ASTANA, Kazakhstan

On 24-25 July 2025, a training course for representatives of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to enhance counter-terrorism early warning systems using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), organized by UNRCCA in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), took place in Astana. The previous two training courses covered Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.  

The training course focused on smart online search, online monitoring, data management, cybersecurity for early warning systems and other related topics. Special attention was paid to such key components of OSINT as RSS (Really Simply Syndication) that allows users and applications to access updates to websites in a standardized and computer-readable format. Participants were also introduced to the Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations which provides guidance on methodologies and procedures for gathering, analysing, and preserving digital information in a professional, legal, and ethical manner.

During the course, representatives from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan had also an opportunity to share perspectives on their national policies for countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, including an overview of existing practices related to the utilization of new technologies and AI.

The course was conducted under the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network initiative launched in July 2022 and in line with the updated Joint Plan of Action for the Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia endorsed in March 2022.