KUWAIT CITY, Nov 4: The Fourth Dushanbe Conference kicked off Monday under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and with the attendance of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The conference, hosted by Kuwait for two days, is under the title: “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process.” The conference has drawn over 450 participants, including 33 ministers from member states, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, and Under-Secretary-General of UNOCT Vladimir Voronkov. This gathering marks the fourth high level international conference in the Dushanbe Process, following previous meetings held in Tajikistan in 2018, 2019, and 2022. It represents a platform to enhance regional and international cooperation on border security to combat terrorism, it provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and visions, discuss lessons learned from common challenges, and discuss ways to confront the threats arising from terrorism and its consequences. The conference will conclude its work Tuesday, with the adoption of the “Kuwait Declaration” which will reflect the discussions, opinions and viewpoints of the participants and will serve as a guiding document for efforts to combat terrorism. The State of Kuwait is keen on battling terrorism in all its forms and contributing to regional and international efforts in this field, said His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s representative, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Monday.

In his speech at the two-day Fourth Dushanbe Conference, held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince said that the high-level event would focus on international counterterrorism efforts. The conference, held under the title of “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process,” reflected the Gulf country’s commitment in this important security domain, he affirmed. His Highness affirmed that the Dushanbe process would help solidify the global framework aimed at creating a fruitful and prosperous future for all where the rule of law was supreme regardless of race, religion, or gender. Terrorism, he indicated, was harmful in all aspects and some were using advanced technology and finances to serve their insidious purposes through terrorist organizations and transnational organized crime syndicates, which threatened international peace and security.

His Highness the Crown Prince said it was important to use the outcomes of the 79th UNGA, which concluded back in September especially the “Pact for the Future” document, a roadmap based on valued experiences that would help in the fight against terrorism. In time of political, economic, and social disagreements, the world must set aside differences and unite to face terrorism and extremism and all that would lead to such outcomes, His Highness the Crown Prince stressed. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding international law and bolstering human rights to set the basic bloc that would prevent terrorism and extremism of all shapes and forms, adding that such must be an institutional principle agreed by all governments, and civil societies. He warned against terrorism’s usage of the latest technologies to carry out evil plots and plans, saying that national, regional, and international efforts must be geared towards coordinating counterterrorism efforts through the UN and other similar organizations.

In similar terms, transnational organized crimes should be countered by drying up illegal financial resources to prevent criminals from spreading mischief and wrongdoing, he affirmed. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled mentioned “state terrorism”, indicating that any country carrying out such heinous act must be stopped through systematic and pragmatic means via finding a unified definition of what constitutes terrorism. He reflected the State of Kuwait’s support of the crucial role played by the UN in counterterrorism and securing borders regionally and internationally. Borders security is essential for every country’s stability and peace, preventing many crimes such as smuggling of narcotics and weapons in addition to human trafficking, said His Highness the Crown Prince, hoping that this would reflected in the “Kuwait declaration” as part of the conference final communique. He added, in this regard, Kuwait’s commitment to the security exchange protocol of 2008 reflected keenness to counter terrorist groups and transnational organized crime in yet-tobe- drawn maritime borders with Iraq, reiterating his country’s calls for Baghdad to resume cooperation within this field to achieve both countries mutual interest.

His Highness the Crown Prince also reflected Kuwait’s keenness to hold a high-level conference for border security and administration in June of 2026, an event dedicated to reviewing the results of the Dushanbe process. He reiterated Kuwait’s support of all efforts to counterterrorism and crime whether through security efforts, political coordination through the UN, or drying up the financial means to carry out heinous terrorist acts. Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon underscored the significance of the Kuwait phase in strengthening international counter-terrorism cooperation. He called for attention to educational programs and social projects to reduce the risks of extremism among youth. Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed the country’s stance against all forms of terrorism and its support for international efforts to counter extremism. He highlighted Kuwait’s role in the global coalition against the so-called Islamic State and its efforts in repatriating family members of foreign fighters from camps in Syria and Iraq.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al- Budaiwi emphasized the importance of cooperation in countering terrorism and safeguarding security in the Gulf region. He outlined the GCC’s comprehensive strategies and intelligence cooperation efforts to ensure terror-free borders. Meanwhile, Undersecretary General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov expressed on Monday deep appreciation towards Kuwait and Tajikistan for their support of the Dushanbe Process. This came in Voronkov’s speech to the High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms -- The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process”. “It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process High-Level Conference on Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms.

“ The UN official said, “I extend my deepest gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for hosting this event, and to the Government of Kuwait for its generous hospitality.” He added, “I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan for his leadership in establishing the Dushanbe Process in 2018, indicting, “His efforts have transformed the Dushanbe Process into a key platform for multilateral action and cooperation in the global fight against terrorism.”

“We are also deeply grateful to the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Tajikistan for their support in advancing the Dushanbe Process.” The UN official stated, “Today, more than 480 participants, including Ministers, high-level representatives of Member States, international and regional organizations, civil society, including youth and women’s groups, are gathered here in Kuwait City.” “This gathering reaffirms our collective commitment to multilateralism and counter-terrorism cooperation, and our shared goal of building secure and resilient borders to safeguard global peace and security,” he said. “International counter-terrorism cooperation should be the beacon for inspiring all stakeholders toward effective coordination and cooperation to secure their countries, and to prevent terrorist movements and operations across national borders.” Voronkov said, “The global security landscape continues to evolve, which has evolved into a major problem.

In the process, many have overlooked the fact that it represents a stain on Kuwait’s reputation. In light of this, instead of finding a contemporary solution, the restrictions placed on these individuals became so severe that some turned to a life of crime, while others, especially those with professions, academic degrees, or foreign citizenship, chose to leave. Living up to the Gulf proverb “A spring quenches the thirst of the one who is far, while the one who is near dies of thirst”, many left Kuwait, the country where they had studied and spent their entire lives. Some became British citizens, Canadian citizens, or citizens of other nations that embraced them and benefited from them.

In the 1965 census, the number of Bedoun individuals was less than 15,000. However, they were left without a solution, either due to a lack of seriousness in solving the problem or their exploitation in electoral conflicts, as previously mentioned. Today, their numbers have significantly increased and the situation continues to worsen, particularly due to the revocation of nationalities, which caused serious social and economic issues. Their population has likely surpassed 200,000 or more. This issue is on the mind of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad, who aims to get rid of the crises and problems that have remained unresolved for 60 years. Even though the file is large, determination can pave the way to solutions, especially within the Council of Ministers. Therefore, the recent report about a roadmap to tackle the Bedoun file represents a crucial starting point not only for resolving this issue but also for dealing with several others.

For instance, benefiting from the skills and workforce of Bedoun employees in various institutions could contribute to strengthening the country’s economic activity. Furthermore, as we read, it is necessary to recognize that Kuwait is in a strategic location and is poised to embark on large-scale projects. To support the development and enhance the national product, it is necessary to employ all young people, skilled citizens, and Bedoun residents KUNA photo Omar Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs. terrorists exploiting the vulnerabilities of our borders. Recent expert reports show that over 40% of violent events and 10% of fatalities linked to political violence occur within 100 kilometers of a land border.” “This correlation is particularly evident as regards the expanding terrorist presence towards coastal states in West Africa, such as Benin, Côte d Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. The number of violent incidents in border areas has increased by 250% over the past two years.” “These trends are taking place within the broader context of an evolving terrorist threat. According to the latest Global Terrorism Index, a 22% increase in global deaths from terrorism was recorded in 2023, with fatalities rising to 8,352, the highest recorded figure since 2017.” He went on to say, “The use of established travel routes by terrorist groups such as Daesh and Al-Qaida and their affiliates continue to pose a risk, especially in conflict-prone regions like the Sahel, where they can recruit, transport, and smuggle operatives across porous borders.” “We reaffirm today the importance of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the recently adopted Pact for the Future, both of which reflect the international community’s commitment to addressing the drivers of terrorism and ensuring sustainable peace.” “In this context, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, with 46 entities and its Border Management and Law Enforcement Working Group, remains pivotal to our efforts to deliver a coordinated UN response to terrorism,” said Voronkov.

“Building on this collective effort, my Office leads two global, flagship programs to assist Member States in strengthening border security: one focused on Border Security and Management and another on Countering Terrorist Travel. Both are One-UNinitiatives, mobilizing the expertise and resources of specialized UN entities.” “I am confident that the Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process will bolster regional and international counter-terrorism cooperation and help achieve a Future Free from Terrorism,” stated Voronkov, adding, “I hope the Kuwait Declaration, which we will adopt based on discussions and deliberations of the Conference, will reflect our joint commitment to strengthen border security mechanisms across the world.” (KUNA)