UNOPS. It also conducted consultations with Central Asian Member States, partnering UN agencies, regional and international organizations, and national and regional experts.
To enhance visibility, the project organized two high-level briefings: one in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 11 June, and another at United Nations Headquarters on 8 July 2025.
In addition, the project delivered capacity-building activities focused on enhancing Early Warning Networks in Counterterrorism using Open-Source Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence. The first national seminars were held between 3–4 June 2025 in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, each gathering over 30 participants.
Preparations also began for national community-oriented training. Finally, expert and developer consultations in Central Asia were conducted on the concept of CT EWN ThreatWatch.
Impact
This project harnesses border communities’ local knowledge, strengthens community resilience, and establishes a collaborative front against potential threats in border areas.