Technology and security: enhancing knowledge about advances in science and technology to combat Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Terrorism

The main objective of the project is to contribute to preventing future instances of WMD terrorism through the identification of risks and benefits associated with WMD-relevant advances in science and technology. The main activity in 2019 related to the preparation and review of risk scenarios associated to technology and WMD.

The project envisages the creation and review of risk scenarios related to technology and WMD. The risk scenarios will be based on case studies related to WMD terrorism threats posed by advances in science and technology such as the misuse of synthetic biology and gene-editing technologies (i.e. CRISPR), misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to deliver chemical or biological agents, cyberattacks employing AI to produce advanced malware etc. The scenarios will be developed and reviewed in coordination with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Global Coordination Compact – Working Group on Emerging Threats and Critical Infrastructure Protection.

The project informed Member States and the United Nations Counter Terrorism Global Coordination Compact about the misuse of technology to enhance WMD threats. Based on this information, in 2020 UNICRI will support governments in the identification of technology solutions.