Sixth Committee, 1st plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Good morning.

I call to order the first meeting of the Sixth Committee for the 81st session of the General Assembly. Distinguished delegates, I express my deep gratitude to all of you for the confidence placed in me to serve as Chair of the Sixth Committee at this session. This is a great honor and privilege for me personally and for my country, Guyana. I would also like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency Enrique Manalo of Philippines, the permanent representative, who so efficiently conducted the work and responsibilities of the Sixth Committee during the 80th session of the General Assembly with the valuable support and cooperation of the other members of the Bureau. As we all know, the role of the Sixth Committee and its authority among the main committees is unique and is of central importance and the central importance of international law for the achievement of the principles and purposes of the United Nations. In the preamble of the Charter, the peoples of the United Nations reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and the determination of this organization to establish conditions under which justice and respect for international law can be maintained. In the pursuance of its lofty goals, the General Assembly has always relied on the diligent work and expertise of the Sixth Committee. The Sixth Committee is once again meeting during a challenging time for multilateralism, with a myriad of conflicts threatening the integrity of the United Nations and one of its main tenets, international law. At times of increased challenges, our work has heightened importance, and our commitment to delivering its mandate should gain renewed focus. This means we will have to work harder to keep the cherished and long-standing practice of consensus in this Committee, building on recent achievements and understanding its significance as a unifying and trust-building element. At the same time, we must not ignore the responsibility of this committee in responding to existing and emerging global issues. We must continue to work collectively towards the progressive development of international law and its codification. I am confident that through our common efforts, we will once again be able to make substantive progress during this year's session, working in the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding and striving to resolve all issues in a timely manner and by consensus. In this respect, I count on the support of all delegations. Distinguished delegates, at its 42nd meeting on 2 June 2026, the Sixth Committee at the 80th session of the General Assembly elected the following three Vice-Chairs for the 81st session: His Excellency Mr. Andriy Melnyk of Ukraine; Ms. Mancho Anastasia Motshepe of South Africa; and Ms. Elisa Joanna De Ryse of Belgium. The Committee also elected Mr. Abdulaziz Fadala Al-Sulaiti of Qatar as rapporteur. I congratulate my colleagues in the Bureau on their election and look forward to continuing to work together with them. I also acknowledge the work of the secretariat of our committee, the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs. Its support, experience, detailed knowledge of precedent, and helpful guidance is invaluable to the Bureau and to the committee. Distinguished delegates, I now draw your attention to the items allocated by the General Assembly to the Sixth Committee. At its second meeting, held on 11 September 2026, The General Assembly, upon the recommendation of the General Committee, allocated 33 items to the Sixth Committee. The note by the Secretariat pertaining to the allocation of items has been issued as document A/C.6/81/1 of the Sixth Committee and is available on the website. Distinguished delegates, I invite you to turn to the status of documentation and the proposed programme of work for the consideration of items. I draw your attention to paragraphs 3 to 7 of the note by the Secretariat contained in document A/C.6/81/L.1, also available on the website. I recall that during the 80th session, the Sixth Committee adopted a provisional program of work for this session. The General Assembly took note of that program in decision 80/522. The Bureau has met and considered the provisional program of work and made one change. In light of the decision to move the date of the election of the International Court of Justice to Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the meetings of the Sixth Committee scheduled for that day have been rescheduled to later in the week. This proposed change was communicated to all delegations in June. The note by the Secretariat, which is contained in document A/C.6/81/L.1, will serve to assist us in the consideration of the organizational arrangements. All plenary meetings of the Sixth Committee, as well as those of the various working groups to be established this year, will be held in person in the Trusteeship Council Chamber. Informal consultations on draft resolutions arranged by coordinators with the assistance of the Secretariat will also take place in person in this room. In the interest of time, I will not provide an extensive description of the proposed program before putting it for adoption by the Committee. Permit me, however, to make a few observations. Please be informed that the President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Dr. Khalilur Rahman, will address the Sixth Committee on Thursday, 15 October, at 10:00 a.m. The visit of the President of the General Assembly to the main committees is an annual tradition, and we look forward to receiving his presentation. As you know, the fourth week of the session has traditionally been designated International Law Week. This coincides with the annual consideration of the report of the International Law Commission. There will also be time for the traditional meeting of the legal advisers, which will be held in the afternoons of Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October 2026. The annual interactive dialogue with members of the International Law Commission will be held on Wednesday 28 October in the afternoon. No meeting of the Sixth Committee is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, 29 October, to allow delegates the opportunity to attend the introduction of the report of the International Court of Justice in the plenary of the General Assembly. I am also pleased to announce that we expect the President of the International Court of Justice to deliver the traditional statement to the Sixth Committee on Friday, 30 October, in the morning. As is customary, there will be no meeting of the Sixth Committee during the morning of Monday, 2 November 2026, to give delegates the opportunity to attend the debate on the report of the International Criminal Court in the plenary of the General Assembly. As indicated, the election of the ICJ will be held on Tuesday, 3 November. For now, depending on when the election is concluded, the Bureau proposes to keep in consideration the possibility of the Sixth Committee meeting in the afternoon of that Tuesday. The final meeting of the substantive component of the main session of the Sixth Committee is scheduled for Friday, 20th November 2026. The goal is to conclude the consideration of all the substantive agenda items allocated to the Committee by then. I look forward to your cooperation in reaching that goal. Distinguished delegates, consistent with the established practice, the proposed program of work will be applied with some flexibility, taking account of the progress made by the committee. Nonetheless, in order to ensure that we successfully consider all agenda items allocated to the committee this year, it will be important for us to keep within the proposed schedule of meetings. Accordingly, the Bureau is once again recommending that the Sixth Committee approve time limits for the delivery of statements and that delegations consider posting the full versions of their statements online. Further to the recommendation of the previous Bureaus, this year's Bureau is proposing that the following time limits on statements be applied: Statements delivered in a national capacity will be limited to seven minutes; while statements by groups of states will be limited to 12 minutes. As you are aware, the Bureau strongly considered implementing microphone cut-offs, as is done in the other main committees, with the aim of ensuring that we keep the debates on track and giving all delegations wishing to speak the equal opportunity to do so. Nevertheless, taking into account the concerns of some delegations, We are instead adopting a softer approach. While there will be no cut-offs, the microphone will blink from the last minute of the allocated time. We encourage delegations to adhere to the time limits and to have focused statements, including during the debate on the report of the International Law Commission. Delegations are reminded that they can include additional information in their statements circulated through eStatements portal or in writing directly to the Commission. Please note that if the Committee exhausts the list of speakers on a particular item and conference services are still available, we will begin the consideration of the next item on our agenda. Delegations are advised to check the overall programme against daily UN Journal announcements as well as any other announcements made during the meetings and reflected in the journal or the website of the Sixth Committee. From time to time, announcements will also be circulated through the Sixth Committee announcements list in the e-delegate portal. Sponsors and coordinators of draft resolutions are encouraged to prepare zero-draft versions of their proposals for draft resolutions and circulate them to all delegations including through the e-delegate portal, as soon as possible. Respective coordinators will be invited to take the floor immediately following the plenary debate on each agenda item to briefly introduce the zero draft of the proposed draft resolution, where possible. Coordinators are encouraged to convene at least one open-ended meeting for informal consultations after the plenary debate. All such informal consultations will be announced in advance, including in the UN Journal, and will be posted on the website of the Sixth Committee. The names of coordinators of draft resolutions can be found on the website of the Sixth Committee. I take this opportunity to thank all of the coordinators who have volunteered for the various resolutions. To the extent possible, the Committee should strive to take action on relevant draft resolutions as soon as they are ready for adoption, so as to minimize the number of draft resolutions adopted on the final day of the main part of the session. Any taking of action will be announced sufficiently in advance, including in the journal and through the e-delegate portal, so as to ensure that delegations are aware of the proposed action. Distinguished delegates, may I take it?

I have a request for the floor. I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Before proceeding with formal adoption of the program of work, I have to deliver a brief statement. Madam Chair, please allow me to extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency on your election as chair of the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly. I wish Your Excellency every success in discharging this important responsibility. Madam Chair, I am obliged to draw the kind attention of the present committee to a serious situation concerning the continuing failure of the host country to issue visas to Iranian representatives, despite our repeated efforts and having exhausted appropriate avenues to resolve this matter. which unfortunately were of no avail and thus compelled us to bring the matter to this meeting. The non-issuance of visas to members of the Iranian delegation seeking to travel to New York to participate in the work of the General Assembly and its main committees, including the Sixth Committee, has prevented them from traveling to the United Nations and consequently from exercising their independent functions and participating in the work of the Organization. This situation goes beyond the ability of individual representatives to travel to the United Nations. The timely and unhindered participation of all member states is essential to the effective functioning of the Sixth Committee and to its work on the basis of equality of participation, non-discrimination, and the equal footing of member states. The completion of the committee's work, including the consideration and adoption of its resolutions, requires the inclusive participation of all member states. The host country is therefore required to fulfill its obligations and immediately issue visas to members of the Iranian delegation. Any further delay is unacceptable, particularly now that the most committees, including the Sixth Committee, have commenced their work. To conclude, I wish to reiterate that preventing representatives of Member States from traveling to New York and participating in the committee's deliberations due to visa-related impediments, undermines an inclusive process in this Committee and, consequently, the Committee's ability to discharge its mandate and complete its work. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran, and we take note of the statement.

Distinguished delegates, May I take it that the Sixth Committee wishes to proceed to approve the programme of work, including on the basis of the understandings outlined? I see no objection. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, the Committee...

I see a request for the floor by the Russian Federation. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President.

Congratulations on being elected as President, as Chair, and we wish you every success. I didn't want to take the floor before the program was adopted because we don't have any objections. In addition, I wanted to thank you for making the decision with regard to time limitations on speaking time in a collegiate manner with regard to the practice of this committee. We had a minor request for the secretariat in this regard. Could we request making the corresponding correction in a document called Secretariat of Organizational Work, because there it's mentioned that there are automatic microphone cut-offs. So, if you could please correct that to make it correspond to the decision that was just made. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, and the correction will be made.

Distinguished delegates, the Committee will now turn to the question of the establishment of working groups. Three working groups are envisaged for the present session. As you have seen, the proposed programme of work anticipates the holding of two meetings, each for the Working Group on Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission, the Working Group on the Scope and Application of the Principle of Universal Jurisdiction, and the Working Group on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism. I draw your attention to the paragraphs 8 to 12 of the note by the Secretariat contained in document A/C.6/81/L.1. Let us first take up agenda item 75, entitled "Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission." I wish to draw the Committee's attention to General Assembly resolution 80/160, by which the Assembly inter alia reiterated its decision that the consideration of the report of the Group of Legal Experts, in particular its legal aspects, taking into account the views of Member States and also noting the inputs by the Secretariat, should be continued during the 81st session in the framework of a working group of the Sixth Committee, and for that purpose, invited further comments from Member States on that report, including on the question of future action. It is my understanding that there is a general wish in the Sixth Committee to establish a working group on criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission. May I take it that the Committee wishes to proceed in this manner? I see no objection. It is so decided. Pursuant to paragraph 1 of General Assembly resolution 61/29 of 4 December 2006, the ad hoc committee established then for the consideration of the subject was open to all States members of the United Nations or members of specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency. May I take it that the Committee wishes to proceed in a similar manner for the working group? I see no objection. It is so decided. It is further my understanding that there is general support for Mr. Marvin Ikondere of Uganda to once again chair this working group. May I take it that the Committee wishes to elect Mr. Marvin Ikondere of Uganda as Chair of the Working Group? I see no objection. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, concerning agenda item 85, the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction, it will be recalled that the General Assembly, by its resolution 80 of 168, reiterated its decision to establish at its 81st session a working group of the Sixth Committee to continue to undertake a thorough discussion of the scope and application of universal jurisdiction, and invited the working group to consider and comment on the question how the principle of universal jurisdiction is distinct from other related concepts. It is my understanding that there is a general wish in the Sixth Committee to establish a working group on the scope and application of universal jurisdiction to continue work envisaged under resolution 80/168. May I take it that the Committee wishes to proceed in this manner? I see no objection. It is so decided. Pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 80/168, the General Assembly decided that the working group shall be open to all member states and that relevant observers to the General Assembly will be invited to participate in the work of the working group. It is also my understanding that there is a general wish among delegations that the chair of the working group should be Mr. Luis Arturo Palmieri Nunez of Guatemala. May I take it that the Committee wishes to elect Mr. Nunez of Guatemala as Chair of the Working Group? I see no objection. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, regarding agenda item 112, measures to eliminate international terrorism, the General Assembly in resolution 80/171 decided to recommend that the Sixth Committee at the 81st session of the Assembly establish a working group with a view to finalizing the process of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by Assembly Resolution 54/110 concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. It is my understanding that there is a general wish in the Sixth Committee to establish such a working group during the current session. May I take it that the Committee wishes to proceed on this basis? I see no objection. It is so decided. Pursuant to paragraph 9 of the General Assembly resolution 51/210, the Ad Hoc Committee on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism was open to all States members of the United Nations or members of specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Committee has in its practice applied the same formula for the working group. May I take it that the Committee would also like this formula to be applied to the working group again this year? I see no objection. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, I understand that there is a general wish among delegations that the chair of the working group should continue to be Ambassador Jayantha Chandra Siri Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka. May I take it that the Committee wishes to elect Ambassador Jayantha Chandra Siri Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka as chair of the working group? I see no objection. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, let us now turn to the deadlines for our work, as reflected in paragraph 19 of document A/C.6/81/L.1. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, and I quote, "No resolution involving expenditure shall be recommended by a committee for approval by the General Assembly. unless it is accompanied by an estimate of expenditures prepared by the secretary general and of course, it is therefore imperative that the 6th committee allow sufficient time for the preparation of any such estimates of expenditure by the secretariat and for its consideration by the advisory committee on administrative and budgetary questions and by the 5th committee under the circumstances, 6th November 2026 would have to be considered as the mandatory deadline for submission to the Fifth Committee of draft resolutions with financial implications. The deadline for the submissions of all other draft resolutions is 5 p.m. on Friday 13 November, which has been established so as to allow the necessary budget review, processing and issuance in all the official languages of the United Nations in time for our final meeting on 20 November. Distinguished delegates, For more than a decade, the Sixth Committee has aligned its practice with the practice of the General Assembly concerning giving precedence on the list of speakers to representatives speaking on behalf of regional groups or groups of States. Those speaking on behalf of regional groups or groups of states should inscribe their names on the list of speakers as soon as possible with the Secretariat. Delegations aligning themselves with statements already made on behalf of regional groups or groups of states should focus on points that have not already been addressed in the statement of the group. Unless I see any objection, I take it that the Committee wishes to continue this practice at this session. I see no objection. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, the formal meetings of the six main committees will be webcast over the Internet. Summaries of the meetings will be published in the UN Journal and posted on the website of the committee. The list of speakers for all items on the agenda of the Sixth Committee was opened on 14 September 2026. Delegations can inscribe electronically on the list of speakers for any agenda item in the e-delegate portal. Registration for the portal is done by missions and is open to representatives of Member States and observer States. Please recall that the Bureau has recommended that, other than the first week of the session, the deadline for inscription on the list of speakers for the debate on agenda items taking place each week will be 5 p.m. on the previous Friday. I also remind delegations to submit the names of their representatives, alternates and advisors to the Secretariat for the purposes of the preparation of the list of delegations attending the Sixth Committee at the present session. This can be done by registering online in the e-participants module of the e-delegate portal. The Secretariat will continue the practice of listing all scheduled informal consultations as well as side events on dedicated pages of the six committees' website. Distinguished delegates, is there any other issue that any delegation might wish to raise at this stage? I see none. This concludes the consideration of the organizational aspects of our work. Distinguished delegates, in accordance with the program of work adopted earlier this morning, we shall now begin our consideration of the agenda item 124, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. As you are aware, the General Assembly allocated this item to all the main committees for the purpose of considering the working methods of the committees and in order to take action on their respective tentative programs of work for the following session. I wish to recall that the matter of revitalization of the working methods of the Sixth Committee has been considered by past as well as the present bureaus of the Sixth Committee. Over the years, a number of innovations in the Committee's working methods have been introduced on the basis inter alia of recommendations made during the annual debate under the revitalization agenda item. A lessons learned paper was developed several years ago and continues to be shared from bureau to bureau of the committee, with each time new suggestions for improvement being added based on recommendations made during the revitalization debate. It now reflects the accumulated wisdom of many colleagues over the years. The bureau looks forward to receiving any suggestions or recommendations for improvement of the working methods of the Sixth Committee. I recall that during last year's session, an informal consultation on the topic was held, during which there was an exchange of views on the question of working methods of the committee. Similar consultations will be held this session. For the past two years, the debate on this agenda item has been scheduled at the beginning of the session to allow the committee to take a more forward-looking approach to the question of revitalisation. In accordance with the programme of work adopted earlier today, the committee will have an opportunity to revisit the agenda item on 13 November and thus assess this year's working methods. At that time, it will also take up a proposal for the programme for next year's session. While I know that this committee is strongly steeped in tradition and there is some trepidation about making changes, it is also true that we have all committed to reform and revitalization towards a more efficient and effective United Nations. This requires us to critically review our practices and be willing to make the necessary changes together. Distinguished delegates, with this introduction, we shall now begin our debate. There are 15 speakers on the list, and I begin with the distinguished delegate of the European Union. On behalf of the European Union and its member states, you have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states, the candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, as well as Armenia, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom align themselves with this statement. Madam Chair, as I have the honor to be the first speaker of this session, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election and assure you of our full support. The European Union and its member states remain strongly committed to the revitalization of the work of the GA. We do not see this as a one-off exercise, but as a continuous effort to ensure that the GA can fulfill its role with credibility, efficiency, and relevance. For the Sixth Committee, revitalization should aim to create the conditions for the fulfillment of its multifaceted role as the legal committee of the General Assembly. This session is an important moment in that effort. Pursuant to resolution 17 I/327, the General Committee is to present, on the basis of proposals for each main committee, concrete proposals on how to seek synergies and avoid duplication in the work of the main committees. At the same time, the working group on strengthening and revitalizing the work of the General Assembly will address the role, authority, and working matters of the Assembly. We are also committed to the implementation of resolution 80/251 on mandate creation, implementation and review. These processes and the wider UNAT initiative should be fully aligned and mutually reinforcing so that the multilateral system remains effective, inclusive, representative, accountable, cost efficient and responsive. At a time of serious liquidity constraints, making the best use of our time and resources is all the more important. Chair, last session, many delegations put forward useful and practical proposals. Our own views are set out in our statements and in the written observations we shared with the focal point. We should now resume the discussion on the basis of those ideas and, this time, reach a concrete and actionable outcome that the Committee can transmit to the General Committee in time for its work under paragraph 26 of resolution 79/327. To that end, we would welcome a synthesis of the proposals made as a basis for focused discussions with a clear timeline. Practical changes that the Sixth Committee can already implement should not have to wait for the conclusion of the broader debate. Let me briefly recall four points where we see the greatest potential. First, agenda management. Resolution 79/327 strongly encourages Member States to reduce the frequency, length and number of resolutions. Starting from this session, it also encourages them to reintroduce substantially similar resolutions only when operational adjustments are being made. We remain open to the biannualization or triannualization of certain resolutions of this Committee. The significance of resolutions is not determined by the regularity of their update, but by their impact and implementation. We also support three further steps, shorter text that refer to previous resolutions rather than reproduce them, the simplification of the adoption of draft resolution in this committee along the lines of paragraph 28 of resolution 179/327, and criteria whereby requests for observer status defer for a number of years are not reintroduced at each session. Second, time management. We welcome the speaking time limits announced for this session, including for the debate on the report of the ILC. Consistent and fair time management benefits all delegations, including smaller ones. It also frees time for informal consultations, which on difficult topics should start early enough to build consensus. For our part, we will continue to deliver shortened statements and submit fuller versions in writing when necessary. Third, our dialogue with the International Law Commission. We see ample scope for a more structured, regular and active dialogue. This year's debate on the rule of law, with its focus on strengthening cooperation between this Committee and the Commission, offers a timely opportunity to take this forward. Fourth, inclusivity. Gender equality should continue to be reflected in our work, including in the composition of the Bureau and in the selection of facilitators. Multilingualism also needs to be respected, preserved and promoted. It is a foundational organizational issue value that ensures transparency, inclusivity, and equitable participation of all member states as recalled by resolution 76/268. Chair, to conclude, for us, revitalization is about allowing this committee to focus its time and resources on its core legal work and to make faster progress on it. The European Union and its Member States stand ready to work with you, the Bureau, the focal point, and all delegations to achieve a concrete outcome during this session. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia, speaking on behalf of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Thank you, Chair. I have the honor today of speaking on behalf of Canada, New Zealand, and my own country, Australia. Recalling resolution 79/327 and the theme of UNGA 81, restoring trust, managing transformation, a UN that delivers for all, COUNS proudly reconfirms our commitment to this important item, and we encourage all delegations to do the same. We must all continue to pursue efforts to ensure the work of the General Assembly and its main committees remains focused, accessible and effective, as part of our commitment to genuine change through UN80 reform efforts. This includes applying the principles agreed in resolution 80/251 to improve the impact of the mandates we create and renew. With a view to building on progress in the General Assembly on this important mandate, CAHNS proposes the following practical steps for the Sixth Committee. Consider whether debates on agenda items could be biennial or triennial rather than annual. Include review clauses and end dates or other expiry, merger or replacement arrangements in resolutions, working groups and agenda items where appropriate. Reduce the number, length, and frequency of resolutions, and reintroduce recurring resolutions only when substantive updates are necessary. Use guiding questions for exchanges with International Law Commission members and special rapporteurs, and introduce time limits for ILC cluster debates, building on time limits already used in other plenary segments. Require informal briefings before approving new observer requests, and apply a sunset rule so deferred requests fall away after three sessions unless renewed. Rotate coordinators more regularly with attention to geographic balance, gender diversity, and different legal systems. Promote the full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership of women in international law, including in legal institutions and leadership roles, and better coordinate International Law Week side events including through matchmaking between organizers of events on similar themes to reduce overlap and duplication. CANS also encourages all delegations to promote strength and coordination between the informal ad hoc working group on revitalization and the UN80 ad hoc working group on mandate implementation review. We consider these changes would help us make better use of limited time and resources focus debates on areas where decisions are most impactful, and support the participation of all delegations, regardless of size. Cairns stands ready to work constructively with all delegations to strengthen the General Assembly and ensure it remains a forum where every Member State can contribute to the UN's core purposes. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We want to withdraw our request to speak. Thank you.

Thank you to the representative of Cameroon. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Madam Chair. As we take the floor for the first time, we congratulate you on your election as the Chair.

We also like to withdraw from the list of speakers.

Thank you.

Thank you, India.

Moving on.

In terms of the list I have.

Before me, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. As this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor, I wish to express our firm support for your efforts and those of other members of the Bureau, which will doubtless contribute to a productive session for the Sixth Committee. With regard to this agenda item, I note with appreciation the renewed growing interest shown by some delegations. The Sixth Committee continues to perform within this organization an essential role. which was recently demonstrated through the two major undertakings that it has promoted, the decisions relating to the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the draft articles on prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity, and the draft articles on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. each of which has progressed through an adequate process suited to its particular nature. In light of this responsibility, further reflection on our working methods is warranted. The forthcoming intergovernmental conferences should adopt an approach that ensures that negotiations are conducted more effectively reducing bureaucratic burdens, focusing the work of subsidiary bodies, while all fully respecting the prerogatives of Member States and the principle that they can participate on an equal footing. Madam Chair, while progress has been made on these matters, many issues remain outstanding regarding the working methods of the Sixth Committee. In this regard, my delegation wishes to put forward a number of preliminary suggestions on which it will consult with other delegations so as to develop a joint proposal. First, on International Law Week and the report of the International Law Commission. Member States are strongly encouraged to preserve the primacy and importance of the debate on the report of the International Law Commission. The program of work should not be overburdened through a proliferation of side events, many of which could even usefully be consolidated around common themes or areas of focus. Once again, we are entering the period for the nomination of candidates for membership of the Commission. We recall paragraph 42 of General Assembly resolution 77/335, which refers to the increasing number of female candidates for subsidiary organs and encourages Member States to continue nominating female candidates. We note with concern that the current composition of the International Law Commission does not yet fully reflect that objective. In the absence of a session of the Commission in New York, my delegation will continue to support the holding of more interactive exchanges with the International Law Commission in the form of informal consultations or dialogues. One briefing per year is not sufficient. Turning now to the UN80 Initiative and its proposed templates for mandate implementation reviews. On the recent developments concerning the UN80 Initiative, my delegation takes note of the concept note circulated by the Co-Chairs on templates for resolutions and decisions. and on model clauses for the review of mandate implementation and the discontinuation of some mandates. While we recognize that these models and templates are intended to serve as tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our work across the UN system, we wish to reiterate that they should be understood as indicative and non-binding. rather than mandatory, with full respect for the prerogatives of Member States. Third point, on multilingualism. In line with the joint statements that my delegation has aligned itself with in previous sessions, we wish to continue to support the implementation of this fundamental value. Fourth point, on accessibility. My delegation believes that we need to ensure that draft resolutions are displayed on screen during negotiations in informal consultations so that all delegations are able to follow the negotiations on an equal footing. Five, on time limits. We welcome your decision, Madam Chair, on imposing reasonable speaking times. and my delegation believes that these are useful to keep the work of the Committee ongoing and to particularly allow delegations to participate equally. Madam Chair, finally, my delegation reiterates its readiness to participate actively in the consultations to be organized by the focal point designated for the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, as well as in the debate on this agenda item scheduled for the end of the session. We will strive to consolidate these suggestions into a joint proposal. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of El Salvador for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, my delegation would like to warmly congratulate you on your election as chair of the Sixth Committee and assure you of our full cooperation as you carry out your mandate. My country also congratulates the Secretary-General on his report on revitalizing the work of the General Assembly, which provides a clear overview of progress made and a detailed breakdown of the organization of the work of this body. Cote d'Ivoire places great importance on revitalizing the work of the General Assembly, which remains the most representative body of the United Nations and is a crucial space for dialogue, discussion, and collective responses to global challenges. My delegation commends the progress made in this area, especially the adoption of resolution 79/327, which establishes on an experimental basis, starting with this session, a triennial cycle for examining certain questions concerning the role, authority, and methods of work of the General Assembly, as well as the Office of the President of the General Assembly. Cote d'Ivoire also commends the continuation of this 81st session of the consideration of the implementation of decisions made previously and the opportunity provided to each committee to revise its methods and program of work in accordance with resolution 58/316 and decision 80/522. This progress, however, ought to be viewed through the lens of an essential goal, that is, strengthening the authority, effectiveness, transparency, and inclusiveness of the General Assembly without weakening its universal and representative nature. Madam Chair, persistent conflict, the rise of terrorism and violent extremism, as well as the boom in transnational organized crime, have hit Africa especially hard and undermine its development and its people's well-being. Thus, revitalization should not be limited to optimization of procedures. It ought to allow the G8 to fully play its role in conflict prevention, the promotion of peaceful dispute settlement, and the strengthening of international cooperation. In a word, it ought to be focused on human beings. In this regard, Cote d'Ivoire believes that improved coordination between the work of the GA, the Security Council, regional and subregional organizations, and other competent mechanisms would allow us to more effectively respond to this need. My country underscores, in particular, the importance of strengthened cooperation between the UN and African mechanisms for peace and security so that international responses can better take into account the realities and priorities of Africa, especially youth, education, and women. Madam Chair, technological transformation, especially the rapid development of AI, is a vital issue that ought to be taken into account in our discussions of global governance. The adoption of Resolution 79/325 regarding the modalities of the establishment and functioning of the Scientific group, international independent scientific group on AI and the global dialogue on governance of AI represent an important step forward in this process. My country believes that Africa should no longer be simply a place where technologies designed elsewhere are applied, but rather an essential actor that effectively contributes to their governance, to the development of capacity that is needed for their use and for the definition of rules that help to more fairly distribute their benefits. Cote d'Ivoire therefore recommends that the efforts for revitalization foster more meaningful involvement of developing countries in new global governance processes, especially when it comes to tech sectors that are forging the future of our societies. For Cote d'Ivoire, revitalizing the General Assembly requires greater inclusiveness to ensure that efforts to boost efficiency do not penalize smaller delegations. Optimizing methods of work should therefore be accompanied by concrete measures such as the timely publication of documentation, rigorous adherence to multilingualism, predictability of timeframes, and sufficient time provided for informal consultations. These measures would also guarantee the sovereign equality of participation among member states while maintaining within the Sixth Committee the quality of our legal analysis as well as the inclusive nature of the codification of the development of international law. Madam Chair, while recognizing and commending the important progress already made in revitalizing the work of the General Assembly, my country, however, believes that the true success of this effort will be measured in its ability to bring the UN closer to all of its Member States, to strengthen their ownership of multilateral processes, and allowing the General Assembly to more effectively address the challenges of our time. In this regard, Cote d'Ivoire reaffirms its commitment to contributing constructively to the work of the current session and to our collective efforts to make the General Assembly a more effective, transparent, inclusive, and truly representative body of the international community. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines conveys its congratulations to you, Madam Chair, on your election, as well as to the members of your Bureau. You and your Bureau have our full support as you guide us in the work of the Sixth Committee at this 81st session. We welcome this opportunity to exchange views on revitalization in the context of the UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee. The discussion takes place as UNAT and the broader efforts to revitalize the General Assembly provide a context for us to look at our own working methods with a view to making the work of the Committee more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of Member States. In this regard, we recall the working methods paper advanced by the Bureau of the Sixth Committee during its 80th session under the leadership of Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo of the Philippines. Madam Chair, we are not starting from scratch. You mentioned the lessons learned paper reflecting over time the insights of successive bureaus. Meanwhile, during the 80th session, delegations discussed the draft working methods paper under the leadership of the then focal point for revitalization, Mrs. Stella Mansogo of Equatorial Guinea. We thank her for guiding those discussions and hope that we can build on the exchanges already undertaken. As we move forward, we believe that this exercise should proceed on the basis of some key principles. First, the process must remain member state driven, inclusive and transparent, and guided by consensus. Delegations should be given sufficient opportunity to consider proposals and consult, particularly where changes could affect established practices of the committee. Second, revitalization should strengthen the Sixth Committee, not weaken its mandate. UNAT and wider General Assembly revitalization provide important context and useful momentum, but the review of our working methods should remain responsive to the particular mandate, character, and requirements of the Sixth Committee as the General Assembly's primary forum for the consideration of legal questions. Third, efficiency should not be understood simply as doing less, but it should enable us to do our work better, and we should take an honest and practical look at what is working, where improvements are needed, and where there is scope for convergence while preserving meaningful participation by all delegations. And with these principles, we see merit in continuing consideration of the elements already contained in the draft working methods paper. These include better agenda and time management, including possible clustering of related items, and, where appropriate and supported by delegations, the further biennial or triennial consideration of selected agenda items. We see value in more interactive deliberations particularly with the International Law Commission, as well as practical measures to strengthen continuity and institutional memory, including early nomination of coordinators and appropriate digital tools in relation to our working methods, outcomes and precedents, while recognizing the good work that has been done by the Secretariat with regard to the Sixth Committee website. Finally, the process itself should be orderly and predictable, allowing sufficient time for delegations and groups to consult as proposals develop. and our objective should be practical improvements that can command broad support. The paper advanced by the Bureau during the 80th session provides a useful basis. Rather than begin anew, we would urge delegations to revisit it and build on the work already undertaken and move forward collectively and by consensus. And in this way, the Sixth Committee can make its own meaningful contribution to the broader vitalization of the General Assembly. while preserving the distinctive legal mandate and working culture of this committee. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. My delegation would like to begin by expressing its delighted seeing a Caribbean woman chairing the work of this committee. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Bureau and the Secretariat for its ongoing efforts to facilitate the work of the Sixth Committee, as well as for giving us the opportunity to continue discussing the revitalization process. Cuba reaffirms its support for ongoing efforts aimed at improving the functioning of the General Assembly and its main committees, including through the full implementation of resolution 79/327. We believe that this process can make an important contribution to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our work. At the same time, it is important that the implementation of these measures continue to take place within the framework established by Member States and with full respect for their rights and prerogatives. In this regard, we believe that measures to improve time management and the organisation of work should strike an appropriate balance between efficiency and effective participation. In particular, time limits for statements should be reasonable. and should take into account the substantive nature of the issues being considered by our committee. Madam Chair, my delegation also deems it important to ensure appropriate levels of consistency among the various processes aimed at strengthening the functioning of the Organization, including the revitalization of the General Assembly and the UN80 initiative. In this context, we believe that exercises already undertaken by organs and committees with regard to working methods should be taken into account, while, to the extent possible, avoiding unnecessary duplication. Cuba recognizes the considerable challenges that the Organization is currently facing and welcomes the efforts that are being made to improve efficiency in the use of available resources. At the same time, we believe that any measures that might have an impact on the working methods of the General Assembly should continue to be implemented in a transparent and predictable manner and in close consultation with Member States. Our delegation reiterates its readiness to work constructively with the Bureau, the Secretariat and all delegations to contribute to a revitalization process that enhances the efficiency of our work. while at the same time preserving inclusivity, transparency, effective participation and the prerogatives of Member States. We trust that in this spirit of cooperation, we will be able to continue making headway towards balanced and comprehensive solutions. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba for his statement and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania. Microphone for Romania, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Romania aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member states, and we will add a few points in our national capacity. Allow me first to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau and to assure you of our delegation's full support in carrying out your important mandate. Romania had the privilege of co-chairing the revitalization process that led to resolution 79327 and its first year of implementation. Of the many lessons drawn from this, one is of immediate relevance for our debate today. Revitalization succeeds or fails in the main committees. This is where resolutions are drafted, where mandates are created, and where meeting time is spent. The resolution asks each main committee to propose concrete improvements and, from this session, encourages us to retable substantially similar resolutions only when operational changes are made. We can therefore think of this current session as a test. As the legal committee of the General Assembly, the Sixth Committee has a specific responsibility to set an example of how the purposes and objectives of resolution 79/327 can be translated into concrete solutions, put into practice, and continuously improved. In this spirit, allow me to highlight three core issues. First, the provisions of resolution 79/327 on the working methods of the General Assembly are more action-oriented than those of any previous revitalization resolution. They aim at concrete measures to streamline and refocus the agenda of the General Assembly while simplifying the way it operates. For our committee, this means taking a fresh look at how often our items are considered and whether substantially similar texts need to be retabled, while keeping in mind that an item's importance is measured by its impact and not by the frequency of its consideration. Changes are decided item by item together with the main sponsors and paragraph 22 of the resolution already provides for exceptions. This is therefore not an automatic or an imposed exercise. To the contrary, it ensures that any decision is adequately informed by the judgment of this committee. Second, when we consider changes in time management, Our focus should not be on numbers in the abstract, nor on whether a given number of minutes gives a delegation enough space to set out its position. In the many debate and negotiation formats of this organization, we have all seen how even the shortest speaking slot can be used effectively to convey the strongest and most compelling of messages. Let us therefore turn to the spirit of Resolution 79327 and of revitalization as a whole. Its aim is to achieve a more focused and rigorous space for debate. one that places every delegation on an equal footing and gives each a predictable and coherent opportunity to make its voice heard within the objective limitations of the time available for our very busy agenda. That is why we believe that using the countdown timer and the automatic microphone cutoff is a valid solution that should be considered by this committee. On our part, we will keep our interventions within the prescribed limits and use the facilities provided by the UN web portal for making known and promoting fuller texts. In the same vein, we encourage early informal consultations that do not overlap with plenary meetings or with other main committees so that smaller delegations can participate meaningfully. Third and finally, Romania sees merit in the wider use of the one gavel approach where appropriate. This is perhaps one of the most effective provisions of resolution 79327 in terms of practical implementation. This simplified mechanism for adopting resolutions was applied successfully during the previous session to the agenda items on the granting of observer status, which this committee considers. We encourage the committee to build on this experience. Madam Chair, in the wider context of the UN reform agenda, efficiency is necessary, but is not an end in itself. Thus, what we seek through revitalization is better outcomes, not only fewer meetings. You can count on Romania's full support to take this forward. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Romania for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Chair. Let me first congratulate you and the Bureau on your election. You have the support of our delegation. The UK aligns with the statement made by the EU and will add some comments in our national capacity. The United Kingdom welcomes the discussion on the revitalisation of the work of the Sixth Committee. we encourage continued reflection on how the Committee can operate as efficiently and effectively as possible, while preserving its important role as the primary forum for the consideration of legal questions in the General Assembly. We encourage Member States, the Bureau and the Secretariat to build on last year's discussions and to develop during this session practical, concrete proposals that could command broad support and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Committee's work. In our view, such discussion could include considering questions of periodicity of resolutions and agenda items and time limits for our discussions, as well as wider matters. The United Kingdom stands ready to engage constructively in this conversation, and we look forward to working with all delegations on these issues. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States of America.

Thank you, Chair. The United States would like to join other delegations in congratulating and thanking you for taking on this leadership role. We also want to convey our appreciation to members of the Bureau and the Sixth Committee Secretariat for their work. We know it takes significant time and effort to be good stewards of this Committee. Turning to the revitalization agenda item, this is a topic of great importance to the United States. We believe one of the top priorities for this sixth committee session is taking action to agree on meaningful, concrete recommendations to improve our effectiveness and efficiency. In GA Resolution 79/237, each of the main committees was mandated to review their working methods during the 80th session and to submit concrete proposals to the General Committee on how to make their work more efficient and effective. While this committee took promising initial steps to brainstorm options during the past session, we have not yet complied with the General Assembly's mandate to make concrete recommendations. Of all the main committees, the Legal Committee should be setting the example that General Assembly decisions are to be implemented in full by its subsidiary bodies and their officers. Recently, other main committees have taken meaningful steps to implement reforms, deciding to reduce their quantity of meetings and events, to set stricter time limits for statements, and to decrease the length and frequency of resolutions. We stand ready to work with all delegations in a constructive spirit to discuss measures appropriately tailored to the Sixth Committee, including on issues relating to periodicity, statements, streamlining of texts, and the approach to observers. Our delegation understands and shares the feeling that the last session and the intercessional period have seemed so packed with meetings and negotiations that it has been difficult to make space to engage in meaningful discussion on these issues. But that challenge is itself strong evidence that action is needed. Creating space to focus on areas where this committee's engagement is most timely and impactful is the essence of the revitalization initiative. and adopting reforms will have tangible benefits for our work going forward. We look forward to working with the new revitalization focal point and encourage him in coordination with other committee leadership to establish a robust process to discuss and finalize concrete recommendations from the sixth committee as early during this main session as possible. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States of America for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Thank you, Madam Chair. Over many decades, our predecessors in this Committee have upheld consensus as a cornerstone of the six Committees' working methods and practices. This approach reflects the particular nature of a body with the consideration of legal questions, whose work must be conducted with due regard for the sovereign equality of Member States and in a manner that facilitates genuine legal and technical dialogue based on mutual understanding and sound legal reasoning. As such, the revitalization process should be understood as an opportunity to strengthen the working methods and practices of the Committee, rather than to alter or undermine their established foundations. For the Sixth Committee, this necessarily means that matters concerning its working methods and practices should be considered within the Committee, with the participation of its full membership. They should not be determined or effectively predetermined outside that framework. Any potential change to the committee's established working methods should therefore emerge from the consideration of the committee as a whole and enjoy the agreement of its membership consistent with its long established consensus-based practice. The Sixth Committee as a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly entrusted with the consideration of legal questions is distinct in nature. We therefore remain circumspect about applicability in this context of concepts such as implementation, follow-up, or monitoring, where their use could imply functions beyond the Committee's established mandate. We likewise have reservation regarding an idea for coordination between the Sixth Committee and other bodies, where such terminology could suggest an institutional relationship not provided for within the Committee's established framework. Madam Chair, with regard to time management, we recall that the Sixth Committee is a setting for consideration of legal questions, which is to recognize that such questions require adequate time for in-depth consideration, careful elaboration of legal positions, and equally importantly, attentive listening to the views and reasoning of other delegations. This understanding has underpinned the Committee's long-standing practice of not imposing rigid time limits on statements. The practice has been maintained for many decades without, to our knowledge, giving rise to systemic difficulties in the conduct of the Committee's work. Delegations have demonstrated their ability to exercise responsibility and judgment in the delivery of their statements, while the Secretariat has also demonstrated outstanding efficiency in providing draft program of work. The present international environment provides an additional reason for preserving sufficient space for substantive legal discussions. At the time marked by brazen acts of aggression by those who show no remorse for killing children and women, perpetration of war crimes and other egregious crimes, the need for discussion of international law and uphold its fundamental principles is greater, not lesser. We should also take into account the experience of proceedings in the General Assembly, where rigid interventions, including the interruption of speakers or the cutting of microphones upon the expiration of allotted time, have not contributed to the quality of deliberations. The Sixth Committee in particular should preserve the decorum and solemnity appropriate to a principal forum of the United Nations for consideration of international legal questions. This is not to suggest that efficiency should be disregarded, rather should be pursued in a manner consistent with the substantive requirement of legal deliberation and established working methods of the Committee. Finally, we recall that the General Assembly's revitalization process does not require the Committee to pursue a particular outcome where consensus does not exist. Maintaining an established practice may therefore constitute a legitimate and necessary course of action. Revitalization should not be equated with change for its own sake. My delegation remains committed to constructive engagement in this process. We understand that the working paper referred to by some delegations was characterized as a foot forethought, including by the facilitator last year, and thus not necessarily as a basis agreed by the Committee. We reserve our right to submit further observations and comments in relation to the present agenda item. I thank you so much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Since this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor.

Allow me to congratulate you on behalf of my delegation on your election.

To lead the work of this Sixth Committee.

It's a source of.

Pride for Mexico to see a region from the Latin American and Caribbean region chairing our work. We extend our thanks to the other members of the Bureau and to the Secretariat for the preparation of the work for this session, they can count on the support of my delegation in achieving their mandate. Mexico reaffirms its commitment to the continued revitalization of the work of the General Assembly and, in particular, to strengthening the working methods of the Sixth Committee. This ongoing process of institutional renewal is crucial to ensuring that our procedures remain fit for purpose in fulfilling our mandate. The ability of this Committee to deliver results depends on the legal quality of its deliberations and on working methods that foster effective participation, substantive dialogue and timely decision-making. In this regard, Mexico recognizes the value of consensus as a practice that facilitates the collective building of agreement and that strengthens the legitimacy of the outcomes achieved. However, consensus must be the result of good faith negotiations and must not be instrumentalized as an informal veto or to indefinitely delay the consideration of an issue or prevent progress where there is reasonable scope for reconciling positions. The pursuit of consensus requires flexibility on the part of all delegations. It also requires us to distinguish between substantive differences that warrant further dialogue and objections that merely reiterate established positions without offering viable alternatives. We cannot continue to sacrifice substantive progress in our committee in order to privilege a working method that is not even provided for in the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Madam Chair, to be more effective, the Committee must avoid the automatic repetition of texts and procedures. Recurring resolutions serve important purposes, but their periodic submission should respond to a clearly identifiable need. Where a text contains no new developments and does not respond to changing circumstances, we should consider approaches that would allow us to rationalize the frequency with which it is considered or focus attention on its implementation. Efficiency is not simply a matter of reducing the number of meetings, documents or statements. It means making better use of the time available, avoiding duplication, advancing negotiations, and enabling delegations to focus on the issues that genuinely require a decision. Madam Chair, the relationship between the Sixth Committee and the International Law Commission must remain a priority, given the synergy between the functions of the two bodies. Mexico favors a more structured dialogue on the selection of new topics more systematic follow-up to completed projects and greater opportunities for exchanges during the inter-sessional periods. On the one hand, the International Law Commission is the body entrusted with studying the codification and progressive development of international law. On the other, the Sixth Committee pursues those same objectives from the perspective of the understanding and practice of States. Dialogue between the two bodies can improve the basis on which the International Law Commission decides to take up new topics, help advance their development and ensure effective follow-up by the Sixth Committee to the outcomes of the Commission's work. In that regard, delegations would benefit from greater transparency on the part of the Commission regarding the manner in which topics are proposed and included in its programme of work, as well as the selection of special rapporteurs. Madam Chair, it's also important to preserve substantive debate in the Sixth Committee in order to make progress on the items on its agenda, including during International Law Week. Side events enrich academic and professional exchanges. but they should not compete with the formal meetings of the Sixth Committee in a manner that detracts from the depth of our deliberations, which, as already noted, must also be conducted efficiently. Mexico also reaffirms its commitment to multilingualism. The timely availability of documents in all six official languages and adequate interpretation services are necessary conditions for equality among States. not ancillary elements of our work. We consider it important to explore how new technologies can be harnessed to support the work of this Committee. This also applies to the Committee's website, which does not currently provide the same content in all six official languages of the Organization. Likewise, we should strengthen equitable geographical representation. and promote greater gender equality across the work of the organization. Revitalizing this committee means strengthening its capacity to discharge its functions in the face of contemporary challenges. Mexico will continue to participate constructively in this exercise in a spirit of openness, transparency and inclusion, with a focus on achieving results. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Madam.

Chair, at the outset, I'd like to congratulate you and all the members of the Bureau on your election, and to thank you for your work in preparing this session to get the Secretariat and assure you of the full support of our delegation. Switzerland welcomes this discussion on strengthening the work of the General Assembly. A crowded agenda, repetitive debates, and overly long statements reduce the time available for genuine, substantive debate. Allow me to address five points today. First, Switzerland supports clear and shorter time limits for statements. For example, four minutes for individual interventions or seven minutes for those delivered on behalf of a group, with more time allocated during the annual exchange with the International Law Commission. Above all, these limits must be applied strictly and consistently. After a clear warning, for example, a light signal, microphones should be switched off once the time has expired. This is already the practice in other committees. This is essential for fairness and efficiency. Second, we are open to reducing the frequency of certain agenda items or resolutions when this lightens our workload without compromising substance. Third, we stress the importance of preserving multilingualism and encourage a balanced representation of women and men in the Bureau and among the facilitators. Fourth, we could support enhanced interactive exchanges with the International Law Commission and its special rapporteurs, for example, through guiding questions, provided that this does not come at the expense of the Commission's well-established working methods and practices for its substantive sessions. Finally, we consider that the discussion on programme plans adds to the workload and agenda of our committee. Debating program plans here duplicates the work of the Fifth Committee, which will review these plans in any case as part of the adoption of the 2027 budget and its overall work this fall. We will continue to engage constructively. Strengthening our working methods helps keep our collective attention where it needs to be. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam Chair, the Russian delegation places due importance on efforts to revitalize and enhance the effectiveness of the work of the General Assembly, including its main committees. At the same time, we would like to recall that the relevant decisions of the General Assembly do not provide for a mechanical standardization of the working methods of all of the main committees. In particular, resolution 79/227 requests that the main committees review their working methods and provide proposals to improve their effectiveness, and explicitly also points to the need to respect the specificities and mandates of each of these. committees. With regard to the Sixth Committee, this is of vital importance. As we have already noted, its mandate is unique. This is where the states undertake the codification for the development of international law, consider the outcomes of the work of the ILC, and make decisions that could in the future lead to the development of universal international legal instruments. This work, by its very nature, requires a careful consideration of the positions of states, a quest for compromise, and the maintenance of the fundamental principle of consensus in the work of the Committee. Without this principle, it would be very difficult to develop an instrument that could potentially become universal. At the same time, unlike in some other areas of the GA's work, we do not see a problem with regard to substantive duplication between the agenda of the Sixth Committee and those of the other main committees. Therefore, it would hardly be justified to seek greater efficiency mainly through the mechanical reduction of the number of agenda items, the amount of time dedicated to their consideration, or introducing to the Sixth Committee working methods that have been developed in other bodies. In our view, there are other ways to enhance efficiency. We should pay greater attention to issues that have already been on the agenda of the Committee for many years, but on which we have not made any progress. For example, this applies to the topic of responsibility of international organizations. The relevant draft articles were completed by the ILC in 2011. Since then, the issue has regularly returned to our agenda, but no decision has been made to date on further work on this important outcome of the Commission's work. If we are truly committed to making the work of the Sixth Committee more productive, then we believe that it would be more useful to focus on these types of accumulated outstanding issues and consider them substantively. At the same time, we propose looking at the opposite situation as well. Agenda items with regard to which the Committee has already launched separate processes for developing future international legal instruments. This applies in particular to the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity and the protection of persons in the event of disasters. In regard to both areas, the GA has already made decisions to move substantive work into specially established negotiation formats. to work toward potential conventions. Without prejudice to the substance of states' positions on these issues, we believe it's logical to ask whether, once such independent negotiations have been launched, it remains useful to maintain a parallel track for their consideration in this Sixth Committee. This kind of duplication of work would hardly be consistent with the logic of revitalization. This, therefore, is a clear opportunity to rationalize the agenda. Lastly, we'd like to address the proposals that are regularly made regarding agenda items on granting observer status in the GA. We do not consider it appropriate to revise the established procedure for their consideration, including decisions to defer consideration to the next session. Current practice is a sufficiently fragile compromise that makes it possible to maintain consensus in the committee on sensitive issues regarding admitting new observers. At the same time, the actual workload on the committee's programme of work on these items is relatively limited. Therefore, the potential time savings would not justify the risk of upsetting the existing balance. Madam Chair, for us, revitalisation is neither an end in itself nor an effort to change the maximum possible number of existing procedures. Its outcome ought to be more substantive and effective work by the committee. Therefore, we propose using a simple approach to maintain these methods and practices that have proven to be effective and to ensure consensus, including making more practical, thoughtful efforts toward the role of coordinators for draft resolutions, as well as actively promoting issues that have long been ripe for decision and eliminating genuine rather than simply formal duplication where it actually has occurred. We believe this approach would fully reflect the letter of the GA resolution on revitalization and specific nature of the unique mandate of our committee. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana. It seems that they do not wish to take the floor at this time. The distinguished representative of the Russian Federation was therefore the last speaker on this agenda item for this morning. I want to thank delegations for the kind words of support expressed to me as chair, to the Bureau and to the secretariat.

We look forward to working with you all over the coming weeks. I should also mention that all of the statements this morning were within the agreed time limits, so that is a positive start to our work. I noted the suggestion about having the timer on the screen, and we are working to have that in place because it's a useful guide. I would mention that this comes with a cost to the committee, just for your information, but we hope that we would be able to have the timer on screen for all, if not most, of our meetings. Before turning to the next agenda item, scheduled For today, I wish to announce that the Bureau has appointed Mr. Abdul Aziz Fadala M. A. Al-Sulaiti of Qatar as its focal point on revitalization for the present session. The focal point on revitalization will serve as the Bureau's contact point for receiving information, comments, and suggestions from delegations regarding the working methods of the Committee. and its program of work, including that for the following session, as well as in connection with the recommendations addressed to the main committees made in the annual resolution adopted by the General Assembly on the revitalization of its work. At this juncture, I give the floor to the focal point to make remarks.

You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, please allow me to thank you and other Bureau members for your trust in appointing me as the focal point on revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. Please allow me to extend my deepest thanks to the previous rapporteur and focal point at the previous General Assembly session. I thank her for her efforts. I have listened attentively to today's discussion and I have taken note of the different proposals by delegations. I look forward to building on this discussion and on previous work during the previous session. I look forward to communicating with all delegations to exchange views and proposals on the working methods of the Sixth Committee. I look forward to consult with you, Madam Chair, and other Bureau members in order to pursue this discussion. We will brief delegations on any future arrangement in due course. I would like to thank the interpreters and secretariat for their valuable support, wishing them every success in their endeavor during this session. I would like to thank the member states for their constructive cooperation. I look forward to future cooperation in a sense of transparency and openness to revitalize the work of the Sixth Committee. Thank you.

Thank you.

In accordance with the programme of work, the Sixth Committee will continue its consideration of agenda item.

124, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, on the morning of 13 November.

Distinguished delegates, in accordance with the programme of work also adopted earlier this morning, we shall now commence our consideration of agenda item 112, measures to eliminate international terrorism. I draw your attention to the report of the Secretary General in relation to the agenda item now under consideration as contained in document A/81/218 and COR 1. We shall now begin our debate on this agenda item. There are a number of speakers on the list for this item. The Bureau has recommended that the deadline for the inscription for the debate on agenda item 112 be 5 p.m. today, after which the list of speakers will be closed. The first speaker on the list is the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. You have the floor, sir.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you for your well-deserved election. Allow me to assure you of the Non-Aligned Movement's fullest cooperation and support throughout the work of the Sixth Committee. The NAM unequivocally rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism, wherever, by whoever, against whomever committed, including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved, which are unjustifiable, whatever the considerations or factors that may be invoked to justify them. All such acts are condemned as criminal. In this context, NAM members reaffirm their support for the provisions contained in General Assembly resolution 46/51 of 9 December 1991 and other relevant United Nations resolutions. The NAM reaffirms that terrorist acts constitute a flagrant violation of international law. including international humanitarian and human rights law, in particular the right to life, leading to the lack of the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of peoples. Such acts endanger the territorial integrity and stability of states, as well as national, regional and international security. destabilize legitimately constituted governments or the prevailing constitutional order and political unity of states, affect the stability of nations and the very basis of societies, create adverse consequences on economic and social development, while also leading to the destruction of the physical and economic infrastructure of states. The NAM reiterates its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the UN Charter. We would like to stress that terrorism should not be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation. for self-determination and national liberation. The brutalization of peoples remaining under foreign occupation should continue to be denounced as the gravest form of terrorism, and the use of state power for the suppression and violence against peoples struggling against foreign occupation in exercising their inalienable right to self-determination should continue to be condemned. The Movement reaffirms its principled position under international law and in accordance with General Assembly resolution 46/51 of 9 December 1991, as well as other relevant UN resolutions, on the legitimacy of the struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for national liberation and self-determination. Furthermore, terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group, and these attributions should not be used to justify terrorism or counterterrorism measures that include, inter alia, profiling of terror suspects and intrusion on individual privacy. Conscious of the need to take speedy and effective measures to eliminate international terrorism, the Movement urges all States, consistent with the UN Charter, to fulfill their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law in combating terrorism, including by persecuting or, where appropriate, extraditing the perpetrators of terrorist acts. by preventing the organizations, instigation, or financing of terrorist acts against other states from within or outside their territories, or by organizations based in their territories, by refraining from organizing, instigating, assisting, financing, or participating in terrorist acts in territories of other states, or by refraining from encouraging activities within their territories directed towards the commission of such acts, by refraining from allowing the use of their territories as sanctuaries and safe haven or for the planning, training, or financing for such acts, or by refraining from supplying arms or other weapons that could be used for terrorist acts in other states. The NAM rejects actions and measures the use or threat of use of force imposed or threatened to be imposed by any states against NAM member countries under the pretext of combating terrorism or to pursue its political aims, including by directly or indirectly categorizing them as terrorist and sponsoring states. Furthermore, the NAM totally rejects the unilateral preparation of lists accusing a state of allegedly supporting terrorism, which are inconsistent with international law and constitute on their part a form of psychological and political terrorism. The NAM calls upon all the states to condemn any form of and refrain from extending political, diplomatic, moral, or material support for terrorism. The NAM urges all the states consistent with the UN Charter and in fulfilling their obligations under international law to ensure that refugee status or any other legal status is not abused by the perpetrators, organizers, or facilitators of terrorist acts, and that claims of political motivation by them are not recognized as ground for refusing requests for their extradition. The movement expresses grave concern over the acute and growing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, namely individuals who travel to a state other than their states of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, preparation of, or participation in terrorist acts, or providing or receiving terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflicts. In this context, the move emphasizes the need for a state to address this issue, including through the implementation of their international obligations and underline the importance of United Nations capacity building and facilitation of capacity building in accordance with existing mandate to assist a state upon their request, including those in the most affected regions. The Movement expresses deep concern over the misinterpretation and the misrepresentation of religions by terrorist groups to justify terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as violent extremism. conducive to terrorism, all in an effort to instill hatred in the hearts and minds of the youth, while justifying and glorifying brutality and violence. In this regard, it is imperative to effectively counter the narratives of terrorism through a comprehensive and international framework with an effective and comprehensive method aimed at addressing all its root causes. including through the engagement of community leaders and clerics from all denominations. The movement also calls upon all states to not only respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, but also reaffirm their commitment in this respect to prevent human rights violations inconsistent with the rule of law and their obligation under the international law, in particular, international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law, and in accordance with relevant General Assembly resolution. We call upon the Security Council Sanctions Committees to further streamline their listing and delisting procedures to strengthen due process and the rule of law through an independent, transparent, and permanent position of the ombudsperson. The Non-Aligned Movement condemns in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and all terrorist acts, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism, and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace and express determination to condemn violent extremism conducive to terrorism and incitement to commit terrorist acts which spread hate and threaten lives. also reaffirms that terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic groups. The NAM retrace is called for an international summit conference under auspices of the UN to formulate a joint organized response to the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including identifying its root causes. We further reiterate the importance of the conclusion of a comprehensive convention for combating international terrorism, noting the negotiations in the ad hoc committee established by General Assembly resolution 51/210 of 17 December 1996 for the elaboration of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism and the continuation of efforts to that end, including during the inter-session period. In this regard, we call upon all States to cooperate in resolving outstanding issues. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his statement on behalf of Now, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the OIC.

Thank you. Bismillah.

Sayyida Raisa, you share the podium.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the OIC group on the agenda item, measures to eliminate international terrorism. I congratulate you on your election as chair of the Sixth Committee, and I assure you of our group's full support. Madam Chair, the OIC group condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and reaffirms that terrorism is a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, in particular the right to life. Terrorist acts endanger the territorial integrity and stability of states, as well as national, regional, and international security. The OIC Group reiterates its respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states in accordance with the UN Charter. We reaffirm that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, race, faith, culture, ethnicity, or society. We condemn any politicized attempt to link Islam with terrorism. Such attempts serve only the interests and aspirations of terrorists and promote polarization, hatred, discrimination, xenophobia, and hostility against Muslims and Muslim communities worldwide. Accordingly, We reiterate the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among religions, cultures, and civilizations for peace and harmony across the world. We welcome all regional and international initiatives and efforts to this end. Madam Chair, the OIC Group reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism without any distinction and through a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of terrorism, including lack of sustained economic growth, lack of development, lack of socioeconomic opportunities, unlawful use of force, aggression, foreign occupation, prolonged international disputes, political marginalization, and alienation. The group reiterates the need to distinguish between terrorism and the exercise of the legitimate right of people to resist foreign occupation. We stress that this distinction is duly observed in international law, IHL, Article 51 of the UN Charter, and General Assembly Resolution 46/51, which also endorses this position. Member States should enhance their cooperation and coordination to prosecute the perpetrators of terrorist acts, denying terrorist groups access to any finance, safe havens, assistance, or weapons, as well as enhancing efforts to counter narratives and ideologies of terrorist groups and organizations. We condemn the system of oppression and terror by the illegal Israeli colonial occupation and the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, including acts of genocide and other crimes and violations. These include the use of starvation, sexual violence, and rape as weapons of war. settlement and annexation, forced displacement, terrorism supported and coordinated with the occupation's authorities. This also includes repeated attacks on Muslim and Christian holy sites, as well as illegal Israeli attempts to alter the historical and legal status of Al-Quds. We call on the international community to end this settler colonial occupation and apartheid regime. The OIC condemns terrorism committed by settlers in coordination with occupation authorities. This includes land confiscation, settlement expansion, and acts of violence by settlers that result in killings, arson, destruction of homes, property, agricultural lands, and places of worship, such as the burning of mosques, and the control over water resources. We condemn the siege imposed by extremist Israeli settlers on Palestinian towns. These acts are organized acts of terrorism that must be dismantled. The perpetrators must be held accountable. All settlement activities are unlawful and illegal under international law and constitute a crime that require legal action and accountability, including through the imposition of sanctions and through prosecution. In this context, we call on the international community to register Israeli settlers and Jews settlement movements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds, along with all individuals, institutions, and organizations that have participated, are participating, are supporting, or inciting hostile acts against the Palestinian people to place them on terrorism lists. Legal measures must be taken to hold them accountable. They must be prevented from entering any countries. We must work at all levels, including at the UN and the Security Council, to hold the Israeli leaders and settlers accountable for crimes perpetrated. International protection and support must be provided for multilateral institutions and their personnel, including courts. We condemn any actions aimed at undermining their work and contributions to human rights protection. Such acts are a direct threat to international standards of justice, fairness, and accountability. The OIC Group. reaffirmed the significance of the case presented to the ICJ concerning Israel as the occupying power, having violated the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. We welcome the increase in the number of declaration of intervention and the necessary follow-up actions to the advisory opinion of the ICJ in order to ensure that Israel, the occupying power, is held accountable for the acts of genocide it has committed and it continues to commit in the State of Palestine. We underscore the official confirmation of genocide in the OPT by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry. We condemn the Israeli Knesset's adoption of racist laws, including classifying the so-called UNRWA as a terrorist organization, preventing its operation in the OPT, and rejecting a Palestinian state. The OIC Group condemns Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanon since October 2023, including land, sea, and air assaults on Lebanon's sovereignty, which have been alarmingly increasing. Israel's persistent continues its policy of intimidation and threats against Lebanon. It continues to target civilians and children in southern Lebanon and deep into Lebanese territory. This is a flagrant violation of international law and IHL. The OIC further condemns the cyber warfare launched by Israel against Lebanon. We call on the international community to take deterrent measures to stop this aggression and hold Israel accountable for its crimes. The OIC strongly condemned the brutal, unprovoked acts of aggression by the Israeli regime against many countries, members of the OIC, including the repeated terrorist attacks killing scientists, university professors, senior military commanders, in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. These brutal attacks and the unprovoked assault on many embassies and diplomatic missions constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity and a blatant violation of the sovereignty of these states. The OIC group condemns in the strongest terms Israel's Ongoing violations and aggression against Syria, including incursions since 8 December 2024, the arrest and abduction of civilians including children, airstrikes, unlawful entry by Israeli officials, settlement expansion, and attacks on Lebanon from Syrian territory. These acts violate Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The group demands their immediate cessation, the complete and immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Syrian territory since that date, and full compliance with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. We call for the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, mainly Resolution 497 of 1981. We call for Israel's complete withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan. The OIC group further condemned the attacks against peaceful energy facilities. We call on the IAEA to equivalently condemn these attacks, and we call on the Security Council to take decisive measures in this regard. The OIC condemns Any heinous attacks against the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, any such threats or attacks instill fear in innocent civilians, violate the sanctity of holy sites and mosques, and provoke the sentiments of Muslims across the world. already affirm that the acts committed against holy sites, mosques, civilian infrastructure constitute terrorism that runs counter to Islamic values and to international norms, principles, and law. It stresses that the violation of the sanctity of holy sites is unacceptable. and intolerable. The perpetrators must be deterred, and those who dare to infringe these sites must be stopped. The OIC expresses its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to deter the aggressors and preserve the sanctity of holy sites and the lives of Muslims, and to protect its security and sovereignty. We strongly condemn recent terrorist attacks by various terrorist entities operating from Afghanistan against neighboring countries, mainly Pakistan. We call on the Taliban to take concrete steps against all terrorist organizations under whatsoever name and their affiliation, such as al-Qaida, Jaish al-Adl, Daesh, and its affiliates. Tim, tip. TTP and any other group, such as the BLA and Majid Brigade, whose terrorist activities against the neighboring countries have increased manifold in recent years and are a cause for serious concern. The group expresses solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan. We express our deep concern over the military escalation in Southeast Asia, including the unjustified strikes carried out on multiple locations in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. We stress the need to exercise maximum restraint and avoid action that would destabilize the region. The group reaffirms and purposes of the Charter of the OIC and the UN Charter regarding the sanctity of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination. We recall the numerous unimplemented UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. According to these resolutions, the final disposition of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people to join India or Pakistan, expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the UN auspices. Lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without a just settlement of the core Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with Security Council resolutions. We reaffirm. that the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy constitutes an ongoing effort and a living document which should be updated and reexamined regularly by taking into account new and emerging trends in the context of terrorism, particularly threats posed by the rise of terrorist attacks on the basis of xenophobia, Islamophobia, racism, right-wing extremism, state-sponsored extraterritorial assassinations, that are sponsored by states, and disinformation campaigns and use of terrorist groups as proxies and hydro-terrorism. We have taken note of the adoption of the ninth review of this strategy, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We regret the absence of substantive progress during the negotiations on this ninth review, noting that these discussions resulted in a purely technical rollover. OIC Member States engaged constructively and in good faith throughout the review process and voted in favour of the resolution. We reaffirm our collective commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We reiterate our commitment to the comprehensive and balanced implementation of the Strategy. We hope that future reviews will build on lessons learned from this process. And we hope that this will enable Member States to engage in a spirit of consensus and compromise with a view to ensuring that this strategy... The microphone was cut off. To ensure that this strategy adequately reflects the concerns, priorities of Member States, as well as the challenges they face. The group reaffirms that these strategies should be implemented in a balanced manner across its four pillars. We underscore the importance of enhancing capacity building of member states to assist them in implementing various resolutions under UN resolutions. This requires increasing the resources for UN entities and departments and enhancing bilateral technical assistance and transfer of technology. The OIC recognizes the central role and contribution of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre. Madam Chair, we reaffirm our commitment to the process of negotiating a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Progress must be achieved in this context. We reiterate our previous proposal on the scope of the draft convention. We stand ready to spare no effort to reach a consensus by resolving outstanding issues, including those related to the legal definition of terrorism, particularly the distinction between terrorism and the struggle for the peoples of self-determination under foreign occupation and colonial or alien domination, as well as on the scope of the acts covered by the draft convention. We still see merit in convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the U.N. in order to finalize the outstanding issues and further enhancing the international community's response to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia for the statement. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon, speaking on behalf of the African Group.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver a statement on behalf of the African Group. Let me congratulate you and the member of the Bureau on your election and assure you of full support throughout the work of the Sixth Committee. The African Group would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on measures to eliminate international terrorism, contained in document A/H.1/218 and correct 1. We strongly and unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism, wherever, by whomever and against whomever they are committed, including state terrorism, and reaffirm that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. For the African group, any act of terrorism is a flagrant violation of international law including international, humanitarian and human rights law. The African group recognizes state non derogable obligation as it relates to respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all state in accordance with the UN Charter. Madam Chair, we welcome the adoption on 1st July 2026 of General Assembly Resolution 80/286 on the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, marking the 20th anniversary of the strategy. We commend the permanent representative of Morocco and Finland for their effort as co-facilitator of the review process. The group reaffirms the strategy as the central global framework for collective counter-terrorism action and stresses the importance of its balanced implementation across all four pillars in full respect of international law. During the latest 9th GCTS review, which resulted in a pure technical roll over, it was regrettable that consensus could not be reached on proposal to condemn the action of racist and right-wing extremist group, including the desecration of places of worship and the sacred text of holy books, as well as to include a reference to the International Day against Islamophobia. Despite the consensus resolution, 76/254 of 15 March 2022 by the UN General Assembly. Madam Chair, the African Group stresses that countering hate speech, extremist narrative and incitement to violence form an important part of broader effort to prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism. We therefore call for strengthening international cooperation, including through inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, education, and responsible use of digital platform while fully respecting international human right law. It is also important to address the evolving nature of terrorist threat. The African group is particularly concerned by the growing exploitation by terrorist group of new and emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, unmanned aircraft system, and crypt communication, digital platform, and virtual asset. As highlighted in the latest report of the Secretary General, S/2026/638, on the threat posed by Daesh, these tools can facilitate propaganda, recruitment, financing, operational planning, and evasion. The group calls for stronger international cooperation, information sharing, and tailored capacity building, particularly for affected African member states, while safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. The African Group is also concerned about the growing risk of use by terrorists of other sophisticated weapons, such as chemical weapons. In this regard, we commend the Secretary-General for his report on measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, contained in document A/H1/173. and call on all states to support international efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring such weapons as contained in resolution RES/80/41. Furthermore, the African Group reiterates the relevance of operative paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution RES/23/70 of 2017, adopted on 2nd August 2017, affirming that all State Members must refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to entity or person involved in terrorist act, including by eliminating the supply of weapons to terrorists and emphasizing the importance of the full and effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolution and the need for appropriate measure to be taken in the event of any failure to comply with this obligation. In the same vein, we express our concern over the systematic recruitment and use of children to perpetrate terrorist attacks, as well as the violation and abuse committed by terrorist groups against children in all circumstances, including killings and maiming, adoption and rape, and other forms of sexual violence. This violation and abuses may amount to war crime or crimes against humanity and represent an affront to the obligation under the Convention on the Right of the Child as well as the African Charter on the Right and Welfare of the Child. Madam Chair, the African group takes note of the work done by the other committee in drafting the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. We reiterate the importance of the conclusion of a comprehensive convention on combating international terrorism and the continuing effort to that end. We welcome the resumed session of the informal consultation to discuss the outstanding issue on the draft CCIT and we call on all member states to cooperate in resolving the pending issues. The African Group stand ready to work actively with other delegations to achieve consensus on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. In view of this, the African Group support the proposal to convene a high-level conference under the auspices of the UN to formulate an international response to terrorism in all its form and manifestation, and we believe that the proposal should be given serious consideration. Madam Chair, Africa continues to pay a heavy price with a surge in attack and expansion of groups affiliated to Daesh and Al-Qaeda in the Sahel and in coastal West Africa, in Lake Chad Basin and in the Gulf of Guinea. Not to forget the emergence of cell in Central, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa. This threat challenge the AU effort to silence the gun in Africa by 2030 and significantly hinders progress towards implementing the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda. The group further emphasized the particular vulnerability of coastal and developing states and calls for enhanced preventive cooperation, intelligence sharing, strengthening border management, and targeted capacity building to prevent the further geographical expansion of terrorist network. Against this backdrop, the African group has long recognized the need to take concrete measure to counter the phenomenon of terrorism and has continued to remain committed to the process which led to the adoption of the convention on the prevention and combating of terrorism in 1999 and entered into force in 2002. The continual effort and commitment of the African continent have been strengthened through the establishment of agencies such as the African Union Counter-Terrorism Center in Algiers, Algeria. The African Union remain committed to guiding, promoting, raising awareness, as well as protecting the building and building the capacity of relevant stakeholder. by providing operational and technical advice and support, as well as training to address terrorism-related issues. Africa is committed to develop a comprehensive continental strategic plan of action on countering terrorism in Africa, premises on existing national and regional strategy to enhance coordination and coherence to consolidate coordination and enhance action. For this purpose, the full operationalization of the African Standby Force and the strengthening of the coordination with regional economic communities and regional mechanism on its utilization remain a priority in AU counterterrorism agenda. Madam Chair, while expressing concern over the increased incident of kidnapping and hostage taking for a ransom in the region, The African group consider the financing of terrorism as a matter of grave concern, not only for the continent, but also for the international community. In this regard, the African group calls for the strengthening of measure to curb terrorist financing, including ransom payment, illicit trade, and money laundering through enhanced cooperation with financial institution and strict implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2133 of 2014. The African group urged member states to take appropriate measures to prevent the refugee status from being abused by the perpetrator, organizer, or facilitator of terrorist acts and to ensure before granting asylum that the asylum seekers have not planned, facilitated, or participated in terrorist acts. The African group also called on member states to invest more in counter-narrative and community resilience by supporting youth, women, religious leaders and civil society in preventing radicalization and promoting peace-oriented messaging, including through the implementation of the comprehensive international framework to counter terrorist narrative. Apart from implementing concrete measure, more attention in the fight against terrorism need to be further strengthened through inter-state cooperation. It is in this context that we welcome the creation and operationalization in Djibouti of the Center of Excellence for the prevention and fight against violent extremism. We appreciate the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative elaborated by the African Center for Study and Research on Terrorism and the United States Africa Center for Strategic Studies. We also welcome the Madrid Declaration and Plan of Action on Combating Terrorism in West and Central Africa, Madam Chair. In combating this phenomenon, the African Group commends the progress already made in the UN-AU partnership and calls for the strengthening of this partnership and for a greater alignment, including on strategic, legal and operational level, between UN Counter-Terrorism Initiative and AU effort, like the AU Counter-Terrorism Framework and the 2020 AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Gun in Africa. The African Group encourages cooperation between the UN and regional organization in the fight against terrorism and stress the critical importance for the UN and its member state to work with the African region to prevent the threat of terrorism from derailing the hard-won gains that Africa has made in unifying, developing, and working towards a more prosperous, peaceful future. The African Group records the high-level counterterrorism meeting co-organized by Nigeria and UNOCT in Abuja in April 2024, and the endorsement of the Abuja process as a framework for African-led and Africa-owned counterterrorism initiative. We recall with appreciation the convening on 20 on 24 January 2025 of the high-level UN Security open debate on counter-terrorism in Africa, organized during Algeria's presidency of the Security Council, in connection with the item entitled Maintenance of International Peace and Security, the adoption of the President's statement, and also the adoption on the Algeria's chairmanship of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee of the non-binding guidance principle for member states on preventing, detecting and disrupting the use of new and emerging financial technology for terrorist purpose, also known as the Algeria Guiding Principle. In this respect, the African Group reaffirmed the imperative of adequate, sustainable and predictable financing for counter-terrorism effort on the continent. and consequently reiterate its call for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to further strengthen counterterrorism effort and embed African leadership within peace and security architecture. The African group strongly advocate for technical assistance and capacity building, especially in areas like border control to counter cross-border smuggling of mineral and goods, illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, combating drug trafficking, anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism, law enforcement and judicial processes. The African Group welcomed the establishment in 2020 in Rabat, Morocco, of the UN OCG Programme Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa, which provides an important contribution in counter-terrorism through capacity building, support to member state in Africa, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel. This training helps develops and delivers specialized counterterrorism and law enforcement training program to requesting member state in Africa. The group also welcomed the establishment of the regional program Office of Counterterrorism in Nairobi, Kenya in 2022 to prevent and counter violence, extremism conducive to terrorism in East Africa. Madam Chair, in our collective fight against terrorism, the African group remain guided by the memory of victim and the suffering of survivors. We welcome the growing emphasis on victim-centered approach, including at the 2026 United Nations Counterterrorism Week and the 9th International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victim of Terrorism on 21st August 2026. We stress the importance of supporting victims and empowering them as partner in prevention resilience and peacebuilding. In this regard, we look forward to the next United Nations Conference on Victims of Terrorism to be hosted by Iraq later this year. Madam Chair, in closing, let me reiterate the unwavering commitment of the African Group to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, both in Africa and elsewhere. I thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon, speaking on behalf of the African Group, for the statement. And I now have the honor of giving the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of CELAC.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the 33 member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC. CELAC reaffirms its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. We reiterate our commitment to preventing and combating terrorism in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law. Terrorism continues to constitute a serious threat to international peace and security, sustainable development and the enjoyment of human rights. Effective responses require strengthening international cooperation, while also addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, including prolonged unresolved conflicts, discrimination, exclusion, violations of human rights and the weakening of the rule of law. In this regard, CELAC underscores the importance of promoting a culture of peace, tolerance and respect for cultural, religious and political diversity. CELAC commemorates the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy and takes note of the adoption of its ninth review by the General Assembly on 1 July 2026 through resolution 80/286. We reaffirm the importance of comprehensive, integrated and balanced implementation of its four pillars, including measures aimed at addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, strengthening the capacities of States, and ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law as the foundation of our collective efforts. The Community also recognizes that the terrorist threat continues to evolve. New and emerging technologies can be misused for terrorist purposes, including for propaganda, recruitment and radicalization. International cooperation must therefore evolve accordingly, while ensuring that measures aimed at addressing those threats are consistent with international law and fully respect human rights, including the right to privacy. We reiterate the importance of preventing and suppressing the financing of terrorism and of strengthening judicial cooperation, mutual legal assistance and information sharing in accordance with international law. We also recognize the valuable role of the United Nations in providing technical assistance and capacity building support upon request and in accordance with the needs and priorities of Member States. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay, speaking on behalf of CELAC, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, as well as Armenia and Monaco, align themselves with this statement. We thank the Secretary-General for the preparation of the comprehensive report on measures to eliminate international terrorism. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. Counterterrorism remains a top priority in the EU's efforts to promote international peace and security. In an environment shaped by geopolitical shifts and growing instability, terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism continue to pose a risk to the international community as a whole. Al-Qaeda, ISIL, Daesh, and their affiliates remain present in Afghanistan, Central Asia, Syria, Iraq, the Sahel, and the wider African continent and remain the most prominent threat. Moreover, politically motivated violent extremism, including from the far right and to a lesser extent the far left, along with the exploitation of new technologies for terrorist purposes, remain significant areas of concern. In February this year, the European Commission presented a new agenda to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism. As a flagship initiative under the EU's Protect EU internal security strategy, the agenda sets out how we will anticipate evolving threats such as the growing involvement of minors and the misuse of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, prevent radicalization, protect people online and offline, secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, and improve our response to attacks. It also recognizes that the internal and external dimensions of counterterrorism cannot be separated, and that cooperation with international partners, with full respect for the rule of law, human rights, and international law, is an integral part of our own security. The European Union values its counterterrorism partnerships with countries in all regions and with international and regional organizations, first and foremost the United Nations, where we are one of the largest donors to counterterrorism capacity building. We are equally proud to co-chair, together with Egypt, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, which marked its 15th anniversary this year and remains a unique platform for turning shared experience into practical guidance and concrete support for partners on the ground. allow me to draw particular attention to the following aspects for the work of this Committee. First, we welcome the recent adoption of the resolution on the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. While we regret that, for the first time in its history, the review was not adopted by consensus, we would like to express our gratitude to the co-facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of Finland and Morocco, for their dedication and efforts throughout the process, which helped the General Assembly reach an outcome that safeguards the achievements of over two decades of intergovernmental negotiations. We observe with concern the efforts made during the negotiations to remove core elements of the strategy relating to human rights, protection, civil society participation, and gender-related aspects of counterterrorism, which would have undermined the strategy's credibility and long-term effectiveness. We would have wished for an outcome that would have better equipped the strategy to meet today's challenges, including the misuse of emerging technologies, in particular artificial intelligence for terrorist purposes and their responsible use in counterterrorism, but also reinforcing the mainstreaming of human rights across all four pillars of the strategy, enhancing accountability and transparency of United Nations counterterrorism entities and strengthening the safe and meaningful participation of civil society in their work. Second, the European Union remains committed to a multilateral approach to counterterrorism that is fully grounded in international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law. Effective counterterrorism and the protection of human rights are not competing priorities. They are complementary and mutually reinforcing. Human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are the cornerstone of any sustainable counterterrorism strategy and must be integrated throughout all aspects of the implementation of the global counterterrorism strategy. Counterterrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations nor be directed against civil society. Third, as civic space continues to shrink and human rights are under continued pressure, we must redouble our efforts to protect civil society organizations. Their work is essential to addressing the conditions conducive to terrorism and enhances both the legitimacy and the effectiveness of our collective efforts. In this context, we cannot stress enough the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women. Counter-terrorism measures that lack a gender-responsive approach risk risk exacerbating rising inequalities and pre-existing prejudices, fueling the very grievances that contribute to radicalization. Equally, the voices of victims and survivors of terrorism must be heard and supported as an integral part of an effective human-centered response. Fourth, terrorist groups exploit armed conflict, governance gaps, mistrust in institutions, and social fragility to consolidate their influence. No counterterrorism strategy can succeed without accessing the conditions that lead to radicalization and allow violent extremism to take hold. We therefore see real value in taking into consideration the reinforcing synergies between counterterrorism and peacebuilding initiatives. Effective counterterrorism assistance cannot be delivered in isolation from peacebuilding processes, particularly in post-conflict and fragile settings. Fifth, terrorist groups continue to exploit emerging technologies, in particular digital platforms and online ecosystems, to disseminate violent extremist content and to target young people, and more recently, artificial intelligence and commercial satellite communications, as well as drone technologies. These trends require a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach in close cooperation with the private sector and civil society to ensure that emerging technologies are used responsibly and align with human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU supports efforts initiated by the Security Council in its presidential statement adopted on 11th of September 2026 to address this threat. We should also remain vigilant to the risk of terrorists exploiting technological developments to facilitate the acquisition, development, or use of chemical and biological weapons and related materials. Finally, the EU deploys increasing politicization of counterterrorism and strongly supports efforts to revitalize the negotiations on the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Recent developments in Europe show that agreement on definitions is possible. In May this year, the protocol amending the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism was open for signature and signed by the European Union and the first group of Council of Europe member states. Once in force, it will establish the first common definition of terrorist offenses at regional level, and it demonstrates that shared legal frameworks can strengthen international cooperation while fully safeguarding human rights. We invite other delegations to consider this experience and stand ready to engage in a constructive and meaningful dialogue on that basis. Madam Chair, the European Union and its Member States remain steadfast in our commitment to multilateralism. We stand ready to work with all partners to strengthen our collective security and uphold the fundamental values that unite us in the fight against international terrorism. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union for his statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia, speaking on behalf of ASEAN.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is with great honor that I deliver this statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, at this important session on measures to eliminate international terrorism. Allow me to begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to you, Madam Chair, and the Bureau members on your election to lead the Sixth Committee. We have full confidence in your leadership and are certain that under your guidance, our discussion will be productive and lead to significant and tangible outcomes that will advance our collective counterterrorism efforts. ASEAN deeply appreciates the crucial role played by the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, UNOCT, and the Counterterrorism Executive Directorate, CTEd. Their tireless technical assistance and support have proven instrumental in enhancing the capacity of Member States to address the evolving nature of terrorism. In this context, ASEAN warmly welcomes the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/80/171 last year. to establish a working group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism, as well as discussions on the item concerning the question of convening a high level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. ASEAN has welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on 1st July 2026 of resolution 80/286 on the nine review of the global terrorism strategy as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the strategy. As in reaffirms its strong commitment to fully supporting the strategies objectives. We must ensure that this comprehensive approach continues to evolve to meet emerging threat building on past success while addressing new challenges. Madam Chair, ASEAN firmly believes that terrorism and violent extremism represent not only immediate threats to global security, but also significant obstacle to long-term peace, stability and development. Therefore, ASEAN has established a comprehensive and robust framework at the regional level to address terrorism in all its manifestations. The ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism, signed in 2007, and to which all 11 ASEAN member states are now parties, reflects our unwavering commitment to collective security and cooperation. ASEAN recognized the growing nexus between terrorism and transnational crimes. Our efforts to combat transnational crime are thus part of our comprehensive approach to eliminate terrorism. ASEAN ministers responsible for combating transnational crime, alongside Timor-Leste as observer, At the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, AMTC, convened in Malacca, Malaysia, from September 8 to 12, 2025, and adopted the ASEAN Plan of Action, POA, in combating transnational crime, 2026 to 2035. The Malacca Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime and the ASEAN Declaration on countering people smuggling in Southeast Asia. The meeting also established a SOMTC working group on money laundering, approved the ASEAN Border Management Cooperation Roadmap, and announced a declaration on countering cybercrime. Recognizing the final implementation phase of the ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalization and Violent Extremism, POA-PCVE 2018-2025, and the Bali Work Plan of Action 2019-2025, ASEAN encourages all relevant ASEAN entities to intensify their efforts to fully implement the work plan, including through collaborations with ASEAN dialogue partners and other external parties, guided by the principle of ASEAN centrality and mutual respect. We are looking forward to the development of the successor document of the PCVE and its corresponding cross-sectoral work plan, building upon regional best practices, including prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration, and utilizing the role of community and religious leaders in strengthening social resilience. The ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on the Use of Sports for Preventing Violent Extremism was also adopted at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. ASEAN's comprehensive strategy is further exemplified by the endorsement of the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Work Plan against Trafficking in Persons 2026-2028 Bohol TIP work plan 2.0 during the 17th AMMTC. This plan addresses transnational crimes like human trafficking and migrant smuggling, which are often intertwined with terrorist activities. By focusing on irregular migration and the associated criminal networks, we aim to disrupt interconnected threats that challenge regional stability. Additionally, the outcomes of the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum, ARF, held in Vientiane on 27 July 2024, underscore the importance of continued collaboration in tackling transnational threats. Five priority areas have been identified for the 2024 to 2026 period. Illicit drugs, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, CBRN measures, preventing and countering violence, extremism conducive to terrorism, trafficking in persons and border security management related to foreign tourists, fighters and transnational criminal travel. We strongly encourage all AIF participants to actively engage in their areas and support the AIF inter-sessional meeting on counter-terrorism and transnational crime, so-called ISM on CTDC. And during that ensuring that these priorities are effectively addressed. Furthermore, ASEAN recognized the significant contribution of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting, ADMM, and ADMM plus initiatives. These platforms have facilitated strategic information sharing on counter-terrorism preventing violent extremism and radicalization, as well as knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and capacity building initiatives. The ADMM+ work framework remains an essential mechanism for ensuring security cooperation in the region, particularly in addressing the evolving nature of terrorism and extremism. Madam Chair, ASEAN remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting global efforts to eliminate terrorism in all its form and manifestation. ASEAN approach to eliminating international terrorism includes enhancing regional and international cooperation, strengthening counter-terrorism laws and capacity building, and preventing radicalization through education and community engagement. Key measures involve protecting soft targets, combating foreign terrorist fighters, sharing intelligence, and preventing terrorist exploitation of cyberspace, as well as cutting off terrorist financing. ASEAN also emphasizes that all counter-terrorism efforts must uphold human rights, the rule of law and international law, while also addressing the root causes of extremism through sustainable development and social inclusion. ASEAN stands united in its stance that terrorism is never justifiable in all its form and manifestations, regardless of their motivations, and believe that those responsible for such acts must face appropriate consequences. We will continue to actively contribute to the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism, ensuring that our collective response is comprehensive, inclusive, and respectful for human rights. In this regard, we stress that terrorism must never be associated with any particular race, religion, nationality or ethnicity. Lastly, we emphasize that all counter-terrorism efforts must be carried out with full respect for the United Nations Charter. International law and human rights law I would say international humanitarian law and human rights law. It is equally vital to uphold the principles of sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, a consistent approach and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states as we pursue these shared goals. I thank you, Madam Chair, for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia for the statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway, speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. As you said, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. Terrorism and violent extremism remain serious transnational threats. They endanger international peace and security, erode social cohesion, and inflict profound harm on individuals and communities. The Nordic countries condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of its motivation, location, or perpetrator. We are also concerned by the persistent danger posed by right-wing extremism, including in our own societies. ISIL, Daesh and al-Qaeda and their affiliates remain adaptable and resilient. The threat is particularly acute in parts of Africa, including the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Horn of Africa and Central Africa, where terrorist groups exploit armed conflict, governance deficits, unresolved grievances and poverty. ISIL also retains a presence in Iraq and Syria, while ISIL-Khorasan continues to threaten Afghanistan, the wider region and countries further afield. Terrorist groups are also expanding the use of new and emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, virtual assets and unmanned aircraft systems can facilitate propaganda, recruitment, financing and operational activity. International cooperation and information sharing must keep pace with these developments while remaining firmly grounded in international law. Madam Chair, the Nordic countries welcome the conclusion of the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in July. The strategy remains the central global framework for collective action against terrorism and against and again affirms that counter-terrorism measures must comply with international law. Although we regret that consensus was not maintained in this review, we appreciate the resolution succeeded in maintaining the achievements of over two decades of intergovernmental negotiations. We remain committed to balanced and integrated implementation of the strategy across all four pillars. We will continue to support coherent and effective actions by the Secretary-General and the United Nations system. Prevention must remain central to our efforts. Durable counter-terrorism policies must address the conditions that terrorists and violent extremist groups exploit, while strengthening resilience, inclusion and confidence in public institutions. Civil society, local communities, women and young people are essential partners. Particular attention is required to protect children and young people from recruitment, exploitation and violence, to build resilience against extremist narratives and to safeguard education from attack. Counter-terrorism and respect for international law reinforce one another. All measures to prevent and combat terrorism must comply with states' obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law. Upholding human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law is both a legal duty and a prerequisite for effective counter-terrorism. Measures that disregard these standards lose legitimacy, weaken effectiveness, and can fuel further radicalization. Madam Chair, the Nordic countries remain committed to supporting the Secretary-General's efforts, the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the work of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. We reaffirm our commitment to international cooperation, prevention, accountability and respect for international law. Sustained collective action is indispensable if we are to counter terrorism effectively while protecting the principles and values our efforts are intended to uphold. And I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia on behalf of CARNS.

Thank you, Chair. I have the honour today of speaking on behalf of Canada, New Zealand, and my own country, Australia. Cairns reaffirms its absolute condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism, including the devastating anti-Semitic terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, on 14 December 2025. Terrorism remains a threat to international peace and security, the rule of law, and the safety, dignity, and cohesion of our communities. Terrorist actors continue to exploit conflict, instability and new technologies to recruit, radicalize, finance, organize and incite violence, including among young people and vulnerable communities. No state can address these threats alone. Effective prevention and response requires coordinated international cooperation, including at the bilateral and regional level, strong national institutions, and resilient communities. Our collective efforts to counter international terrorism must comply with international law, including the United Nations Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law. Cairns continues to support the United Nations' role in convening states to combat terrorism. We urge all member states to fully implement United Nations Security Council resolutions that further this objective, including through cooperation on border security, information sharing, investigation and prosecution, sanctions, and countering terrorist financing. We were pleased to see the adoption of the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in July 2026. However, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Strategy, there remains more to do to better mitigate contemporary and emerging terrorism risks, including online radicalisation to violence, particularly among young people. This includes addressing the misuse of online platforms by terrorists and strengthening cooperation with industry partners to prevent radicalisation to violence, recruitment and the dissemination of terrorist and violent extremist content online. CAHNS will continue to advocate for a holistic, preventive and rights-based approach, integrating human rights, gender equality, victim-centered language and meaningful civil society participation. We also know that counter-terrorism measures are most effective when informed by the communities they protect. Cairns reiterates the importance of preserving civic space, enabling inclusive participation, countering intolerance, hatred and discrimination, and understanding the differentiated impacts of terrorism and violent extremism. The international community must also center the rights, needs and voices of victims and survivors. CAN supports the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism and efforts to ensure support is comprehensive, inclusive and responsive to diverse needs. We remain committed to working with all Member States, United Nations bodies, regional organizations, civil society, communities and the private sector to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Latvia, speaking on behalf of a group, the last speaker for this morning's session.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to address the Sixth Committee on behalf of three Baltic states, Estonia, Lithuania, and my own country, Latvia. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of its member states. As this is the first time we take the floor during this committee season, we wish to congratulate the Chair and other members of the Bureau on their appointment. We would like to assure you of our full support and cooperation towards a successful session. This year marks 20 years since the adoption of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Over these two decades, terrorism threats have evolved, Terrorist groups and their affiliates continue to exploit instability, adapt their methods of financing, recruitment, and make use of new and emerging technologies. The ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy earlier this year came at an important moment. While we regret that it was not possible to adopt a resolution by consensus, we remain firmly committed to a comprehensive and balanced implementation of all four pillars of the strategy. We would like to make three points. First, the fight against terrorism must remain firmly anchored in international law. The Baltic States condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whoever, whenever, or for whatever purpose, irrespective of motivation, timing, or perpetrator. The issue at hand have developed not because we have a lack of legal framework, but from shortcomings in its implementation. All counter-terrorism measures must therefore be carried out in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. We welcome the continued momentum within this committee to resolve the outstanding issues concerning the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. We encourage all delegations to engage constructively to advance this longstanding issue. Second, prevention must remain at the center of counter-terrorism. as we cannot defend the threat through kinetic and reactionary measures alone. This is particularly true as terrorist groups increasingly exploit new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, for propaganda, recruitment, radicalization, and financing. To ensure our preventive measures evolve alongside these threat patterns and remain ahead of them, Closer international cooperation is required. We must actively engage with the private sector, tech companies, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen our collective capacity to prevent and counter terrorism. Third, our commitments must translate into practical implementation. Terrorist threats are not identical in all countries and regions. National responses should be risk-based, tailored to national needs, and consistent with international obligations. The Baltic States underline the importance of implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed standards, including those developed by the Financial Action Task Force. Our experience demonstrates the value of robust national risk assessments and strong cooperation between financial intelligence units, law enforcement authorities, regulations and international partners. We remain committed to working with all member states towards the full implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and our common objectives of eliminating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Latvia. We heard the last speaker on this item for this morning. We will continue with our debate on this agenda item this afternoon at 3 p.m.

In this room.

The meeting is adjourned.