UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Thursday marked the fourth International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism.

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said terrorist groups routinely exploit instability, runaway technologies, and socio-economic fragility to target and intimidate vulnerable groups.

"Today, we reaffirm our shared resolve to prevent violent extremism and shield communities from the scourge of terrorism," he said.

Guterres noted that both the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism remind people that stronger security measures alone are not enough.

"We must get at the source of the problem, through renewed efforts to address grievances and the conditions conducive to terrorism by strengthening education systems, expanding civic space, and fostering dialogue and trust among and within communities," the UN chief said.

Alexandre Zouev, acting under-secretary-general of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, said new and emerging technologies are reshaping societies at an unprecedented speed, bringing new opportunities, but also new risks.

"Artificial intelligence, social media, encrypted messaging apps, and gaming platforms have changed how communities connect and form identities," which are increasingly exploited by terrorist groups and violent extremist actors, he noted.

He noted that prevention, both offline and online, works best when it is rooted in whole-of-society responses and addresses existing grievances, calling to strengthen digital resilience and ensure that innovation reinforces social cohesion, rather than fueling division.

In a press release, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism said terrorism and the underlying spread of violent extremism pose a serious threat to peace and security and are an affront to humanity.

The 2026 observance focuses on the intersection between violent extremism conducive to terrorism and new and emerging technologies, said the release. ■