Saudi Arabia has called for stronger international cooperation to prevent terrorist groups from exploiting artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, warning that evolving digital tools are creating new security challenges.
Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly session in New York, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, said countries must work together to strengthen national capabilities, share expertise and invest in capacity building to counter the misuse of advanced technologies.
The session, which Alwasil co-chaired, focused on strategies to prevent terrorist organisations from using artificial intelligence for recruitment, extremist propaganda, fundraising and planning attacks.
He highlighted Yemen as an area where strengthening institutional capacity remains particularly important, warning that groups including the Houthis and Al-Qaeda continue to seek access to technologies such as drones and other advanced systems.
Alwasil said effective counterterrorism efforts require more than military and security measures, stressing the importance of strong national institutions, legal frameworks, international partnerships and sustained investment in technical and human resources.
He also outlined Saudi Arabia’s contributions to global counterterrorism initiatives, noting that the Kingdom helped establish the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre in 2011 and has provided $110 million to support member states in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Saudi Arabia continues to participate in international initiatives, including the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, reflecting its commitment to coordinated international action against terrorism.
Alwasil also highlighted the work of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal), which uses modern technology to monitor extremist content, counter online propaganda and promote digital awareness.
He stressed that capacity-building programmes should be tailored to the needs of individual countries and implemented in close coordination with national governments to ensure long-term effectiveness.
The Saudi envoy added that the Kingdom has also supported efforts to strengthen Yemeni security institutions through its backing of the internationally recognised government, helping improve the country’s ability to combat terrorism and prevent extremist groups from exploiting security gaps.
