UNOCT Annual Ambassadorial Level Briefing to Member States

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, very good morning to all of you, and I would like to welcome you to today's briefing to Member States on the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. I am very honored and pleased to be joined today by the co-facilitators of the ninth review of the strategy, as appointed by the President of the General Assembly, and it's Her Excellency Ms. Elina Kalku, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, and His Excellency Mr. Amar Hilal, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations. Before giving the floor to the co-facilitators of the ninth review, I hope you don't mind if I provide you with some initial introductory remarks from my office, Office of Counterterrorism. Well, I am very pleased to address all of you at this pivotal year for international counterterrorism efforts. This year, 2026, marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. Supported by a long-standing universal consensus at the General Assembly, the strategy represents a cornerstone of multilateral efforts against terrorism. And it embodies the leading role of the United Nations in building a future free from terrorism. And over the coming months, Member States, meaning you all, will engage in the ninth review of this mentioned strategy. This is a momentous occasion, a test of your collective leadership to send a strong message of unity against the threat posed by terrorism. Well, as I just said, I would like to salute both Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Finland and Morocco as co-facilitators, because they accepted this very important responsibility to facilitate the review process. And obviously, our office, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, or UNOCT, stands ready to assist the co-facilitators in any way member states' requests and comments or any kind of help you need from our side. Well, it's definitely my pleasure to introduce the report of the Secretary-General in anticipation of this review. And as you know, this report was published last Friday under the symbol A/80/620. So I hope you had a chance to have a look at least at this report. We hope that this briefing in the presence of the co-facilitators will assist you in informing your capitals about this report. which was obviously prepared by UNOCT, but by the Secretary General, as you understand, the Secretary General himself who cleared and who issued this report. And as you know, preparation of this report was mandated by the previous eighth review resolution. Its development was informed by intensive consultations, not only within the United Nations system, and especially our partners from the Global Compact, and as you know, for the time being, we have 45. UN agencies participating as members in this compact, which we were asked to coordinate from UNOCT. But there are some also, as you know, some non-UN entities, like Interpol, for instance, I mean, who are participating, and they are a very important partner in our work in this. Well, we also had very extensive consultations with Member States and other stakeholders especially from the civil society organizations, and also from some regional and sub-regional organizations of member states. And they provided us with their views. And I would like to thank 38 member states across all five regional groups that provided their written contributions, which we reflected in this report by the Secretary General. But also, we were informed by submissions from eight regional organizations and 23 civil society organizations worldwide that responded to an open call to contribute to formulation of this report. And I know that civil society participation is very important for many of your countries, and we warmly welcome this input. Well, all these contributions, subject to the agreement of their authors, will be published on the UNOCT website, but obviously, if you don't mind and if you agree with this. Additionally, UNOCT leveraged its stakeholder networks to hold informal consultations with victims of terrorism, youth, gender equality advocates, and parliamentarians. And just a couple of months ago, in Rabat, I participated in a very large ministerial conference on the assistance to victims of terrorism. And I met not only with ministers who participated, but also separately and privately, i met with some victims. of terrorist attacks, who survived terrorist attacks, and they helped, you know, to inform us better, you know, what are the repercussions of terrorist attacks and what is the impact of this. Well, it's not only victims of terrorism, but youth, gender equality advocates, and what is very important for us also, parliamentarians from many countries participated in this conference. but also in previous conferences which we organized with the Government of Spain, with the Government of Iraq, so we have a continuous process. Based on these open and inclusive consultations, the report of the Secretary-General provides a clear and comprehensive picture of progress and also of challenges, and what we must still confront. And it provides an overview of the collective efforts of the United Nations in supporting Member States, which, as you know very well, have the primary responsibility to prevent and counter terrorism. Let us be very clear: amid a myriad of challenges and profound transformation, terrorism remains a major threat to international peace and security, inflicting severe human and economic costs globally. Terrorists continue to adapt their operations in response to counterterrorism efforts, resulting in a threat picture that is more complex and greater in scope. All challenges and opportunities offered by technological development cannot be overstated. whether financial technologies, unmanned aircraft systems, artificial intelligence, and even commercial satellite access. The links of terrorist groups to organized criminal networks, their versatile financing efforts, and their exploitation of online spaces are ever more complex to monitor and address. Against this background, the threat posed by groups like Al-Qaeda, Daesh, and their affiliates continues to be the main, but not the only, global concern. Their expansion in parts of Africa, especially West Africa and the Sahel, should cause alarm for all Member States. And as you remember, several months ago, we presented to the Security Council a special report, and the Secretary-General participated in this meeting, on special terrorist threats in Western Africa, especially in the Gulf of Guinea, but also in the Sahel as a whole. Well, in those areas, as you know, the threat of terrorism is compounded by conflict, organized crime, and instability. The human toll is devastating, especially for women and children, and it is robbing youth of perspectives in their lives. The situation remains fragile in the Middle East, where Daesh continues to pose a threat despite the counterterrorism successes of the Government of Iraq and international partners, with all support from our office in UNOCT. In the Syrian Arab Republic, al-Qaida and Daesh continue to actively exploit security vacuums and uncertainty. The situation has been changing rapidly over the past weeks. Hundreds of Daesh fighters have reportedly escaped from detention in this region, while hundreds of others have been transferred to Iraq and certain detention facilities in Iraq, but also by the Syrian authorities to Aleppo, as you probably know. Member States must all take responsibility for their own nationals, and we have citizens of many countries, not only from Iraq and Syria, but from many other countries, in these camps or detention places, and this is a responsibility of Member States for their own nationals, and they should bring them to justice in line with strict standards of international human rights law, international law in general, and definitely their national legislation. The report of the Secretary General notes that some progress has been made by some Member States in upholding their international obligations in the context of counter-terrorism, including international human rights law, which I just mentioned. But yet, human rights concerns persist. In some contexts, counterterrorism legislation and measures are not consistent in their formulation or application with international law standards. Various national legal frameworks contain definitions of terrorism that do not meet the requirements of legality and legal certainty. Such practices hinder operational effectiveness and international cooperation. and have a chilling effect on civil society's efforts to address the conditions conducive to terrorism, and sometimes they erode public trust. This has a detrimental, sometimes even counterproductive, effect to the very objective of preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Excellency, Given the increasingly complex, multipolar and transnational dimensions of the global terrorism landscape, there can be no doubt that multilateral cooperation remains essential in this area. Reaffirming a single universal reference point under the auspices of the United Nations is very critical. The global counterterrorism strategy is comprehensive, and normatively, it is anchored in the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Its balanced implementation by Member States across all four pillars of this strategy is the key not only for making but sustaining gains against terrorism. With this ninth review, member states have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their efforts and also reassess and, if necessary, adapt and readapt, and obviously provide any new orientation on how the United Nations system can best support all of you. The United Nations is your organization, and the UN counterterrorism architecture and related mandates is yours by design. Our office, UNOCT, in collaboration with all other Global Compact members, many of them present in this room and you will listen to their statements today, is committed to living up to the specific and unique mandate you entrusted to our office in 2017 in all its facets. In the spirit of the UN80 initiative, the Office will continue working with all 45 partners from the Global Compact in order to take practical steps to ensure that our work is data-driven and results-oriented and impact-focused. Subject to your support, the Compact framework, the UN Trust Fund For counterterrorism and a unified results framework developed over the past year provides the tools to improve joint planning, remove duplications through multi-entity initiatives, and increase transparency. And in this regard, I am very glad to inform you that last year, 2025, was a record year for UNCT and our trust fund, which we definitely use not for our programs, but to finance other agencies. And it was a record year, and we raised 65 million US dollars, what are the best results Since the inception of this office, and thank you all donors and contributors, many of them are present in this conference room, of course, we appreciate very much, and we hope that, uh, we are moving forward and '26 will be even better for us. Well, I also very pleased to announce that UNOCT has launched on its website a transparency dashboard, providing a publicly accessible and fully searchable overview of all contributions to the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism since its establishment in 2009. So this is a part of our accountability to our donors, to Member States, to public opinion, and it's open and fully accessible. Well, Excellencies, your negotiations for the ninth review will culminate during the fourth Counter-Terrorism Week at the United Nations in New York, and as you know, it should happen between 26 June and 2 July. July 2nd, and this year, of course, in addition to the meeting of the General Assembly, we will convene also the fourth high-level conference of heads of national counterterrorism agencies, and you will get all official invitations from the United Nations. But we expect, and I in my recent meetings at ministerial and ambassadorial level, I mean, you know, I got confirmations that it's not only national heads of counterterrorism or intelligence agencies, but also a number of foreign ministers and other ministerial delegates will participate. hopefully, in this event. Well, we will have also a series of side events, which will be co-organized by Member States, United Nations entities, regional and civil society organizations, for which initial guidance has already been issued, and I hope you received our communications, and obviously, we'll keep you updated. I mean, you know, we have already many indications, indications, or commitments to organize side events, and we are working with individual missions on organization of this. Well, preparations are very well underway, and more information is forthcoming to facilitate strong participation, first of all, member states, but other partners, especially civil society organizations, in these various activities to exchange views, experiences, best practices, and lessons learned from the implementation of the current strategy. We are ready to play our part in sending with you in June a strong message of unity, resolute rejection of terrorism, and steadfast commitment to collective action. We count on Member States' collective wisdom to ensure a successful review. And thank you for your continued trust and collaboration, and thank you for your attention. Well, now I have to resume my role as a moderator of this meeting, so I made a statement on behalf of United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. Now I have just to facilitate this discussion. And first of all, it's my real pleasure now give the floor to two co-facilitators. I would like first to invite Her Excellency Ms. Elina Kalku, Permanent Representative for Finland, to give her remarks. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Acting Under-Secretary-General. Dear colleagues, as mentioned by the Acting Under-Secretary-General, This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. The strategy and the past reviews reflect two decades of consensus and collective commitment among member states on how to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. It is already five years since a more thorough review was made and three years since the strategy was also updated. In the ninth review, we have a great opportunity to continue our longstanding unity and contribute to the vision set out in the Pact for the Future, which is a future free from terrorism. We share an important common goal here as terrorism continues to pose a significant and global security challenge. In order to counter it effectively, we absolutely need international cooperation in addition to our national efforts. Given the constantly evolving nature of terrorism and violent extremism, we must keep our action up to date to address the threats. The Global Counterterrorism Strategy remains a vital framework of multilateral counterterrorism cooperation. As the SG's report highlights, a lot has happened in global terrorism and counterterrorism landscape, for instance, in the use of technology and digitalization. Terrorist groups increasingly use digital services, online space, and artificial intelligence, both for financing their activities and for radicalization and recruitment. Geographically, as the SG's report also shows, Terrorist groups' activities have expanded most in West Africa and the Sahel. However, current conflicts and tensions are likely to increase terrorist threat elsewhere as well. As the Secretary General's report states, any measures at international or national level to counter terrorism must comply with international law, including international human rights law, humanitarian law, and refugee law as applicable. The respect for human rights and the rule of law is essential for the legitimacy of counter-terrorism measures. Civil societies are also important in preventing and countering terrorism. The role of women and youth representatives, community leaders, religious leaders, municipality workers or school teachers can be significant. The current terrorist threat analysis provides Member States with useful information for consideration of possible updates in the counter-terrorism strategy. Fortunately, the existing text adopted by consensus, in that text we have a solid and well-balanced structure of four pillars and important consensual language on which it is possible to build this year while bringing updates wherever needed. You might wish to consider focusing in particular on the necessary updates or additional elements based on the latest threat assessment. We live through times of UNAD reforms, so I just want to mention this. In the spirit of reform and mandate clarity, you might also wish to consider if there are any elements of the text that are no more relevant. There's also text on pandemics. in the strategy, or whether there are significant overlaps somewhere. I will do my utmost best to fulfill the responsibility of co-facilitation with my dear colleague, Ambassador Omar Hilale, and he will now outline more in detail the intended roadmap for this spring. I hope we can also have a good first discussion today and listen to your comments about counter-terrorism, about the SG's report, the road map, and any aspects that you would like to raise at this stage. Thank you very much.

I would like to thank Ambassador Kalku for her remarks, and I am not sure if we have interpretation. Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, je vais vous introduire en français tout de même, alors Votre Excellence. And I am giving the floor to His Excellency Ambassador Omar Hilali from Morocco.

So, Abu. Thank you very much, dear friend, Acting USG WEF. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset, I would like to warmly welcome all of you for joining this meeting. I would like also to join my fellow co-facilitator, Ambassador Elena Calicu. in expressing our appreciation to Mr. Alexander Zuiev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for United Nations Counter-Terrorism, for the presentation of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which reaffirm our collective commitment to a world free from terrorism as well as his leadership and personal commitment in supporting the co-facilitators and the entire membership for the successful conduct of the ninth review. I seize this opportunity to thank the UN New York City team for closely working with our teams, with utmost diligence and professionalism in the last months, and we can stress enough our appreciation for their support and collaboration. Excellencies, dear colleagues, as we embark in the ninth review of the strategy, we must renew our collective commitment to its comprehensive vision. The balanced implementation of its four pillars remain essential and should guide our future work throughout this process. Thus, the co-facilitators are committed to lead this important process in an inclusive and transparent manner. We are equally devoted to ensuring that all relevant stakeholders can participate and engage meaningfully in this process. Member States, City Compact Coordination Entities, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors will all have the platform and the opportunity to share their views with the co-facilitators and have their perspectives captured when reviewing the strategy. Furthermore, as indicated to the President of the General Assembly, the co-facilitators plan to conduct working trips to Geneva and Vienna to meet with UN agencies, senior officials, as well as civil society representatives. to capture also their respective views regarding all the aspects related to the ninth GCTS review. Finally, I would like to stress the co-facilitators’ commitments and shared vision to stay focused on the ultimate goals of achieving consensual adoption of the Strategies Review. In an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape, this strategy stands as a rare and vital expression of global consensus. We count on all esteemed delegations to work together and be part in reaching this goal. In this final part of my presentation, allow me to draw your attention to the roadmap circulated to all Member States on March. Second, and that will guide our work in the month ahead. As mandated by the General Assembly resolution 77/298, we are entrusted, and I quote, to "undertake by June 2026 an examination of the report of the Secretary-General requested in paragraph 1.2 above." as well as of the implementation of the strategy by Member States and to consider updating the strategy to respond to the changes. And of course, this review is not a procedural exercise, it's a collective responsibility and its outcome will be decided by you, all of you. Allow me to outline the roadmap agreed upon by the co-facilitators to ensure an inclusive, transparent, and structured process. After today's briefing, Member States are invited to submit a written input outlining their priorities by March 28, 2026. These contributions will be instrumental in shaping the zero-draft resolution. which we intend to circulate on April 15. In parallel, we are committed to broad and meaningful engagement. Expert-level consultations with entities of the Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact will take place on March 12, ensuring coherence within the UN system, convening thematic consultations on human rights, and gender youth involvement and victims of terrorism is getting finalized, and details on registrations will be communicated by the Secretariat in due course. Town hall meeting with civil society actors will be convened on April 8th, recognizing the vital role of civil society academia, and practitioners in preventing and countering terrorism. Following the circulation of the zero draft, we will hold three rounds of informal consultations: April 22 and 23, May 11 and 13, and June 3 and 5, complemented by expert-level informal meetings to facilitate detailed negotiations and bridge differences. Revised texts will be issued progressively, culminating in final texts to be placed under silence procedures on June 12, 2026. The process will conclude with the United Nations High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States at the end of June, followed by the General Debate and finally the adoption of the resolution in the General Assembly Hall on July 1st and 2nd, 2026. Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, our guiding principles throughout this process will be inclusivity, transparency, balance, and consensus. As co-facilitators, Ambassador Calico and I remain fully committed to co-facilitating open dialogue and constructive engagement We encourage all delegations to actively participate, submit written priorities, and engage constructively. Our focal points, Ms. Hanna Bouchekhi and Mr. Jacko Jakela, stand ready to coordinate bilateral consultations and technical exchanges. Let us approach this ninth review not as a negotiation of differences, but as a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to multilateralism and collective security. Let us endeavor to update the strategy to respond to pressing changes and be reminded that multilateralism is not an option in counterterrorism, but indeed indispensable. A consensual and forward-looking outcome will send a powerful message that the United Nations remain united in fighting terrorism, adaptable and determined in confronting all kinds of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We look forward to working closely with all of you in the months ahead. I thank you very much.

Thank you very much. And thank you very much indeed. And now we are moving to the next segment of our meeting, and this is an interactive segment, and we have already 15 pre-inscribed speakers, but additional requests will be taken on a first come, first served basis. And I also kindly remind all speakers to mute their microphones when they are not speaking. So, with great pleasure, I would like, first of all, give the floor to His Excellency Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Permanent Representative of the European Union to the United Nations. And next on my list is His Excellency Mr. Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of the Republic of China to the United Nations. Ambassador, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, as well as Norway, Armenia, and Monaco, aligned themselves with the statement. We would like to thank you, the acting USG, for your excellent briefing, and our dear colleagues from Finland and Morocco, our co-facilitators, for taking up the important task of facilitating the ninth review. of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy. We also thank the Secretary General for the report on the progress of the implementation of the strategy published on 27 February. Counterterrorism, dear colleagues, remains at the forefront of the European Union's efforts to promote international peace and security. The threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in all their forms, and irrespective of their origin, continues to pose a major risk to all of us. It remains fast-evolving, transactional, transnational, and deeply interconnected with geopolitical instability and rapid technological advances. ISIL/Daesh, al-Qaida, and their affiliates continue to represent the most significant international terrorist threat, including through their expanding presence in the Sahel and other parts of Africa, as well as their continued activity in Afghanistan and Central Asia, Syria and Iraq, and beyond. At the same time, we are witnessing the growing mobilization of individuals and lone actors inspired by transnational terrorists and violent extremist narratives, including online ecosystems, which directly affects societies in all regions of the world, including in the European Union. All this underlines a common interest in and the continued importance of international cooperation. in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. The GCTS constitutes the central framework shaping and guiding our collective efforts. So, dear colleagues, let me outline three general priorities for this review in which the European Union and its member states will engage as a group. First, the GCTS is, as it stands today, provides an effective and carefully calibrated foundation for multilateral counterterrorism. It reflects two decades of sustained intergovernmental consensus and collective commitment among Member States on how to address terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and it continues to serve as the cornerstone of multilateral counterterrorism cooperation. Preserving the comprehensive and balanced nature of the Strategy across all four pillars, which include its human rights-based rule of law-driven, gender-responsive, and prevention-oriented approach, as well as meaningful engagement with civil society and victims of terrorism, is essential to maintaining its credibility and long-term effectiveness. As underlined in the Secretary General's report, these elements are not peripheral to the strategy; they constitute its core strength. Effective counterterrorism succeeds not in spite of human rights, respect for the rule of law, and a sustained focus on prevention. Experience has demonstrated time and again that it succeeds because these very principles, which, let us not forget, are in and of themselves despised by terrorists, enhance its legitimacy, sustainability, and long-term impact. Second, We approach this review as an opportunity for Member States to further strengthen international cooperation and enhance the strategy’s impact considering today’s evolving threat environment. We see scope for targeted refinements that respond to emerging challenges, including developments related to new technologies, and that further strengthen effective implementation, transparency, and accountability in ways that reinforce the strategy’s overall coherence and effectiveness. Third, An inclusive and transparent process will be key to achieving a strong and broadly supported outcome that continues to underpin multilateral counterterrorism cooperation, as highlighted by the USG and by the two COFACs. Moreover, it is important that the strategy and our collective efforts remain grounded in an objective and evidence-based understanding of current and emerging challenges. So, in closing, dear colleagues, The European Union and its Member States will engage in the spirit of cooperation with a clear objective of ensuring a consensual outcome that builds upon the strategy's core strengths and reinforces its practical impact. We will provide further details on our priorities in our written submission and look forward to engaging constructively with the co-facilitators and all other delegations, taking into account the views expressed in today's discussion as well. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Ambassador Lambrinidis. And now I am giving the floor to His Excellency Mr. Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, and Permanent Representative of Jordan, His Excellency Mr. Walid Obeidat, is next on my list.

Thank you. Thank you, Acting Under-Secretary-General Ouzouif. I thank you and the two co-facilitators, Ambassador Kaku and Ambassador Hilali, for your briefings and remarks. Over the past two decades since its adoption, the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy has played a pivotal role in preventing and combating terrorism, strengthening counter-terrorism capacity building of Member States, and enhancing international counter-terrorism cooperation. China highly commends the dedicated efforts of UNOCT and CTAT and other relevant UN entities in this regard, and supports the United Nations in continuing to play a central coordinating role. At present, terrorism is increasingly intertwined with armed conflict transnational organized crime, social inequality, and the misuse of emerging technologies. These interlocking challenges have cast a long shadow over international peace and security. In this context, the ninth review of the Strategy offers us not only a moment to take stock, but also an opportunity to enhance exchanges and cooperation so as to form greater synergy in our collective fight against terrorism. We must firmly reject selective approaches and double standards, and eliminate the breeding ground for terrorism by reducing conflicts and poverty, and by respecting the diversity of civilizations. On Afghanistan, We urge the Afghan Government to take concrete measures so that the country will not once again become a hub for terrorist organizations. On Syria, the transitional government should resolutely combat all Council-listed terrorist organizations, such as ISIS and the ETM. and prevent terrorists from using the Syrian territories to threaten other countries’ security. And in light of the incessant terrorist attacks carried out by B.L.A. and its Majid Brigade in Pakistan, the Security Council should promptly include them in the 1267 sanctions list. In addition, We call on the international community to deepen cooperation with African countries and the regional organizations, such as the African Union, to help bolster the counterterrorism capacity of the continent. Dear colleagues, The Chinese government attaches great importance to the implementation of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy. We have made sustained efforts to improve our legal framework step up our fight against terrorist attacks, and ensure that human rights are protected in accordance with law in our counter-terrorism efforts. Internationally, China has actively conducted bilateral and multilateral cooperation and has supported UNOCT and CTAS projects in Africa and Central Asia through the China-UN Peace and Development Fund. China stands ready to engage constructively in the ninth review of the strategy and work with all parties to make greater contributions for a world of lasting peace and universal security. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. Ambassador Fukong and Shesh. And now I'm very pleased to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Walid Obeidat, Permanent Representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations. And next on my list is Mr. Sindof Andoni, Chargé d'Affaires, Permanent Mission of Nigeria. Okay, Ambassador, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Excellency. Allow me to express my appreciation to the Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and for the co-facilitators for their leadership as we prepare for the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which marks the 20th anniversary of its adoption, in particular, the map that has been laid forward for the collective work that lies ahead of us all. For two decades, the Global Counterterrorism Strategy has been the main framework guiding our collective efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Its balanced four-pillar approach remains indispensable, especially as the threats we face become more complex and constantly evolving. Jordan remains firmly committed to the effective and comprehensive implementation of the strategy. At the national level, We continue to strengthen our legislative, judicial, and institutional frameworks to combat terrorism and terrorist financing, enhance border management systems, and advance preventive measures that promote community resilience. At the international level, Jordan cooperates closely with partners and relevant United Nations entities in priority areas, including countering terrorist financing and addressing the misuse of artificial intelligence, encrypted communications and online platforms that are used for terrorist activities. Most recently, on 17 February, a new round of the ACABA process meetings was held in London, bringing together senior officials to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise with a view to enhance the safety, security and efficiency of airspace management, including the use of drones. As we approach this ninth review, we must pay particular attention to new and emerging challenges. The misuse of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and other rapidly developing technologies has created new risks, while these tools bring enormous benefits that can also be exploited by terrorist groups for recruitment, propaganda, financing, and operational planning. In responding to these threats, we must ensure full respect for international law, including human rights law, and the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. We also support strengthening regional technical cooperation to enhance training, operational coordination, and information sharing among States. Pilot initiatives could be considered to deploy advancing monitoring technologies, including tools capable of addressing AI-enabled threats, accompanied by safeguards to ensure full respect for human rights. Furthermore, establishing a targeted funding window to support short-term practical projects in countries facing active terrorist threats could help deliver timely and measurable results. Jordan stands ready to engage constructively, and our written submission will follow, with all Member States to ensure a consensus-based outcome that reinforces our shared commitment to combat terrorism in full conformity with international law and the United Nations Charter. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. Shukran. And now I am giving the floor to His Excellency Mr. Sindofe Ndoni, Chargé d'Affaires of Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations. And next on my list is Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil, Mr. Norberto Moretti. The floor is yours.

Regrettably, Mr. Ndhoni is unable to deliver the statement due to last-minute developments. Acting USG Mr. Zuev, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my delegation expresses its appreciation to UNOCT for convening this briefing, which has provided valuable insights into the preparations for the ninth review of the GCTS. We also welcome the highlights from the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the strategy. This exercise is vital for assessing our collective progress and identifying the gaps in our global counterterrorism architecture and efforts. Nigeria remains deeply committed to the four pillars of the GCTS, adopting a holistic whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to combat the evolving threat of terrorism. Across the pillars, Nigeria has prioritized addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism through our National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, which targets root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and political exclusion. Furthermore, through the Northeast Development Commission, as well as national and regional initiatives, including under the Lake Chad Basin Commission, we have implemented socioeconomic stabilization programs in conflict-affected regions. focusing on livelihood restoration and the reconstruction of critical infrastructure to prevent radicalization. Under Pillar 2, Nigeria has significantly strengthened its legal and operational frameworks. The enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act and National Counterterrorism Strategy has been instrumental in criminalizing terrorist acts and financing. Our security forces continue to conduct sustained operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist groups, supported by an intelligence-led framework and regional security mechanisms. Under pillar three, our commitment to regional and global cooperation remains steadfast through active engagement with ECOWAS, the African Union, and UNOCT, among other relevant entities. Notably, Nigeria, in collaboration with the UNOCT, hosted the 2024 High-Level African Counterterrorism Meeting, which sought to strengthen regional collaboration to address terrorism across the continent and culminated in the Abuja Declaration. Under Pillar 4, Nigeria ensures that all counterterrorism measures are grounded in the rule of law. The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act incorporates safeguards to ensure alignment with international human rights, humanitarian, and refugee law. To this end, specific efforts to minimize civilian harm during operations have been in place, supported by a process of periodic review to ensure continuous improvement. Furthermore, my delegation wishes to emphasize that ensuring assistance and remedies for victims of terrorism remains a priority, and we are providing essential rehabilitation and psychosocial support to foster long-term recovery and resilience. The National Human Rights Commission has also been empowered to monitor counterterrorism efforts and investigate allegations of misconduct, ensuring accountability and the protection of vulnerable groups. Mr. Chair, while we note the collective implementation and successes, we must also acknowledge the persistent challenges in the fulfillment and application of the GCTS. Terrorist groups have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, exploiting emerging technologies and local grievances to expand their reach. Nigeria therefore welcomes the opportunity provided by the ninth review. It is a critical moment to appraise and update our collective strategy to reflect current operational realities and emerging trends. It is imperative that the GCTS remains a living document capable of addressing the fluid nature of the global threat landscape. Notably, and in line with the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, We welcome the call for enhanced implementation of pillar one, addressing conditions conducive to terrorism. We call for the acknowledgement of the climate security nexus and note the need for CT strategies to include climate security action plans and programming. We advocate for integrating these efforts into broader UN goals for peace, development, and human rights. Furthermore, Nigeria emphasizes the need for strengthened implementation of measures to counter the evolving threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems and the weaponization of commercial drones. We call for improved global efforts in the prevention and disruption of networks that facilitate the illicit transfer of weapons and IEDs, as well as measures against the financing of terrorism. It is equally vital to address the increasing convergence between transnational organized crime and terrorism, while working collectively to close technological capability gaps through shared innovation and responsible use of artificial intelligence. In conclusion, Nigeria assures the co-facilitators, Finland and Morocco, of its cooperation throughout the review process and reaffirms its commitment to working with the UN and all Member States to ensure a more secure and resilient world. I thank you.

I would like to thank the distinguished delegate of Nigeria for her statement. And now I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Norberto Moretti, Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations. And Her Excellency DPR of the Russian Federation, Maria Zabolotskaya, is next on my list. Excellency, over to you, please.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank you for your remarks, and I thank Ambassadors Kolkku and Hilali for their co-facilitation and their remarks this morning. The repudiation of terrorism is a guiding principle of Brazil's international relations. enshrined in our very Constitution. In New York, my delegation has actively engaged in the reviews of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy since its inception. Given its inclusive approach that reflects a wide variety, right diversity of perspectives, the document bears full legitimacy as the principal framework for guiding the global effort against international terrorism. However, the strategy alone is insufficient, as we know. Its effective and consistent implementation is essential to ensuring a firm and effective response to the threat of terrorism. In this regard, the United Nations, through entities of the Global Compact, such as UNOCT, UNSCCT, UNODC, and CTAD, plays a crucial role in providing sound advice and technical assistance to States. Cooperation must always take into account the need for a balanced implementation of the strategy across its four pillars, as well as the provisions outlined in Action 23 of the Pact for the Future. In this endeavour, as we have said before, it is essential that we address the root causes of terrorism. Understanding why individuals commit such horrific acts is an essential step toward prevention. Obviously, comprehending is not tolerating, much less condoning. it is key to effectively fighting it. As Brazil has consistently underscored in both the GA and the Security Council, it is high time to break the current deadlock on negotiating a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Without a clear, universally agreed upon legal definition of this conduct, there will always remain the potential for accusations of double standards. We look forward to continuing our active engagement in the ninth review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy, addressing both contemporary challenges and the persistent gaps. Addressing issues on all pillars of the UN peace and security, development, human rights will be equally vital in this task. We cannot afford to limit ourselves to a purely security-focused perspective if we are to make meaningful progress in our fight against terrorism. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. And now I give the floor to Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, Her Excellency Maria Zabolotskaya.

Thank you, Mr. Under-Secretary-General, dear co-facilitators of the forthcoming review of Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, dear colleagues. We have examined the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the UN system in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and welcome the efforts undertaken across the UN system in this regard. The report reflects the continued engagement of relevant UN entities, especially the UNOCT, in supporting Member States in their implementation of the Strategy. In light of the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and with a view to facilitating a substantive exchange of views on the relevant General Assembly resolution, we would like to highlight several key considerations and concerns regarding the ongoing process. The previous review resolution has clear advantages. First and foremost, it's consensual and therefore balanced in nature. We trust the newly appointed co-facilitators will strictly adhere to the principle of neutrality. It is important that narrowly focused approaches advanced by a limited group of actors are not prioritized over consensus. Otherwise, the final outcome may fail to secure universal support and will no longer be perceived as a common position of all Member States, which is crucial when addressing challenges of terrorism. We call upon the co-facilitators to launch the negotiations on the basis of the outcomes of the eighth review and to frame the zero draft as a technical update of the resolution A/77/298. Our approaches remain consistent: respect for the sovereignty and equality of States in the counter-terrorism context; strengthening international and regional cooperation; ensuring national ownership with primary responsibility for implementation resting with States and their competent authorities; and the balanced implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy. We also reaffirm the central coordinating role of the United Nations, in enhancing international counterterrorism cooperation, including by strengthening the coordinating mandate and capacity-building support provided by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. In this regard, it is essential to preserve the existing UN counterterrorism architecture, ensure stable financing and effective functioning of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, and enhance the overall efficiency of capacity-building efforts. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. And now I would like to give the floor to His Excellency Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba, Ms. Delenis Moreno Guerrero. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Zouef. Good morning, colleagues. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this briefing, and thank you, Mr. Zouef, and co-facilitator, for the information provided. We firmly support the collective efforts of United Nations in this fight against terrorism. The UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy constitutes a milestone in the international response to this scourge, and we respect the central role of the General Assembly in this endeavor. We reaffirm the value of the strategy and the primary responsibility of States to implement it transparently and with a balanced approach across its four pillars. Cuba considers that the zero draft of the resolution and the review of the strategy should avoid introducing conceptual changes, particularly those involving new provisions that lack consensus or that could affect the overall balance of the text. The review also provides an opportunity not only to assess progress, but also to reflect on the integrity and credibility of our collective efforts. In this regard, we must address the harmful practice of unilateral and unfounded designations. The inclusion of Cuba in the U.S. unilateral list alleging support for or insufficient cooperation against terrorism is politically motivated and lacks evidence. For more than six decades, our country has been victim of these acts that have claimed thousands of Cuban lives and caused enormous human and economic damage. Many of these acts were organized and financed from this territory. Terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. Efforts to combat it must be comprehensive, including direct actions and preventive measures aimed at eradicating its root causes. Our delegation remains also concerned about the misuse of information and communications technologies to commit, incite, recruit, finance, or plan terrorist acts in violation of the UN Charter and international law. At the same time, we cannot ignore the broader context in which counterterrorism measures are implemented. UCMs, for example, have severe humanitarian and developmental consequences. They hinder financial transaction or stroke access to essential goods, restrict cooperation channels, and ultimately harm ordinary citizens. In this context, we reiterate our commitment to the adoption of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism, including state terrorism that could overcome existing legal gaps and normative fragmentation. In conclusion, we will participate constructively in the negotiation of the ninth review of the strategy. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Excellency. And now we are moving to the Permanent Mission of Egypt. Mr. Amr Mossad, the floor is yours. And next on my list is Legal Advisor of Permanent Mission of Israel, Mr. Noam Kapon.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, Mr. Alexander Zuev, for the briefing you delivered. We also thank Her Excellency Ms. Elina Kalko, Permanent Representative of Finland, and His Excellency Mr. Omar Hilal, Permanent Representative of Kingdom of Morocco, for your brief of the ninth review and for providing a clear roadmap for the next phases. We emphasize the importance Egypt attached to the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy and the four pillars it established since its adoption by the General Assembly in 2006. In this context, we highlight Egypt's contribution to the report of the Secretary-General. and to the eight previous reviews, and we emphasize our intention to actively participate in the ninth review. We underscore the significance of the ninth review, which is taking place amid several developments in the international order and the United Nations system, including the UN80. We commend the role of the UN entities, particularly the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, in assisting Member States in implementing the strategy, especially in capacity building. We call for the intensification of such programmes in light of the emergence of new forms of terrorism and the evolving use of technology. We appreciate the Secretary General's remarks in paragraph 60 of his report, which emphasized that responses to terrorism cannot be effective unless they are grounded in the UN Charter and compliant with international law. We reaffirm Egypt's position on the principle of the state's primary responsibility and the central role of its national institutions in counter-terrorism efforts. At the national level, Egypt has adopted a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the security dimension to address economic and social aspects in line with international law and the four pillars of the UN strategy. In implementing the strategy, Egypt has taken measures to counter extremist ideologies that lead to terrorism, including through research centers, particularly Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism. Egypt has also enacted a comprehensive legal package consistent with Egypt's regional and international obligations and the UN strategy. Egypt attaches importance to capacity building and support for African countries through specialized training courses and the dispatch of Al-Azhar imams to combat extremist ideas. Egypt also works to enhance Arab counter-terrorism frameworks and continues to play an active role as co-chair of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, alongside the European Union. Egypt is concerned about the growing phenomenon of terrorism across the African continent, particularly in the Sahel region, the continued flow of foreign terrorist fighters into Africa, and the increasing use by terrorist groups of technology, drones, and cryptocurrencies to carry out their operations. We also express concern about the rising recruitment of children, whether through electronic games or through abduction and forced recruitment. We further stress the importance of paying attention to the close links between terrorist organizations and organized crime groups. In conclusion, we look forward to working with the co-facilitators, other Member States, and the United Nations system, and we stand ready to provide assistance. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, Mr. Masad. And now I give the floor to the Legal Advisor of Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, Mr. Noam Kapone. And after him, i have a representative of the Permanent Mission of Japan as a speaker. So, Mr. Kapone, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Your Excellency, Acting USG Zuev. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you and the distinguished ambassadors of Finland and Morocco on their appointment as co-facilitators of the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. We have confidence in your leadership, and we wish you every success in this important endeavour. We also commend the United Nations Office on Counter Terrorism for its sustained and meaningful contribution to advancing the global fight against terrorism. Mr. Chair, since the last review in June 2023, the strategic reality has changed dramatically. Less than four months after the international community reaffirmed its commitment to the global strategy, Israel suffered the deadliest terrorist attack in its history, the 7th of October massacre. On 7th of October 2023, Israel endured a large-scale and brutal assault perpetrated by the terrorist organization Hamas and other terrorist groups. During these attacks, Hamas systematically employed widespread killing, maiming, and gender-based violence as a weapon of war against civilians. Forensic findings and survivor testimonies documented premeditated acts of rape, gang rape, mutilation, torture, and desecration of victims and bodies across multiple locations. These atrocities also extended to the 251 hostages abducted to Gaza. The West operative deliberately targeted children, murdering infants and young civilians, carrying out close rate executions, and burning families alive in their homes. Throughout the war initiated by Hamas, civilians, Israelis, and Palestinians alike have suffered the consequences of terrorism organization embedding themselves within civilian environments. Since that day, Israel has confronted terrorism on multiple fronts. Even as we gather here today, exchanging views on the importance of countering terrorism worldwide and on how to update the global counterterrorism strategy, we, in the State of Israel, cannot afford to merely talk. We are acting, even at this day, even in this moment, to eradicate the threat of terrorism near and far, along our borders and far beyond them. We do so in close cooperation with our allies, those who seek peace, prosperity, and stability in our region. As we speak, my family and friends back home, my mom, my dad, my brother and sister, the young children, my grandmas, aged 86 and 93, the latter a Holocaust survivor, are running back and forth to the bomb shelters to protect themselves from the ballistic missile launch at Israel from the Islamic Republic of Iran or from the missiles fired by Hezbollah along the northern border, but they are strong and determined. We are determined to remove the threat of the terror hanging over us, and we will prevail. For us, the existential and imminent threat of terrorism and of genocidal armed forces openly calling for our destruction is neither theoretical nor distant. The calls for the annihilation of the State of Israel are voiced loudly and clearly by Hamas, by Hezbollah, by the Houthis, and by the orchestrator, sponsor, and the architect of the global proliferation of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our fight against terrorist organization remained ongoing and will continue for as long as necessary to protect our people and until those responsible for this imminent threat lay down their arms and surrender. Mr. Chair, Israel has faced terrorism since its establishment. From this painful experience, we have developed significant expertise in prevention, intelligence, resilience, and response. Because terrorism is a transnational threat, we continue to share our knowledge, technologies, and best practices with the international community. As we begin negotiations on the ninth review, one principle must guide our work. Zero tolerance and zero excuses. Terrorism must never be justified, rationalized, or contextualized, regardless of any political objective or ideology. Mr. Chair, we are also witnessing an alarming global rise in antisemitism. There is a direct line between extremist ideology, incitement, and acts of terror. Online incitement against Jews and against the State of Israel has increasingly translated into physical violence on the streets, outside synagogues, and on university campuses worldwide. This phenomenon must be addressed as an integral component of any serious counterterrorism strategy. Combating antisemitism, incitement, and radicalization, both online and offline, is not optional. It's essential. Mr. Chair, in the forthcoming discussion on the ninth review on the strategy, the State of Israel will seek to emphasize several key areas. First, the growing threat posed by non-state armed groups and terrorist organizations to international peace and security. Second, the need to adopt and enforce comprehensive mechanism to assess, prevent, and penalize act that support terrorism, including the infiltration of terrorist elements into the United Nation agencies and infrastructure. This requires strengthened vetting and oversight mechanism for the UN personnel and partners. Third, the recognition of antisemitism as a driver and trigger of extremist violence and terrorist acts. And fourth, the urgent need to address the incitement and indoctrination of minors who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by terrorist organizations, inter alia, through social media platforms. Mr. Chair, the State of Israel remains firmly committed to the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy and to strengthening international cooperation against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Israel stands ready to engage constructively in the negotiation ahead and to contribute meaningfully to our shared global effort to defeat terrorism. We call on the international community to stand united in unequivocally condemning terrorism and ideologies that fuel it, and to embed this clarity through the review process. Only through unity, determination, and uncompromising zero-tolerance approach will we effectively confront the evolving threat of terrorism. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, Mr. Capon. Toda. Now I give the floor to Mr. Kentaro Matsumura from the Permanent Mission of Japan. The floor is yours, and next one on my list is Mr. Al-Sulaiti from the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar.

Thank you, Acting U.S. G. Zhao, for your introduction. Distinguished colleagues, At the outset, I would like to thank UNOCT for organizing this briefing and the Secretary General for the comprehensive report. This document clearly illustrates that while our collective efforts have yielded progress, the terrorist threat continues to evolve in scope and complexity. Japan remains a steadfast partner in this global mission. Just last month, we welcomed a CTET assessment visit to Tokyo. Our discussions focused heavily on the intersection of advanced technology and counterterrorism, a priority highlighted in the Secretary General’s report. This visit underscored Japan’s commitment to aligning our domestic frameworks with international standards while addressing emerging risks. In New York, Japan continues to lead on critical thematic issues. This year, we have allocated national budgets to two pivotal projects in collaboration with UNOCT: Countering Violent Extremism through Gaming and Enhancing OSINT for Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). These initiatives directly address the report's warnings regarding the exploitation of gaming platforms for recruitment and the shift towards virtual assets and digital platforms for illicit financing. The primary focus of these projects is Southeast Asia. While the region has seen a decline in large-scale attacks, the digital landscape remains a front line given the rapid development of ICT technology, including AI and cyber activities in the region. Recent trends indicate that self-radicalization via social media and the use of sophisticated encryption for communication continue to pose significant challenges. Japan will continue to address these challenges within and beyond the region in close cooperation with relevant UN partners, including UNOCT, UNODC, and UNICRI. In this way, counterterrorism is a challenge intertwined across the region. It is a vital necessity to ensure cross-regional efforts and global resilience. Japan looks forward to bringing our technical expertise and multidimensional perspective to the upcoming negotiations. We are committed to achieving a robust adoption of the GCTS in July to pursue a future free from terrorism. I thank you.

Thank you very much. And now I give the floor to Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Sulaiti, representing Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar. And next on my list is Mr. Sawada Small from the Permanent Mission of Pakistan. So, Mr. Al-Sulaiti, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Izue, for giving me the floor and for this useful briefing. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate their Excellencies, Ambassador of Finland and Ambassador of Morocco, on assuming the role of co-facilitators of consultations on this important resolution. This process, which now takes place only once every three years, allows Member States to reaffirm commitment to the Global Counterterrorism Strategy and to reinvigorate the implementation while addressing and coping with emerging challenges and opportunities. We are confident the consultations will be productive and culminate in the adoption of a substantive resolution during CT Week. My delegation will engage constructively, and we look forward to inclusion of important elements, for example, the efforts of UNOCT in increasing its field presence, including through programme offices, which include the UNOCT office in Doha. We also look forward to participating in the CT Week and commend UNOCT efforts to ensure its success. With respect to the SGA report, we appreciate the effort made to prepare it. We welcome the progress demonstrated in the report of activities undertaken by UNOCT and other UN agencies that are members of the Global CT Compact to implement each of the four pillars of the UN GCTS in a balanced manner. Many of these activities are notably undertaken with support from the State of Qatar as a result of its multi-year contribution to UNOCT's strategic activities. I would also like to highlight that Qatar is among the States that made a submission for the SG report on activities it has undertaken over the past three years to implement the GCTS, and we reaffirm Qatar’s commitment to this important strategy and its periodic review. Allow me to quickly draw attention to the UNOCT Behavioral Insights Hub, established in Doha in 2020 through a partnership between UNOCT and the State of Qatar, which seek to harness behavioral science to strengthen efforts to prevent and counter terrorism. Building on these initiatives, my delegation stands ready to continue working closely with partners to ensure that such programs are implemented with the highest standards of effectiveness and impact. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much. And now I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Sawad Asmal, and the next on my list is Ms. Faida Yasmin, Minister Counsellor of Bangladesh. So please, Mr. Sawad Asmal, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to thank you for introducing the SG’s report and the co-facilitators for today’s briefing emphasizing on the GCDS. Pakistan assures the delegations of Finland and Morocco of its full support during the ninth review process and remains committed to ensuring a successful outcome. Excellencies, dear colleagues, Pakistan has remained at the forefront of global counterterrorism efforts and has itself been a principal target of terrorist attacks from groups such as the TTP, BLA, and Mujahideen Brigade, and ISIL-K, Daesh, operating from safe havens inside Afghanistan. As noted in the Secretary General's report, the threat emanating from Afghanistan, where several terrorist groups continue to be active, is a matter of serious concern for us. In the past few weeks alone, we have had a series of terrorist attacks losing more than 150 innocent lives. We are also concerned about the rising terrorism threat in West Africa and the Sahel. We appreciate the work of UNOCT and hope they will continue to direct their efforts for the balanced implementation of the GCTS mandate at the conceptual, strategic, and operational levels on a demand-driven, not donor-driven model. Mr. Chair, we must address the terrorism challenge at each level, be it indoctrination, recruitment, threat mitigation, physical actions that include kinetic operations, state cooperation to eliminate safe havens, and terror financing and recruitment. Instability and conflict fuels terrorism, incentivizing armed groups and transnational criminal networks to benefit from ungoverned spaces from the resulting chaos. It is vital that we give more attention to the underlying root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, injustice, oppression, and prolonged unresolved conflicts, while differentiating between the legitimate struggle against foreign occupation and denial of the right to self-determination and oppression in accordance with international law and UNGA Resolution 46/51. We must prevent hate speech, radicalization, and disinformation, including xenophobia that contributes to extremism and terrorism. It is essential that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, ethnicity, or belief. New and emerging forms of terrorism, including violent nationalist, extreme right-wing, far-right, xenophobic, and Islamophobic groups and ideologies across the globe, must be given due attention, particularly in the UN's counterterrorism architecture. Necessary changes are also needed in the UNCT architecture and sanctions regimes to ensure they are adequately equipped to respond to the current challenges through a fair, just, and comprehensive mechanism. Pakistan also supports the Office of the Ombudsperson and for providing them with adequate resources and operational autonomy. We must regulate new technologies, including ICTs, cryptocurrencies, and dark web, to prevent online terrorist recruitment, financing, incitement to violence, radicalization, and disinformation. We must incorporate adequate safeguards against the harmful effects of AI that can be misused for such content. To fill these gaps, the General Assembly should consider creating a subsidiary body to promote the comprehensive implementation of all four GCTS pillars. We look forward to the upcoming GCTS 9th review and sincerely hope we will be able to agree on common principles, accommodating the diverse range of views from different parts of the world. while being cognizant of cultural sensitivities and promoting harmony among civilizations. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Savada Small. Now I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Bangladesh, Ms. Faeda Yasmin, and the next one is a representative of the mission of India, Mr. Raghu Puri. Madam, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Acting Under-Secretary-General, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representatives of Finland and Morocco for their brief. We welcome the Secretary-General’s report. identification of various challenges. We believe that we need a strengthened multilateral cooperation to address these challenges. Bangladesh remains fully committed to the strategy, and we strongly support an approach of zero tolerance to terrorism in all its forms. We believe that terrorism cannot be linked or associated to any nationality or religion. As we discuss the ninth review of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy, we would like to hear from the four pillars of GCTS. Regarding the next outcome and the negotiations, our priorities will be, number one, to address root causes of terrorism and give a strong focus on prevention. It needs inclusion of young and women leadership to be successful to that default. Number two, addressing emerging and evolving threats like misuse of AI and online platform. Number three, prevent and combat illicit financial flows that enable terrorism, including through information sharing. Number four, we also underscore the need of international cooperation in addressing the situation of forcibly displaced persons who are vulnerable to exploitation by terrorist networks. Number five, we also underscored the need for capacity building and technical assistance to developing countries, which must be predictable and need-based, free from any conditionality. Whatever is needed to combat terrorism, we would like to see that for the developing countries, otherwise the target for countering terrorism worldwide would not be successful. And we would also like to highlight the importance of cross-border and maritime security, need to strengthen that one also. We look forward to constructively engage with the co-facilitators of this negotiation process for an action-oriented and ambitious outcome. We will submit our written input soon. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much for your statement. Now we are moving to the distinguished representative of India, Mr. Raghu Puri. And after this, we will listen to statements by my UN colleagues and partners from the Global Compact entities, because we don't have any more member states inscribed, unless you have last-minute requests. So please, Mr. Raghu Puri, the floor is yours.

Thank you so much, Chair. We add our voice in stressing, uh, on the importance of the global counterterrorism strategy as a central instrument for multilateral cooperation. India will remain steadfast and engaged in the consultations of the ninth review of the GCTS. We assure our full cooperation to the co-facilitators, Finland and Morocco, during the negotiations of this very important UN process. Terrorism is an existential threat to the international peace and security. It knows no borders, nationality, or race, and is a challenge that the international community must combat collectively. As the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee in 2022, India had striven to bring these principles into the counter-terrorism architecture of the UN and into the debate on terrorism at the United Nations. Our follow-up initiatives, both in New York and around the world, stand testimony of our commitment, including the Delhi Declaration, a landmark document to deal with issues countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, an issue of acute importance for several Member States. Its advancement with the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles and the Algeria Guiding Principles are heartening. India continues to work closely with the UN via its entities to build capacity and make our partners future-ready to take this ever-evolving scourge. As a country which itself has been a victim of cross-border terrorism for nearly the past three decades, India is acutely aware of the socio-economic and human cost of terrorism, especially for its victims. Just last year, my country was brutally attacked by the Resistance Front, a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-listed terror organization, in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, that led to the loss of lives of 26 innocent tourists. We must act together against ISIS and al-Qaida and their proxies. In closing, I reiterate my delegation’s commitment for meaningful negotiations within the GCTS to pursue a future free of terrorism. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your statement. And as I said, we are moving right now to the UN system global compact entities. And first on my list is Ms. Xiaohong Li, representative of the New York office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, which is a very global and priority partner of my office. And next on my list will be Ms. Carmen Munoz from Interpol. So, please, Ms. Lee, over to you.

Thank you, Excellency, for giving me the floor. On behalf of the UN Office on Drugs Crime, also referred to UNODC, I wish to thank Acting Under-Secretary-General Zou Eif for convening the briefing and to express our appreciation to the co-facilitators, Her Excellency Ambassador Kaku of Finland and His Excellency Ambassador Kilali of Morocco for their leadership in steering the ninth review of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. So over two, for over two decades, UNODC has worked to support member states in strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice responses to terrorism, including alongside the partners of the Global Counterterrorism Compact after it was established in 2018. This includes assistance in the ratification and implementation of the international legal instruments against terrorism, strengthening criminal justice systems, and promoting international cooperation in criminal matters, all grounded in rule of law principles and international human rights standards. Such assistance aims to provide multidisciplinary solutions based on UNODC's integrated mandate across crime, corruption, drugs, cybercrime, and terrorism. This work is delivered in complementarity with the broader Global Compact architecture. Chair, allow me to draw the attention of Member States to an area where we believe the next review can deepen our collective engagement: the nexus between terrorism and organized crime and countering the financing of terrorism, which remains a clear priority for Member States. The security landscape has shifted has shifted considerably. Terrorist groups in the Sahel, West Africa, the whole of Africa, and the South and Southeast Asia increasingly rely on organized crime for financing and operation, such as drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, smuggling, and kidnapping for ransom. These hybrid threats demand integrated responses that bring together all expertises of global compact entities. We would encourage member states to ensure that the Nansen Review strengthens the language on crime-terrorism nexus and supports the continued development of integrated approaches. So, Chair, we are pleased to note that the co-facilitators are considering a visit to Vienna and Geneva as part of the consultations with UN entities and relevant stakeholders. UNODC warmly welcome this initiative and stands ready to support the organization of a comprehensive programs of the meetings, including virtual briefings from field offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, benefiting from UNODC's extensive operational field presences in over 80 countries. We believe that this kind of engagement can help ensure that the real outcome reflects the breadth of the UN system’s counterterrorism work where it matters most on the ground. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much for your statement. And now we are moving to the statement of Ms. Carmen Munoz, Director of Counter-Terrorism of Interpol, which is also a very special partner of my office. Okay, please.

Under-Secretary-General Zoef, Excellencies, Esteemed Delegates, thank you for the comprehensive overview of preparations of the ninth review of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy, and for the steady commitment of Member States and UN partners to a coordinated, rights-based response. I am Carmen Muñoz, Interpol's new Counterterrorism Director, seconded from Spanish National Police. It is an honor to be with you on how Interpol operationalizes the UN strategy, not through technology alone, but through the enduring power of human-to-human cooperation, real-time intelligence sharing, and frontline support to our 196 member countries. Terrorism is transnational, adaptive, and increasingly technologically enabled. Since 2023, Interpol issued over 45,000 notices for terrorism-related suspects and facilitated more than 2,000 arrests linked to terrorist networks from the Sahel to Southeast Asia. As measures to prevent and combat terrorism under Pillar 2, More than 1,000 officials from 60 countries were empowered through our City Tech+ joint initiative with UNO City, which addressed digital counterterrorism and benefited from key publications to assess and investigate terrorists' online threats. But technology alone cannot win this fight. What wins it is trust between nations, and that is where INTERPOL's unique value lies. Last year, INTERPOL published, together with WCO, a list of dual-use commodities related to biological weapons. This joint publication aims to raise awareness among law enforcement agencies on dual use commodities that may be used in the production of misuse of biological weapons, providing a valuable resource to help identify and intercept suspicious goods. INTERPOL has also continued to play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy through its operational activities. In 2025 alone, we conducted 13 global counterterrorism operations involving over 70 countries, resulting in the arrest of more than 100 individuals and the disruption of terrorist financing networks, including a major Hawala system. as well as major seizures of explosives and chemical precursors. These efforts clearly underscore the close link between organized crime and terrorism. Lastly, I am proud to announce that during our recent General Assembly in November 2025, INTERPOL adopted a new Strategic Framework for 2026-2030. Our strategic framework aims at making sure Interpol remains the trusted global information hub for law enforcement and to provide world-class investigative and operational support to its 196 member countries. It is our roadmap to turn intelligence into action and action into prevention. We do not operate in silos. We are a bridge connecting national police forces to the UN's global strategy. We work hand in hand with UNOCT, UNODC, and the CTTD to translate policy into practice. The UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy remains our compass. INTERPOL stands ready. not as a replacement for national sovereignty, but as its most powerful force multiplier. We don't fight terrorism alone, we fight it together. Thank you.

Thank you very much, madam Carmen Munoz, for your statement. Now we have a pre-recorded statement from Professor Ben Saul, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

Excellencies, distinguished participants, at a perilous time of declining respect for human rights, the ninth review is a vital opportunity for all states to recommit to international law while countering terrorism. The eighth review resolution reflected a consensus developed over almost two decades since the strategy was adopted. The text is not perfect, but it is reasonably comprehensive and balanced and represents diverse stakeholder interests. The first priority in the ninth review must be to preserve these existing commitments to human rights, the rule of law, and gender equality. I urge states not to backslide on human rights. It's tempting for every review to expand global counterterrorism commitments. I caution, however, that the text from the last review is already long and detailed. Prioritizing everything can mean prioritizing nothing, particularly when political attention and resources are limited. The quarter century since 2001 has seen an extraordinary expansion of counterterrorism norms and practices. There must be a limit to the counterterrorism growth industry, especially when the terrorist threat globally is fairly modest and has been effectively contained in most places. If the ninth review nonetheless reopens the text, I urge member states to concentrate on the areas that need most improvement. My recent recommendations provide a roadmap for enhancing human rights. They encouraged the review to do the following: to address the serious threat to human rights from state and corporate abuses of new technologies, including artificial intelligence; to include more specific human rights protections in particular contexts, from migrants and refugees to humanitarian action to administrative security measures; To rebalance the four pillars so that human rights and preventing root causes, which includes state violations, are taken more seriously and funded proportionately. To strengthen effective independent oversight of state and United Nations counterterrorism, including through more stringent human rights due diligence. To counter reprisals and transnational repression against civil society, and to meaningfully engage civil society in counterterrorism. And finally, to reject impunity and to boost accountability for victims of terrorism and counterterrorism alike. My report to the Human Rights Council next week also calls on states to define terrorism to protect human rights, including by differentiating political terrorism from profit-motivated organized crime, as well as from legitimate democratic protest, humanitarian relief, and armed conflict already governed by international humanitarian law. Above all, the ninth review must prevent, not enable, human rights violations while countering terrorism. Thank you.

Okay, we listened to recorded statement, but now we are going again to live statements. And next on my list is Mr. Oleg Vargo, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Mr. Vargo, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, co-facilitators, for this briefing. I speak on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Vanessa Frazier. Since the advent of the Global Strategy, we have seen a disturbing trend of children caught up in national, regional, and international counterterrorism efforts. Counterterrorism policies and practices have become an increasingly central feature of responses to armed conflict. However, the implementation can have unintended and far-reaching consequences for children. While states seek to address national security concerns, children allegedly associated with groups designated as terrorists, including with groups which are currently under sanctions enacted by the Security Council, or through family ties, are too often treated primarily as perpetrators, rather than as victims of grave violations entitled to rights, protection, and reintegration. In many contexts, children associated with armed groups designated as terrorists are subjected to detention, prosecution, family separation, and other violations of their rights, often at variance with international legal standards, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and relevant Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict and on terrorism and human rights. At the same time, member states are increasingly seeking practical guidance on how to balance security imperatives with child rights and protection obligations in a manner consistent with international norms and standards. Indeed, in some counterterrorism contexts, certain states have agreed to hand over protocols in line with Security Council Resolution 2427 and the Paris Principles on children associated with armed forces and armed groups, stressing that these children should primarily be treated as victims An important protective aspect of the handover protocol includes the remand to civilian child protection actors with a view to their safe return to their communities and their swift reintegration. These handover protocols prove that, when given a chance to exit armed groups, including those designated as terrorists, successful reintegration is a viable option. We would be remiss if we did not note that the thousands of children who were held until recently in al-Hol and al-Raj and other detention facilities in the northeast of Syria. Having just returned from a fruitful visit at the invitation of the Syrian Government, Special Representative Fraser exchanged with the Syrian authorities and has expressed her wish to assist the Syrian Government to rise to the challenge of ensuring the protection of all remaining children and young adults, whether they be Syrian or from third countries. We owe the Government of Syria all the assistance after over seven years of delay. Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, we move forward with the ninth review, and we must insist on a child protection approach to counterterrorism efforts. This should include child protection guardrails for the treatment of children allegedly associated with designated groups. I would like to reiterate our office's previous comments for the review. Any language on accountability concerning children under the age of 18 years of age or terrorist acts should put a stress on juvenile justice standards, diversion, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The use of handover protocols in this respect is a promising practice that should be encouraged. A harm and needs-based approach should be adopted toward the caseload of children allegedly associated with designated groups of children whose parents or caregivers are allegedly associated with such groups. Lessons learned from Northeast Syria should be disseminated as a priority. There is a need for UN offices, agencies, and programs supporting member state counterterrorism efforts to track and report on children impacted in those jurisdictions. This information should be shared openly and made openly accessible to human rights and child protection actors, who should be encouraged to assist in this reporting and in appropriate advocacy service provision. Thank you.

Thank you very much. And now I have the last speaker on my list. It’s Director and Chief of the Peace and Security Section of UN Women, Ms. Paivi Kanisto. Madam, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will deliver this statement on behalf of Ms. Kanisto, who had to leave due to another commitment, as the Secretary-General called for a meeting on women, peace and security. At the outset, I would like to commend your office on the publication of the Secretary General's report on the implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. The report offers important insights on progress achieved and identifies key priorities for strengthened collaboration. UN Women particularly welcomes the emphasis in paragraphs 64 and 65 on the strategy as a vehicle to enhance the participation and engagement of women in counterterrorism mechanisms and decision-making processes, as well as the continued commitment to gender mainstreaming across all four pillars of the strategy. This focus is especially timely, given the uneven implementation of women, peace, and security commitments within security frameworks. Experience has consistently demonstrated that gender-blind counterterrorism policies risk reinforcing the very grievances and harms they seek to prevent. As we approach the ninth review of the Strategy, it is therefore essential that gender-sensitive approaches and gender considerations are not only retained, but strengthened and systematically integrated across all four pillars. Women's meaningful participation, sustained civil society engagement, and robust gender-sensitive analysis remain indispensable to ensuring both the legitimacy and effectiveness of the review process. In this regard, UN Women, in collaboration with UNOCT, CTED, and OHCHR, will support the organization of civil society dialogues with Member States under the leadership of the co-facilitators, with a view to fostering an inclusive and transparent processes. We welcome the strong leadership of the co-facilitators and their commitment to inclusivity, and we look forward to close collaboration in the months ahead. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much for your statement. Well, this concludes the list of pre-inscribed speakers, and I don't see any hands raised or any virtual messages requesting for the floor. So in this case, I would like only very briefly thank all of participating Member States and international organizations, and especially 13 Member States and five international organizations who took the floor. We took a very good note of all your comments, and indeed, my office continues to stand ready, I mean, to support you during the process of review, which will be guided and led by two facilitators. We noted with a great deal of interest, I mean, that there is a very, very strong call for a consensus outcome of the review, and I believe this is basically what we expect and hope for, but it's in your hands. But also, personally, I noted strong support for UNOCT mandate, including our capacity building and coordination activities. And obviously, we will continue not only to do this, but also to inform you, to inform you through all possible means and media, including social media, about this. With this, I would like to thank once again to co-facilitators, and I have to adjourn this meeting. Thank you.