The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) launched a new toolkit on the nexus between climate change and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and a new initiative on preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies caused by terrorism, at its 26th Coordinating Committee meeting in Brussels on 10 June 2026. The meeting, co-chaired by the European Union and Egypt and hosted by the European External Action Service (EEAS), also marked the forum's 15th anniversary.
The Coordinating Committee identified the terrorist use of new and emerging technologies—such as AI-generated content, encrypted communications, and autonomous systems—as a key concern, and aligned around the GCTF's role in advancing counterterrorism efforts in this area.
Practical guidance tools on climate change and violent extremism
The non-binding Nairobi Toolkit on Addressing the Nexus between Climate Change and Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism was developed under an initiative led by Germany and Kenya, with the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund as implementing partner. The toolkit provides actionable recommendations for practitioners and policymakers to strengthen responses to drivers of violent extremism exacerbated by climate change.
Addressing CBRN emergencies stemming from terrorism
The GCTF Initiative on Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Emergencies Caused by Acts of Terrorism, helmed by Spain and Morocco, was officially launched. The initiative aims to strengthen international collaboration in responding to terrorist acts involving CBRN materials and associated facilities, ensuring that adequate response measures are integrated into counterterrorism strategies.
"As the GCTF navigates today's complex and volatile security landscape, it must uphold its pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to cooperation," said Anna Strząska, Counter-Terrorism Special Envoy of the EEAS. Egypt's co-chair, Ambassador Amr El-Hamamy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that "as terrorist threats continue to evolve across regions, including through the exploitation of emerging technologies, our response must be equally dynamic and coordinated."
Stakeholder impact
The new toolkit and initiative primarily affect national security and counterterrorism authorities in EU member states and partner countries, who will be expected to integrate the non-binding recommendations into their domestic strategies. For EU institutions, the GCTF outcomes reinforce the EEAS's role in shaping global counterterrorism norms without creating binding obligations. Civil society organizations working on climate adaptation and peacebuilding may find new entry points for funding and cooperation, while the private sector—especially technology companies—faces potential pressure to collaborate on countering terrorist use of emerging technologies, though no concrete regulatory measures were announced.
Expected follow-up
The GCTF's thematic priorities and the implementation of the new tools will be taken forward in its working groups and initiatives. The next Coordinating Committee meeting has not yet been scheduled.
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