Briefings by Chairs of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council - Security Council, 10049th meeting

The 10,049th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is briefings by chairs of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. The agenda is adopted. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by the chairs of the following subsidiary bodies of the Security Council: Ambassador Sandra Jensen-Ladin, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark, on behalf of the Chair of the Security Council Committee Postman to Resolutions 1267, 1989, and 2253 concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al-Qaeda, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities. Ambassador Ammar Benjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria and Chair of the Security Council Committee established Postman to Resolution 1373 Concerning Counterterrorism, and Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Permanent Representative of Panama and Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1540. I now give the floor to Ambassador Sandhya Jensen-Landy.

Excellencies, distinguished Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General. Thank you, participants. On behalf of the Committee, I'm pleased to provide an overview of the evolving terrorist threat posed by ISIL/DAESH, Al-Qaeda, and their affiliates, drawing on the latest assessment of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. I will also provide a summary of the Committee's activities from 1 January to 18 November 2025. The threat posed by ISIL/DAESH, Al-Qaeda, and their affiliates remains dynamic and geographically diverse. With the highest intensity observed in Africa. ISIL, al-Qaeda, and their affiliates continue to step up their propaganda, exploiting social media platforms to glorify violence, recruit youth, and raise funds. Their continued use of cryptocurrencies poses a growing challenge to sanctions implementation. The identity of ISIL's leader, Abu Hafs al-Shami al-Qarashi, has not been confirmed. Reflecting losses in the Middle East, ISIL has pivoted towards Africa, where affiliates such as the Islamic State West Africa Province have expanded activities and propaganda. ISIL-Khorasan is one of the most serious threats in Central and South Asia, with at least 2,000 fighters under Zanaullah Ghafari. They continue to target Shia communities, de facto Afghan authorities and foreign nationals. The TTP, with its approximately 6,000 fighters, is another serious threat emanating from the region, receiving both logistical and substantial support from the de facto authorities. The TTP has conducted numerous high-profile attacks in Pakistan from Afghan soil, some of which incurred mass casualties. Across regions, foreign terrorist fighter movements, particularly between Syria, Africa, and Central Asia, remain a persistent concern for Member States. Al-Qaeda's central leadership remains weak and largely marginalized, while affiliates, including Janim in the Sahel, have exploited local grievances to expand their reach and financing. AQAP also continues to incite attacks and raise funds. Overall, ISIL and al-Qaeda have proven resilient, adaptive, and opportunistic, exploiting regional instability, weak governance, and emerging technologies to sustain relevance and project influence. These developments underscore the need for continued vigilance and close multilateral cooperation under the 1267 sanctions regime. Excellencies, during the reporting period, the Committee maintained a sustained programme of work. It met in informal consultations 3 times on 7 March, 21 July, and 3 November, and is expected to meet once again in December. The Committee is also scheduled to hold a joint open briefing for all Member States with the 1988 Committee in December. An important aspect of the Committee's work is to Deliberate on the monitoring team's mandated reports and formulates its position on its recommendations. The committee undertook this task in July, meeting informally to discuss the monitoring team's 35th and 36th report recommendations. The committee continued to be supported by the monitoring team in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2734. In 2025, the team submitted its 36th report in June. Its 37th report is expected by the end of December. The monitoring team also contributed to the Secretary-General's 20th report on the threat posed by ISIL/Daesh. The team also engaged widely with Member States, including through travel and 3 regional meetings of heads of intelligence and security services, to support implementation of the sanctions regime. The Council maintained the humanitarian carve-out for sanctions through Resolution 2761. which extended the exemption first established by Resolution 2664. In line with Resolution 2664, the Committee heard a briefing from OCHA in November on humanitarian implementation. As of 10 November 2025, the Committee had received 32 travel ban exemption requests from Member States. 19 were approved, 1 was withdrawn, and 11 were received post-travel are only notified to the Committee. The Committee received 7 asset freeze exemption requests, 4 for basic expenses and 3 for extraordinary expenses. None of the extraordinary asset freeze exemption requests were approved. In October, the Committee also approved the appointment of a new Ombudsperson. From January to November of this year, 2 individuals were delisted by the Security Council. 2 individuals were also delisted by the Committee upon recommendation of the Ombudsperson. And in addition, 1 individual was listed, and the Committee approved amendments to the entries and narrative summaries of 19 individuals and 1 entity. The 1267 sanction lists currently contain 252 individuals and 89 entities. The Committee also undertook the 2024 annual review process based on input from Member States. The annual review is still ongoing and is expected to conclude in December. The Secretariat continued to provide substantive and procedural support to the Committee, including briefings for incoming Council Members, public outreach and expert recruitment for the monitoring team, as well as technical maintenance of the sanctions list. Excellencies, the resilience and adaptability of ISIL. Al-Qaeda and their affiliates reinforce the importance of maintaining the 1267 sanctions regime as a core element of the international community's counterterrorism toolkit. I encourage member states to redouble efforts to identify and propose new designations, to share updated identifiers and supplementary information in support of the annual review, and to engage actively. with the Committee, the monitoring team, and the Office of the Ombudsperson. I remain grateful for the sustained cooperation of the Member States with the Committee and its subsidiary mechanisms. I thank you.

I thank Ambassador Landy for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Amr Benjama.

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, distinguished participants. As Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1373 concerning counter-terrorism, I have the honour to brief the Council on key aspects of the work of the Committee, supported by its Executive Director. The past year has seen continued evolution in global terrorism threats and challenges. The terrorism threat in Africa is acute, currently accounting for more than 50% of terrorism incidents and victims globally. Especially, the security situation across West Africa and the Sahel remains deeply troubling, marked by expanding attacks perpetrated by the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at al-Nusra al-Islam wal-Muslimin, ISIS Sahel, ISIS West Africa, Boko Haram, Among others, terrorist groups and their supporters continue to accelerate the use of the internet, social media platforms, artificial intelligence, and gaming platforms to disseminate terrorist messaging, to recruit individuals, to engage in fundraising, and to conduct operational planning. The linkages between terrorism and organized crime continue to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Terrorists continue to expand their use of unmanned aircraft systems in increasingly sophisticated ways, including improvised weapons and for surveillance, often employing and integrating dual-use technologies. These developments underscore the urgency of strengthening international response. International response to support Member States' efforts to prevent and disrupt the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes. This Committee, under Algeria's Presidency, adopted a set of of non-binding guiding principles, referred to as the Algeria Guiding Principles. With CTED support, the Committee has continued to engage with Member States, with United Nations entities, with international and regional organizations, with academia, private sector, and civil society organizations in order to assist Member States in addressing terrorist threats and challenges, in accordance with the relevant Council resolution on terrorism. In doing so, the Committee has focused on 3 key areas in its work. The first key area is the assessment of Member States' implementation efforts. The Committee has conducted 8 visits since its last report to the Council, from November 2024 until now. CTD, on behalf of the Committee, has visited Austria, Cameroon, Chad, Hungary, Malta, Norway, Somalia, and Turkmenistan. The visits provide an effective vehicle for direct and constructive engagement and dialogue between the Committee and Member States. They remain a critical component of the Committee's assessment process. And they allow the Committee to learn firsthand about the technical challenges that practitioners in Member States face, as well as their implementation efforts. Member States continue to indicate that they benefit from the visits and the post-visit engagement. Pursuant to Resolution 2617, I invited Senior Representative of Cameroon of Côte d'Ivoire, of Ghana, of Malta, of Mauritania, of Somalia, of Tanzania, and Turkmenistan to attend Committee meetings at which their preliminary assessment and observations reports were presented. The Committee continued its stock-taking work. Using its enhanced stocktaking tools designed to produce quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform the relevant policy decisions of the Committee. President, the second key area is facilitating the delivery of technical assistance to states in need. In this regard, the Committee and CTED maintain their close partnership and dialogue with the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, together with a wide range of other implementing partners and technical assistance providers. CTED serves as a facilitator of technical assistance across UN OCT global programs, ensuring integration of Committee recommendations through a number of capacities or consultations. These include initiatives on countering the financing of terrorism. On countering terrorism travel. On countering threats to vulnerable targets. Autonomous and remotely operated system on countering, finally, terrorist use of weapons and fusion cells. The third key area is the continued promotion of member states' implementation efforts. On October On 27th of May, last month, the Committee held an open briefing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the formation of CTED, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders to reflect on 2 decades of CTED. Discussion focused on the impact of CTED's work and lessons learned, trends and developments, and CTED's unique ability to support Member States in their counter-terrorism efforts. The Committee has also continued, in accordance with its mandate, To integrate human rights and the various ways terrorism targets women and girls, men and boys, in its efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. And to ensure, to ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with their obligation under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law as applicable. To conclude, President, I wish to express my thanks To the CTED Executive Director, Assistant Secretary-General Natalia German, for her leadership, and to thank her team— very able team— as well as the Committee Secretary for the support provided to the Chair and to the Committee in this reporting cycle. I wish also to convey my deep appreciation to the members of the Committee— all of you— for their constructive engagement, which enables me to efficiently, efficiently lead the work of the Committee in full unity. Yes, in full unity. I thank you.

I thank Ambassador Benjama for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1540 of 2004. It is an honor for me to report on the progress made since our last joint briefing, which was delivered on the 14th of November, 2024. Additionally, as provided for in paragraph 22 of Resolution 2663, Of 2022, I will address the cooperation carried out by the 1540 Committee with the ISIL Daesh and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee 1267/1989/2253 and with the Counterterrorism Committee. The unanimous adoption of Resolution 1540 in 2004. By the Security Council more than 21 years ago represented a crucial moment in international efforts to strengthen the nonproliferation architecture by addressing the threat posed by proliferation on the part of non-state actors, especially for terrorist purposes. The devastating and potentially catastrophic consequences that could result from the use of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons by such actors remain a matter of serious concern for the international community. States have made considerable progress in the implementation of the resolution. As noted by the committee through the comprehensive review process of 2022, nevertheless, full and effective implementation of the resolution continues to be a long-term task. The committee's mandate regarding support for and monitoring of national implementation, the provision of assistance to. To member states upon request, cooperation with relevant international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, and transparency and outreach is reflected in Resolution 1540 and in its successor resolutions. During the reporting period, the committee continued with its activities in accordance with its mandate, which was extended until the end of November 2032 in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2663 of 2022. The Committee has continued to carry out activities to promote full and effective implementation of the resolution and to assist states that request support in strengthening their national capacity. To date, during 2025, the committee has participated in 23 events organized by member states and by international, regional, and sub-regional organizations. In addition, in accordance with paragraph 26 of Resolution 2663 of 2022, the Committee organized an open briefing for member states and for international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, which took place on the 29th and 30th of October, 2025. The Committee's activities related to all aspects of Resolution 1540 including assistance matters, were also summarized. The open briefing offered member states, international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, and other mechanisms the opportunity to present their offers of assistance, and at the same time, it allowed member states the opportunity to voluntarily share their experiences, lessons learned, and best practices regarding implementation of the resolution. Furthermore, I am pleased to inform you that from the 15th to the 17th of December of 2025, the 1540 Committee will co-organize together with the Republic of Panama and with the support of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs A training course for 1540 national points of contact for Latin America and the Caribbean to be held in Panama City. Mr. President, with respect to national implementation reports, 185 member states have submitted to the committee their initial reports. Providing information on the measures that they have taken or that they plan to take in order to implement Resolution 1540, leaving only 8 states that have not yet done so. To encourage the remaining states to submit their first reports, in September 2025, the committee sent correspondence to these states reaffirming that the committee remained ready to provide assistance in this area or on any other matter related to the implementation of Resolution 1540. In addition, the committee encourages states to develop and, where appropriate, update voluntary national implementation plans which are useful in defining member states' priorities and plans for implementing the key provisions of Resolution 1540. To date, 48 voluntary national plans from 39 states have been submitted while others are preparing or updating their national implementation action plans. During the reporting period, the committee and its group of experts visited 4 states at their invitation and in cooperation with various international, regional, and sub-regional organizations in order to assist them in reviewing and preparing their voluntary national implementation action plans. Following the Committee's extensive efforts to highlight the importance of designating and updating national points of contact for Resolution 1540, in 2025, 20 member states provided updates to their national points of contact. Including one state that designated a point of contact for the first time. This brought the total number of member states with 1540 contact points to 156. The committee now has an important role to play in providing assistance to member states to help them fulfill their obligations under Resolution 1540, including, amongst other things, by matching states' requests for assistance with offers of assistance from other states, as well as from international, regional, and sub-regional organizations and other arrangements. The Security Council, in Resolution 2663 of 2022, recognized that many member states continued to require assistance in order to implement Resolution 1540 and instructed the committee to periodically review, as appropriate, the role, efficiency, and effectiveness of its mechanism for matching offers and requests for assistance. As well as the functioning of the mechanism. I am pleased to report that in November 2024, the committee completed and approved an update of the assistance mechanism with a view to improving the speed and efficiency with which information on assistance requests is shared. Responses are processed and assistance is provided. In 2025, the committee received 5 new assistance requests. Currently, 46 member states and 20 international, regional, and sub-regional organizations have offered assistance related to Resolution 1540. And these are listed on the committee's website. To support the fulfillment of its obligations under Resolution 1540, the committee held 4 formal meetings in 2025. These meetings focused on the measures necessary to meet the committee's obligations. Regarding these obligations of the committee, Paragraph 13 of Resolution 2663 encouraged the 1540 Committee to develop and revise, as appropriate, voluntary technical reference guides that member states may take into account when they are implementing Resolution 1540, such as guidelines for the implementation of resolutions or other appropriate documents of this type prepared with the assistance of its group of experts. I am pleased to inform you that 2 months ago the committee approved a voluntary technical reference guide focusing on export controls. The newly approved technical reference guide recently approved relates to paragraph 3 of Resolution 1540, which relates to the obligation to establish, develop, review, and maintain appropriate and effective national export controls. The technical reference guide is also published on the committee's website. In response to the Security Council's request, the committee's website continued and continues to be a tool for public awareness and serves as the primary source of information and resources on Security Council Resolution 1540. Mr. President, in conclusion, And with regard to cooperation between the committee and the ISIL, Daesh, and al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee 1267/1989/2253 and the Counterterrorism Committee, I would like to highlight that although its mandate differs from that of the other 2 committees, The 1540 Committee has continued to fulfill its mandate in accordance with paragraph 22 of Resolution 2663. That is to say, it has continued to enhance the exchange of information regarding issues that overlap with the mandates of the 3 committees. It has considered opportunities to coordinate visits to member states in accordance with the respective mandates of the 3 committees, and it has reported to the Security Council jointly with these 2 committees each year, as is the case now. I'd like to thank the members of the committee and the group of experts and the secretariat and the interpreters for all of the support that they have given to the committee so that we are able to appropriately do our work. Thank you very much.

I thank Ambassador De Elba for his briefing. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, since you have not heard from me in such a long time, and so that you may not dare to forget the tone of my voice, I am pleased to do it again, this time, of course, in my national capacity as a representative of Panama.

Señor Presidente.

Mr. President, Panama wishes to express its appreciation for the dedicated work of Ambassadors Marcus and Benjama and their teams for the progress achieved in Committees 1267 and 1373. I also would like to thank my team for the support provided during Panama's chairmanship of Committee 1540. The persistent threat of terrorism, violent extremism, and the possible proliferation of weapons of mass destruction continues to evolve rapidly. This reality demands action by the international community, rigorous preparation, as well as a coordinated, united, and sustained response. Although the 3 committees have distinct mandates, their efforts converge on a common goal. Strengthening the global architecture that underpins international peace and security. The full implementation of the resolutions is essential to safeguard this purpose. Beginning with the threat posed by ISIL and al-Qaeda, which have spread across various regions with a dynamic and diverse presence. These groups use sophisticated financing schemes for their terrorist activities. These include new technological tools which are transforming the way that they do business. For this reason, we advocate that the sanctions committees remain vigilant and innovative in order to combat this threat effectively and efficiently, setting politics aside and acting in favor of the maintenance of peace and security. In Panama, at the national level, we have strengthened our regulatory frameworks. We've improved our domestic capacities for risk identification, above all as a responsible financial center. In line with this responsible posture, we join the efforts of the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while upholding our national principles as a country that promotes dialogue and the peaceful coexistence of peoples. With respect to the Counterterrorism Committee, We recognize the value of its visits, which allow states to identify challenges and opportunities to strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks. We highlight the importance of facilitating technical assistance that addresses real gaps and builds sustainability— sustainable capacities on the ground. Our work will only be effective if no one is left behind. For its part, Committee 1540 is a fundamental pillar of the international architecture designed to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. We underscore the importance of technical assistance to strengthen the legal and institutional framework of states. For Latin America and the Caribbean, this agenda is a priority. Accordingly, in December 2025, Panama will co-organize— as I said, in another capacity, we will co-organize with Committee 1540 and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs a regional course for national points of contact. The first in the region since 2016. We welcome the adoption of the Voluntary Technical Reference Guide on export controls and the committee's multi-year outreach plan in accordance with the mandates under Resolution 2663. We underscore the importance of the committee's participation in activities to which it is invited as well as CTED visits that may include participation of the group of experts, particularly in countries that have not yet submitted their initial report. Taking all of this into account, I must emphasize that new and emerging technologies present significant challenges but also opportunities to strengthen our collective efforts. It is essential to maintain and deepen dialogue among the monitoring team, CTED, and the group of experts. Likewise, we encourage the chairs of the 3 bodies to meet and work in synergy to explore joint actions to prevent, mitigate, and reduce this threat in a sustained and coordinated manner. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Russian Federation.

Mr. Chairman, we wish to thank the chairs of the 3 Security Council committees for their briefing on the work. done by the subsidiary bodies of the Council led by them. We support the cooperation between the 1267, 1989, 2253 Committee, the 1373 Committee, and the 1540 Committee within their mandates and strictly in accordance with the specialized Security Council resolutions. Each of the above-mentioned subsidiary bodies bodies of the Security Council, fulfills exceedingly important objectives in the context of facilitating Security Council efforts in counterterrorism and nonproliferation. Mr. President, we highly value the work of the 1267/1989/2253 Committee on ISIL and al Qaeda. We believe that this is one of the most effective mechanisms at the disposal of the Council in counterterrorism. We extend gratitude to the Danish chairmanship of the committee for its skillful stewardship and its focus on constructively resolving various issues. The paramount priority remains effective implementation of Security Council resolutions— the resolution in the counterterrorism sanctions regime, the 1267 Counterterrorism Sanctions Regime on ISIL/Al Qaeda. The relevance and significance of the work of the 1267 Committee never And still does not generate any doubt, especially in light of the nature of contemporary terrorist threats posed by ISIL, al Qaeda, and their affiliates, as well as foreign terrorist fighters in the Middle East, in Central, Southern, and Southeast Asia, as well as in Africa. We take note of the growing rivalry between al Qaeda and ISIL over financing sources and access to weapons. Media resources, and new recruits, including specialists in the area of advanced technologies. The above-mentioned groups have a broad range of tools at their disposal for the financing of their activity, and they are continuously fine-tuning their quest for new and existing financing sources and strengthening their logistical basis. The fighters are leveraging the internet for financing— for fundraising, as well as for the conduct of calculations, which helps to ensure anonymity of participants in financial transactions. They are conducting money transfer operations by using bank accounts and banking cards. They are leveraging myriad digital platforms, electronic wallets, as well as the hawala system and its wide-ranging network of guarantors. We continue to be troubled by the persistent presence of the ISIL-Khorasan terrorist group in Afghanistan. We take note of the efforts undertaken by the Afghan authorities. However, we see that these measures are insufficient, alas. Terrorists continue to scale up their influence in the country, and they are deliberately fomenting tensions as they strive to demonstrate themselves as an alternative force and undermining stability both in Afghanistan Afghanistan and in the region as a whole. The fighters themselves have confirmed that the terrorist group is being financed from abroad and that they have foreign terrorist fighters within their ranks, including FTFs who have gained battlefield experience in both Syria and Iraq. In light of the number— the quantity of weapons abandoned by Western troops in the country, the threat of these weapons falling into the hands of terrorists and then spilling over beyond the region Is entirely real. There is a clear risk of terrorist activity spilling over into Central Asia and beyond. There is a need to adopt comprehensive measures to counter terrorism and to dismantle all terrorist groups, as well as to prevent the use of the soil of Afghanistan for terrorist purposes, including against other states. We are closely monitoring the terrorist Thank you. The terrorist threat in a number of states in Africa. Local terrorist cells are exploiting chronic socioeconomic issues which are a consequence of Western countries' neocolonialist policies. The focus remains on the situation in the Sahel-Sahara region. Amid the difficult circumstances, the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States continue to scale up their concerted efforts to counter the terrorist threat. Incidentally, it bears mentioning and recalling that the situation is a direct result of the West's disastrous intervention into Libya in 2011. Countries in the region are combating terrorist challenges and threats. However, they also need real assistance from the international community without hidden agendas and without double standards.

Thank you.

Foreign terrorist fighters who are disaffected, who have been expelled from Sahel, are now finding employment in Sudan. There is a persistent threat from foreign terrorist fighters who have gained battlefield experience in the Middle East and who are actively traveling to countries of origin or hotspots. In this context, we deem it necessary to continue to maintain a laser focus on the issue of foreign terrorist fighters inscribed on counterterrorism sanctions lists in order to prevent and to counter their criminal activity, as well as to ensure irreversibility of punishment. We support the professionalism of the 1267 Committee monitoring team. As in its meaningful contribution to its work, we call upon all states to develop constructive cooperation with it. We trust that the reports of the monitoring team will continue to be objective and that they will be rooted in verified information sources. A major foundation for the study and analysis of contemporary terrorist threats is country visits by the team. There's a need to maintain the practice of specialized experts' visits to the country engaged— to countries engaged in armed confrontation with terrorist groups, as well as those who are directly facing terrorist activity. Mr. President, the work of the Counterterrorism Committee this year cannot be called effective. We did not manage to settle the debts, so to speak, of recent years in terms of the conduct of open briefings on topical issues that had previously been approved by the subsidiary body of the Security Council. There is no agreement on the list of proposals for the assessment visits for 2025. There has been a significant reduction in the number of plenary meetings of the CTC. Moreover, it is evident that against the backdrop of the persistent terrorist threat, where for such regions as Africa where effectively countering this threat is a key priority, the Security Council needs to step up its efforts. There is a need for there to be regular messages about the fact that we are keeping a finger on the pulse and that we stand ready to together react to contemporary threats and challenges. There's an important need to recall that the CTC's efforts need to be focused on monitoring states' implementation of specific Security Council resolutions in this regard. We support the trend of prioritizing visits on behalf of the CTC to the most vulnerable regions, first and foremost in Africa. Yet we also understand that member states themselves can benefit from establishing constructive cooperation, including the context of the conduct of assessment visits, as well as the necessary assistance delivery to seated, timely response to the submission of draft reports following visits for approval by the committee, as well as committee briefings on successes and obstacles in implementation of the recommendations set out in reports. We insist on the following for the capacity-building projects and programs which are being planned and implemented by UN structures first and foremost, the Office of Counterterrorism— for them to be based on the identified needs of member states in terms of technical assistance and their willingness and readiness to receive such assistance. We also wish to thank CTED and Madam Natalia Gehrman personally for the implementation of the executive director mandate, which we intend to approve by the close of this year. Mr. President, the Russian Federation views UN Security Council Resolution 1540 as a global platform for cooperation of all United Nations member states in order to erect effective national barriers against materials linked to WMDs falling into the hands of non-state actors. There is an important need to safeguard the preventive nonproliferation nature of the resolution to keep the work of the 1540 Committee to the framework of the mandate that has been agreed upon, which is limited to monitoring the implementation of resolutions and the coordination of efforts in the delivery of technical assistance to states in its implementation upon their request. We shall continue to firmly reject any approaches which are geared towards expanding expansion of this framework, including vesting the committee with oversight, monitoring, and attributive functions. It is important to bear in mind that the group of experts of the committee works exclusively under the wing, so to speak, of this Security Council subsidiary body and is one of the components of its support structure. At the same time, we wish to recall the clear division between the operations of the 1540 Committee and other subsidiary bodies under discussion today. Committee 1540 has been entrusted with preventive and monitoring objectives. Its mandate, unlike the 1267/1989/2253 Committee and unlike the 1373 Committee, does not include counterterrorism capabilities, including the identification of the relevant threats and response thereto. Its operations are focused on nonproliferation objectives. The cooperation with the 2 other committees, in accordance with the specialized Security Council resolutions, boils down to exchange of information and coordination in the conduct and planning of country visits. The Russian Federation is committed to the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1540, and we shall continue to see to it that this document is fulfilled by all countries in full. The Russian Federation continues to remain open to constructive cooperation in order to promptly and effectively resolve both substantive and organizational tasks faced by the 1540 Committee. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of Russian Federation for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Mr. President, Greece thanks the chairs of the committees established pursuant to Resolutions 1267, 1373, and 1540 for their comprehensive briefings and leadership. Although each committee has distinct mandates, their shared goal is to address threats posed by terrorism and non-state actors to international peace and security. Security. The complementarity of their work underscores the need for coherent, coordinated, and human rights-based implementation, combining sanctions, capacity building, and nonproliferation measures under a unified multilateral framework to counter terrorism. Greece commends the continued efforts of the 1267 Committee, supported by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson, to preserve the integrity and credibility of the ISIL and al-Qaeda sanctions regime. The latest report highlights that while ISIL has weakened in the Middle East, its affiliates, particularly in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and Central Africa, continue to expand operations and exploit local grievances. Al-Qaeda's decentralized affiliates remain active across Africa and South Asia, often using local conflicts to sustain financing and recruitment. We welcome the Council's decision in Resolution 2734 of 2024 to renew the monitoring team's mandate. And to integrate sexual and gender-based violence as a listing criteria, advancing accountability and victim protection. It is equally vital that Member States enhance data accuracy, uphold due process guarantees, and ensure that humanitarian exemptions under Resolution 2664 of 2022 are implemented consistently and transparently. Moreover, Greece deeply appreciates the dedicated work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1373, as well as the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, in advancing collective efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism. Terrorist groups and non-state actors continue to pose a persistent threat to international peace and security by exploiting new and emerging technologies, expanding their transnational criminal networks, and diversifying their financial resources. CTC continues to play an indispensable role in assisting UN Member States in implementing the obligations of Resolution 1373 of 2001 and subsequent resolutions through a collaborative approach and a constructive dialogue with relevant partners, including civil society and academia. It remains an indispensable pillar of the UN counterterrorism architecture. The 1540 Committee constitutes a central pillar of the international nonproliferation architecture Resolution 1540 plays a key role in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-state actors, including for terrorist purposes. As an elected member of the Council and Vice Chair of the Committee, Greece remains committed to supporting the effective implementation of 1540 Resolution. We reiterate that it is important to ensure that the Group of Experts functions efficiently on a continuous basis, including through the filling of the vacancies within the group. Just past week, from 11 to 14 November, Greece organized with the support of UNODA a workshop on maritime border security enforcement within the context of the implementation of Resolution 1540. Participants received both theoretical and technical training with respect to maritime border security operations and exchanged experience and ideas on best practices and procedures. Mr. President, the committees established under Resolutions 1267, 1373, and 1540 are complementary tools of the Council's counterterrorism and nonproliferation architecture. Their joint briefings highlight the need for sustained cooperation, transparency, and equitable assistance to all Member States. Greece reaffirms its commitment to a rules-based international order, to multilateralism grounded in law, and to the collective resolve that terrorist actors must never threaten international peace and security and human dignity. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for the statement and now give the floor to the representative of Algeria.

Thank you, President. Long time no see. I thank my colleagues from Denmark, Sandra Jensen-Landy, and my colleague from Panama, Eloy Alfaro de Alba, for their briefing. I want to thank also the Counter-Terrorism Committee members for their collaboration. I am now speaking on behalf of Algeria.

Thank you.

When we assumed the Counter-Terrorism Committee chairmanship, we brought with us a sense of profound responsibility. Responsibility born from our painful experience. Our bitter experience. On the fight against terrorism in the '90s, then we confronted terrorism alone. Yes, alone during a long and dark decade. Finally. We have defeated this scourge, but only through national resilience— resilience of Algerians and especially women. This taught us that security measures alone Never defeat terrorism. We must address its roots, goals— marginalization, joblessness, underdevelopment, ideological manipulation, and radicalization. President, during our stewardship, we achieved critical milestones. The so-called Algeria Guideline Principles on preventing terrorist financing through new technologies represent a precious framework addressing how terrorists exploit cryptocurrency and emerging financial technologies. These Algeria Principles stand as a testament to the Committee's collective effort, showcasing what constructive dialogue and consensus-driven cooperation can accomplish in the United Nations. Under our chairmanship, the Committee conducted several assessment visits, each reinforcing a fundamental truth Context matters. What works in one region may fall in another. One-size-fits-all approaches serve no one. We have emphasized listening carefully to Member States' actual challenges, rather than prescribing from our offices predetermined solutions. The statistics before us demand urgent reflection. When Africa accounts for over 50% of global terrorism victims, and Africa yet received a small fraction of counterterrorism resources. We are now facing not just a security crisis, but a crisis of international solidarity. President, the Sahel burns. The Sahel burns while Resources disperse elsewhere. It is a strategic failure terrorists exploit daily. Terrorism is spreading to the whole West African countries. And we were not able Even to organize a visit of the Committee to this region. It's a pity. During Algeria's Council Presidency in January this year, we secured a presidential statement acknowledging that terrorism fundamentally undermines Africa's development and threatens the African Union goal of silencing the guns by 2030. That statement mandates annual reporting of African Union-United Nations joint efforts in countering terrorism. And we welcome the inclusion of a section of these joint efforts in the last Secretary-General on AU-UN cooperation.

Thank you.

President, 3 urgent priorities demand immediate action. First, African ownership must drive counter-terrorism initiatives. We know our challenges. We know our communities. We know our terrain. We know our terrorists. What we seek is partnership. What we seek from The international community is mutual respect, not charity, not conditionality. Second, resource resources must match rhetoric, sympathy. Condolences without effective support are empty words. Counter-terrorism financing must flow directly to affected regions, not diverted elsewhere. Every delayed dollar, every diverted dollar costs life in Africa, costs suffering in Africa. Third, we must confront the terrorism, crime, Nexus. In the Sahel, terrorist financing through hostage for ransom, through drug trafficking, has created a real criminal ecosystem. This requires an advanced regional cooperation. And my country, Algeria, facilitates this regional cooperation through hosting AFRIPOL and the African Union Center Against Counterterrorism. President, To our successor at the helm of this committee, we say: the fight against terrorism is a marathon. It requires patience and resolution. It requires persistence, and it requires also unity and principled partnership. We tell our successor to listen to those who suffer. Terrorism impact daily. We tell our successor to prioritize substance over process. And never forget— never forget— that behind every statistic is a human tragedy. Algeria's voice may leave this chamber at the end of this month, but our commitment remains unwavering. We see our— we see both peril And promise ahead. The question is not whether we can defeat terrorism. Yes, look at us, Algeria. The question is whether we have the collective will to do what is necessary.

Thank you.

Though our formal role ends next month, Algeria will always be ready— today, tomorrow, always— to serve the cause of peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Algeria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of France.

Donc, je remercie les représentants.

Thank you. I thank the permanent representative of Denmark, Algeria, and Panama for their commitment at the helm of the 1216, 1373, and 1540 committees. The Security Council must fully leverage the tools at its disposal in order to counter the terrorist threat effectively, efficiently, in a coherent way, and in a manner that reflects and is tailored to realities on the ground. The Bataclan attacks— we commemorated the Bataclan attacks recently, and we remain committed to counterterrorism. The primary tool is the sanctions regime established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1267. To counter al-Qaeda and Daesh. These groups and their affiliates continue to expand their networks in all continents, particularly Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. In light of these threats, which continue to shift, the committee needs to be agile, nimble, and react and rapidly adopt targeted sanctions to obstruct these terrorists. We welcome the recent agreement of the 12167 Committee sanctioning An individual who worked on behalf of Daesh in East Africa. This designation is the first in 2 years, and it is a positive step forward. The Council should continue along these lines and step up its efforts to target individuals operating on behalf of Qaeda and Daesh. Designation proposals need to be studied promptly and objectively on the basis of criteria set out in the resolutions. The second tool at the disposal of the Council is the normative framework emanating from a resolution 1373 and subsequent resolutions. It sets out states' obligations in terms of countering terrorism and establishes a framework for international cooperation. The Committee Against— the Counterterrorism Committee is the guarantor for the full implementation of resolutions. It needs to serve its dual role to assess and set norms. The adoption of guiding principles against the use of drones by terrorist groups and on countering the use of new technologies for financing terrorism is a positive development. The CTC needs to continue along these lines and to renew its role as an international laboratory for counterterrorism alongside civil society, academia, and the private sector in order to design new frameworks of action in response to contemporary challenges. France reiterates its full support for CTED, whose mandate will be renewed in several weeks. We applaud the key work of this body in assessing implementation of Council resolution and identifying targeted means to improve and reflecting local situations through field visits and directly liaising with the relevant authorities of states. Efforts should be continued to ensure full implementation of Resolution 1540, a key component of the nonproliferation regime. Access of non-state actors to WMDs or delivery vehicles is a major threat to international peace and security. Consider the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups. Which has been documented in Syria by the OPCW, or the risks linked to the illegal and illicit acquisition of ballistic missiles by certain non-state groups. We applaud the 1540 Committee and its work in advancing full implementation by states of this resolution. We applaud progress made over the past year, for example, updating the mechanism for processing assistance requests. We stand ready to contribute to the quinquennial review to facilitate by 2027 stocktaking for the implementation of the resolution and identification of challenges. In light of the work to be done, we reaffirm the need for the Council Committee to have the necessary resources, particularly for vacancies to be filled as soon as possible. Thank you.

I thank the representative of France for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Ambassadors Landy, Benjama, and Alfaro de Alba for their briefings on the work of the 1267, 1373, and 1540 committees respectively. Countering the threats posed by terrorism to international peace and security remains a common goal of the 3 committees. Urgent collective action is warranted, recognizing the devastation perpetuated by terrorism and the transnational nature of this phenomenon. With their distinctive mandates, each committee offers complementary approaches to addressing the multifaceted threats posed by terrorism to the international community. In this regard, GAN underscores the importance of the committees working in a collaborative and coordinated manner to effectively counter these threats. Mr. President, I wish to highlight the following 3 points. First, as noted in the 21st Report of the Secretary-General on ISIL/Daesh, the threat posed by the group and its affiliates remains high despite counterterrorism efforts. As the terrorism landscape evolves, these terrorist groups continue to strengthen their presence across various regions, particularly in Africa, through their resilience and adaptability. They have also been able to effectively exploit social media, emerging technologies, and regional instability to execute their activities and hinder sanctions implementation. In this context, Guyana underscores the importance of the work of the 1267 sanctions regime in overseeing the implementation of sanctions measures in relation to ISIL/DAESH and its affiliates. We welcome the latest report of the 1267 Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the recommendations contained therein. We also encourage member states to comply with the sanction measures by sharing information on national implementation efforts, as well as engaging with the committee on proposals for new designations on asset freeze exemption requests. Further, Guyana welcomes the Committee's approval of the appointment of a new Ombudsperson and supports all ongoing efforts by the Committee and the monitoring team in addressing the evolving threat posed by ISIL/DAESH and its affiliates. Second, Guyana acknowledges the vital role undertaken by the 1373 Committee, supported by CTED, in dealing with the multitude of existing and emerging threats associated with terrorist groups. Of particular concern is the ability of these groups to exploit emerging technologies to strengthen operational capacities through online recruitment, use cryptocurrencies for terrorist financing, and enhance their capabilities through the weaponization of unmanned aircraft systems. In this context, CAN welcomes the adoption of the Algeria Guiding Principles to Prevent and up the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes. Guyana also welcomes and supports the work of the 1373 Committee in assisting member states in their counterterrorism efforts, including through country visits, by facilitating technical assistance, and through the open briefing held recently. We reiterate that this work must be complemented by efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and to promote preventive measures to this effect. We also stress the importance of upholding international law in all counterterrorism measures, ensuring accountability for terrorist acts, and supporting victim assistance programs. Third, there is a growing concern around the potential proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction, including by non-state actors, for terrorist purposes. Such actions could have consequential impacts and demand urgent attention. In this regard, Guyana acknowledges the critical role of the 1540 Committee in its efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We support the committee in the execution of its mandate, including in facilitating technical assistance to and supporting capacity-building initiatives for member states in conducting outreach and awareness activities, and its cooperation with relevant international and regional organizations. We therefore welcome the committee's adoption of a revised assistance mechanism, its approval of a voluntary technical reference guide focused on export controls, and its co-hosting of a 1540 points of contact training course for Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama next month. The AN remains committed to the full and effective implementation of Resolution 1540 and encourages member states to fulfill their obligations. obligations under this resolution. In conclusion, Guyana sees value in the 1267, 1373, and 1540 committees cooperating with each other and effectively executing their respective mandates. Combating terrorism requires a comprehensive, coordinated, and multilateral approach that is linked to the work of the 3 committees. We must utilize every counterterrorism tool available through the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and ensure global peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Guyana for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of China.

President, I thank the chairs of the 1267 Committee, the CTC, and the 1540 Committee for their briefings. Under command Denmark, Algeria, and Panama for their work as chairs of the 3 committees. I would like to share the following views. First, the 1267 Committee is an important counterterrorism sanctions mechanism of the Council. Over the past year, the committee has orderly processed applications for listing, delisting, and temporary exemptions, appointed a new ombudsperson, and its monitoring team reports have provided important references for international counterterrorism cooperation. We call on Committee members to strengthen unity and cooperation, support Committee's listing of Baloch Liberation Army and its Majid Brigade, sending a strong signal of zero tolerance for terrorism. Second, the CTC is the main body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the counterterrorism resolutions of the Council. Over the past year, the Committee has conducted country visits, closely tracked terrorist threats and trends, and provided guidance to member states on counterterrorism obligations and capacity building. We call on the CTC to focus on key issues, optimize resource allocation, and provide greater assistance to developing countries, in particular African countries, in combating terrorism. China supports the mandate renewal of the CTAD. And will continue to play an active role in the international fight against terrorism. Third, the 1540 Committee is an important organ for promoting international cooperation on nonproliferation. Over the past year, the committee has done a lot in preparing training courses for national focal points, assisting with national action plans, matching assistance, revising voluntary technical reference guides, and strengthening international cooperation. China supports the committee in conducting more targeted and diversified international cooperation assistance and supporting capacity building in developing countries. Meanwhile, the committee's work should strike a balance between nonproliferation and peaceful use and ensure that people in developing countries enjoy the benefit of scientific and technological progress. President, At present, the global counterterrorism landscape remains complex and daunting, and nonproliferation remains an uphill battle. China stands ready to work with other Council members to strengthen unity and cooperation, help the 3 committees better perform their duties, thereby making positive contributions to eliminating terrorism and improving the international nonproliferation regime. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for

Thank you, Mr. President.

At the outset, I thank the chairs of the Security Council committees established pursuant to Resolutions 1267, 1373, and 1540 for their comprehensive and informative briefing and for their exemplary leadership of their respective committees. Although these committees operate on separate mandates, they share the unified objective of collectively addressing the persistent, evolving, and serious threat to international peace and security posed by terrorist groups and non-state actors. This reality underscores the vital importance of ensuring the strategic, coordinated, and highly effective operation, operation of these 3 committees. First, on the 1267 ISIS and Daesh Sanctions Committee, my delegation commends the crucial work of the chair. Terrorism threat is neither static nor confined. We note with serious concern the assessment that terrorism threat remains dynamic and geographically diverse, with a troubling shift toward the African continent. Mr. President, ISIS and al Qaeda have shown an alarming capacity for adaptation, redirecting their strategies and resources to exploit instability and weak governance. This flexibility demands a response that's equally agile and unified, particularly in support of African nations now bearing the brunt of these threats. and post-visit engagement remain a critical component of the Committee's assessment process. This practical, cooperative approach is vital. We underscore the critical need for enhanced technical and financial support to countries actively combating to eradicate terrorism. Third, on the 1540 Committee. Resolution 1540 is a fundamental component of the global non-proliferation architecture, addressing the devastating threat of non-state actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction. We acknowledge the full and effective implementation of the resolution remains a long-term task, and we welcome the Committee's sustained effort in promoting national implementation. We appreciate the Committee's improved assistance mechanism, which aims to enhance the speed and efficiency in which assistance is delivered. For many member states, building national capacity to meet these complex non-proliferation obligations requires sustained partnerships and technical support, and we look forward to leveraging these tools. To conclude, Mr. President, my delegation reiterates its support for these 3 committees and the fight against terrorism in all its its forms and manifestations. We stress the need for robust implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions, and we count on the continued, sustained cooperation of this Council and the international community as we collectively work toward a more peaceful and prosperous world for all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Somalia for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to thank the Chairs of the 3 Committees for their briefings. The impact of their leadership on Committee work cannot be overstated, and we thank you for it. Mr. President, Slovenia reiterates its concern about the complex and evolving threat posed by terrorist groups, particularly ISIL/Al Qaeda and their affiliates. Throughout our Security Council tenure, the terrorist threat has remained persistent. In fact, it is reemerging in some parts of the world, such as the Middle East, and intensifying in Africa, particularly West Africa and the Sahel. The use of new and emerging technologies by terrorist groups is advancing faster than the states' ability to counter them effectively. Therefore, greater investment in preventive measures and technological safeguards is essential. The use of internet, AI, social media, and gaming or gaming-adjacent platforms to disseminate propaganda and target young people is particularly alarming. Reports also clearly show that terrorists employ a gendered approach to recruitment through these platforms. It is therefore necessary to adopt a gender-responsive approach to prevention and countering such efforts. Education and development of critical thinking skills, especially in the digital environment, are key. We reiterate that for counterterrorism efforts to be sustainable, Comprehensive, whole-of-society, whole-of-government, and gender-responsive approaches that comply with international law, particularly international humanitarian, refugee, and human rights law, should be implemented. At the national level, this starts with respect for the rule of law and human rights alongside the provision of education and economic opportunities. Mr. President, 1267 ISIL and al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee is one of the pillars of the Global Counterterrorism terrorism architecture, and safeguarding its integrity is critical. We are pleased that there has been a slight increase in the engagement of states in submitting listing proposals. However, due attention should be paid to verified affiliations with ISIL or al-Qaeda as required by the designation criteria. After all, due process should also be integral to the listing procedures, not only to the listings. In this regard, we welcome the appointment of the new ombudsperson, ensuring there will be no interruption in the work of the office. Additionally, we would like to express our appreciation to the monitoring team for all their support to the work of the committee. We particularly welcome the renewed focus on organizing regional meetings of intelligence agencies, not only the annual meetings in Vienna but also in different regions in Africa. These contribute to the trust-building and can result in increased intelligence sharing, an area consistently identified as one of the main challenges and a fundamental element of effective and successful counterterrorism cooperation. Mr. President, in the face of adaptability that the terrorist groups continue to demonstrate, despite counterterrorism efforts, the work of the Counterterrorism Committee is essential. Systematic visits and assessments in all member states, assisting states in implementing counterterrorism measures in line with Resolution 1373, and trends analysis by CTED guide the efforts of the international community. This helps impacted states with capacity building in the fight against terrorism and supports less effective states' work in prevention and resilience. Mr. President, Resolution 1540 remains a cornerstone of the international framework preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-state actors. Slovenia has supported efforts focused on helping states strengthen their national implementation frameworks, and we consistently highlight the importance of dialogue, transparency, and practical cooperation to advance non-proliferation and collective security. As 1540 implementation remains uneven across regions, Slovenia encourages continued attention to capacity building, outreach, and reporting, including through engagement with national points of contact and the promotion of voluntary national implementation action plans. We welcome the upcoming comprehensive review of Resolution 1540, which will offer a valuable opportunity to assess progress, identify remaining challenges, and renew the global commitment to preventing the WMD proliferation to non-state actors. Mr. President, terrorism is evolving with the speed of human imagination as transposed into ever-changing global realities. This means that our responsive— our responses must demonstrate the same ingenuity and even greater rigor, which can only be achieved in cooperation with other stakeholders. In conclusion, we cannot let the geopolitical divides get in the way of cooperation in counterterrorism. The price is human lives, human rights, and stability of states. This price is simply too high.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Slovenia for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the representatives of Algeria, Denmark, and Panama for their comprehensive briefings. We appreciate their personal contributions and the overall role of these 3 committees that is crucial to the work of the Security Council for maintenance of international peace and security. The global terrorism landscape continues to evolve, adapting itself to a fast-changing world with new and emerging threats under the shadow of rapid technological advancement. At the same time, the prevalence of prolonged unresolved conflicts, external interventions, and root causes of terrorism, euphemistically referred to as conditions conducive to terrorism, remain unaddressed, giving continued life to the threat of terrorism. As a frontline state in global efforts to counter terrorism, Pakistan has rendered invaluable sacrifices in its efforts to eradicate this menace, with over 80,000 casualties and billions of dollars in economic losses. Al-Qaeda was decimated largely due to Pakistan's efforts. Our valiant security forces and law enforcement agencies continue to counter the terrorism threat emanating from Afghanistan, where entities like ISIL-K, TTP and its affiliates, BLA, and the Majid Brigade are thriving under the patronage of their hosts and backed by our principal adversary and net destabilizer in the region. Mr. President, the 1267 sanctions regime must reflect ground realities. Its scope should be broadened to list individuals and entities without any association with religion, nationality, or ethnicity. It is necessary to deal with listing and delisting issues in a fair, transparent, judicious, and impartial manner and without political considerations. We must also ensure that the 1267 Sanctions Committee takes an objective view of all listing proposals that are brought before its consideration and not subject them to narrow political interests. To adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, the UN's counterterrorism architecture must also possess the necessary tools to designate violent, far-right, extreme right-wing, ultra-nationalist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic groups around the world. Pakistan also supports the Office of the Ombudsperson and calls for strengthening this institution with necessary human and financial resources and autonomy to function independently. Mr. President, it has been 24 years since the adoption of Resolution 1373. Much has changed since then. We commend the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate under the leadership of Ms. Natalia Gehrman in supporting the work of the 1373 Committee and enhancing our understanding of terrorism trends. The digital revolution has transformed the nature of terrorist threats. Terrorist groups are able to recruit, organize, and incite terrorism by using the internet and the dark web. There is an imminent need for regulation of social media and ICT platform providers facilitated by artificial intelligence that are primarily driven by commercial interests to curb their misuse and prevent the proliferation of hate, radicalization, exploitation of vulnerable youth, propaganda, and disinformation. Terrorists are increasingly using modern terror financing techniques through use of cryptocurrencies and digital wallets for anonymous transactions and payment methods in cyberspace. This needs to be addressed. The 1373 Committee, supported by CTAD, plays a vital role in carrying out country assessments, building capacities of state agencies, providing technical assistance, and playing a role in norm-making that includes non-binding guiding principles. However, such efforts will remain rudimentary if they do not enjoy the support and consensus of the wider UN membership. This should be the cornerstone of our endeavors. While appreciating the work of CTAD, we encourage them to focus on countries worst affected by terrorism and faced with conflict situations. For efficient use of budgetary resources, we also encourage CTED to fully utilize technological solutions for its outreach and engagement with member states, particularly for country assessments and training modules. Mr. President, Pakistan fully supports the shared goal of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-state actors. The 1540 Committee and its group of experts play a complementary role to the treaty-based regimes and international organizations focused on non-proliferation issues. Denying non-state actors the acquisition or use of WMDs is critically important for national security as well as for international peace and stability. Given the current tensions and security challenges, promoting non-proliferation efforts in a non-discriminatory manner is crucial. The changing nature of non-state actors in terrorism highlights the importance of strengthening international cooperation to effectively implement Resolution 1540. Pakistan attaches great importance to the work of the 1540 Committee and has been actively participating in its deliberations since the first adoption of the resolution in 2004. We have taken steps for the implementation of Resolution 1540 at the national level. And also contributed to its objectives through collaboration with Member States in sharing of experience, spreading awareness, promoting assistance, and fostering international cooperation. We believe that the Group of Experts plays an important role in the work of the 1540 Committee and the discharge of its mandate. It is important for the Committee to benefit from a wide range of expertise and geographically balanced composition of the Group of Experts and hope that the vacant positions will be filled accordingly. Non-proliferation is a global objective that must be promoted within the framework of the principles of the UN Charter and in accordance with the respective treaty-based obligations of all states pertaining to non-proliferation, disarmament, and the inalienable rights of all states to utilize nuclear and other dual-use technologies for peaceful purposes. Pakistan will continue its active contribution in pursuing and achieving our common objective in the area of non-proliferation and of promoting international cooperation for peaceful purposes. Mr. President, Pakistan supports all efforts to promote cooperation and coordination between the Council's subsidiary bodies and their respective group of experts. That objective is best advanced when joint activities are conducted in close consultation with all Council members and are consistent with the mandate and the nature of the work of each subsidiary body and its group of experts. I thank you.

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

Thank you, President. The United Kingdom thanks the committee chairs for their comprehensive briefings and reaffirms our strong support for the work of all 3 committees. They share overlapping priorities to protect our citizens and prevent the spread of terrorism, and we welcome efforts to ensure that their work is collaborative and united. President, I will make 3 brief points. Firstly, on the Counter-Terrorism Committee, The evolving threat landscape demands a whole-of-society and a coordinated UN approach. We encourage the UN Counter-Terrorism Compact entities to use CTED's comprehensive country assessments as a guide for providing technical assistance to member states. The United Kingdom urges all states to proactively engage with CTED's assessment visits, particularly those most affected by terrorism. We look forward to renewing CTED's mandate next month to ensure that member states continue to receive valuable support for counter-terrorism efforts. Second, the 1267 Committee is one of the strongest tools the international community has to directly target al-Qaeda and Daesh affiliates and to limit their financial support and cross-border movement. We welcome recent updates to the sanctions list and underscore the need for new designations that are well evidenced against the listing criteria and for a non-politicized approach to agreeing listing proposals. Politicization of the committee's listing process only serves the interests of the very terrorists whose activities we should be disrupting. Thirdly, President, the work of the 1540 Committee is essential to ensure effective prevention of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons to non-state actors. In this regard, we congratulate the committee on the recent successful completion of the voluntary technical reference guides on export controls for member states' consideration. However, Unwarranted objections from some committee members, which hinder the Group of Experts from executing its function, are not only concerning but actively counterproductive to 1540 implementation. In closing, President, I wish to reaffirm the United Kingdom's commitment to working with all Council members to strengthen global security and uphold the integrity of these 3 vital committees.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. Let me also express Denmark's gratitude to the Permanent Representatives of Algeria and Panama, chairs of the 1373 and 1540 Committee respectively. I want to thank them for their excellent stewardship during 2025. The threat posed by terrorist groups and their technological advancements underscore the enduring relevance and importance of these critical committees. Terrorist groups are quick to adapt, exploit instability, and take advantage of emerging technologies, making it all the more important that the United Nations maintains effective oversight and responsive sanctions regimes. These tools are vital in constraining terrorist networks disrupting their financing, and reinforcing the international community's resolve. Together, our collective action remains central to preventing terrorists from threatening stability and undermining the core values of the UN. Mr. President, as Chair of the 1267 Committee, Denmark has persistently worked to promote effective and principled sanctions against ISIL, al Qaeda, and affiliates. Last year marked a pivotal moment. With Resolution 2734, the Council recognized sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of terrorism and grounds for listing under the 1267 sanctions regime, a milestone that Denmark both welcomes and urges to be actively applied. As Council members, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the 1267 sanctions regime remains focused, updated, and relevant. Denmark therefore encourages more listings of relevant persons and entities, and we look forward to working with the committee to this end. These efforts, and indeed all efforts in relation to the application of sanction regimes, must always be accompanied by guarantees of human rights and the rule of law. The invaluable role played by the Office of the Ombudsperson in this regard cannot be understated. We welcome the appointment of a new Ombudsperson and hope for a swift transition. Mr. President, turning to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the work of the CTAD has particularly proven itself to be indispensable in bridging assessment findings and analysis with action and in supporting Member States. Finally, Resolution 1540 remains a vital component of the non-proliferation architecture. Denmark is committed to its full and effective implementation. We encourage all States to continue submitting and updating their national reports, as these are crucial for ensuring progress. The effective work of the Committee and its Group of Experts is also essential in this regard. Mr. President, in closing, the enduring challenges before us continue to warrant our collective action and joint response. With the increased complexity of global terrorism, Denmark reaffirms its commitment to the shared goal of these 3 committees. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Ambassador Landy, Ambassador Banjama, and Ambassador Alfaro de Alba for their briefings and their dedicated leadership of each committee. Daesh and al-Qaeda continue to adapt globally despite sustained counterterrorism efforts, as noted in the Secretary-General's report. With terrorist networks expanding and operations becoming increasingly sophisticated, close coordination among the 3 committees focusing on sanctions, capacity building, and nonproliferation tools is essential. Let me offer the following points. The 1267 Committee sanctions regime remains a critical tool in disrupting the operations of entities and individuals associated with ISIS and al-Qaeda. Its contribution to safeguarding international peace and security is evident from ISIS's continued efforts to exploit instability in areas such as Syria and West Africa. Yet, recent discussions regarding a potential carve-out of the 1267 regime in a specific country context have highlighted the need to keep the 1267 sanctions list aligned with current realities so that measures do not inadvertently impede the delivery of legitimate economic assistance to conflict-affected regions. In this context, it is concerning The updates to the list have been slow, with only one individual added since 2024. We encourage all Council members to demonstrate greater flexibility and offer substantiated explanations for any objections in the listing process to maintain the credibility and effectiveness of UN sanctions. We also express our sincere appreciation to Ombudsperson Richard Melanjam for his dedicated service and extend our congratulations to Ms. Veronique Gasser on her appointment. As the Ombudsperson mechanism constitutes an essential safeguard for due process within the Council sanctions architecture, we look forward to Ms. Gasser's diligent and principled engagement. The CTC continues to play a vital role in advancing global counterterrorism cooperation. Supported by the CTAD. The CTAD's rigorous assessments and tailored technical assistance have been indispensable in helping member states, regardless of their level of development, enhance their counterterrorism capabilities in alignment with specific national needs. In support of CTAD's efforts, the Republic of Korea has undertaken a collaborative project this year aimed at assisting national security institutions in South and Southeast Asia in strengthening oversight and accountability, and providing capacity building and training to enhance review and investigations into alleged misconduct. This will enhance the promotion of human rights in regional counterterrorism operations, and we welcome participation from regional partners in advancing this shared objective. Mr. President, the 1540 Committee continues to play a critical role in upholding the global nonproliferation regime by preventing the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their means of delivery to non-state actors. It advances these efforts by providing guidance and assistance to member states through the work of the Group of Experts and by supporting their capacity building. We commend Panama for its leadership and its dedicated efforts to reinvigorate the committee's work in approving the long-delayed Voluntary Technical Reference Guide. We hope it serves as a valuable resource to strengthen states' national export controls. We also commend Panama's decision to host the 2nd Point of Contact training course for the Latin America and Caribbean region, the first since 2016. We expect this to help build for further momentum for enhancing implementation of the resolution across the region. Looking ahead, as many member states highlighted during last month's open briefing, rapid scientific and technological advances are creating new and complex proliferation challenges. It is thus essential that our discussions reflect this evolving landscape to ensure the full. And effective implementation of Resolution 1540. I also wish to underscore the crucial contribution of the Group of Experts. Their work is indispensable in supporting both the Committee and Member States. We hope that current vacancies will be filled as soon as possible so that the Committee can respond effectively and in a timely manner to any requests for assistance. In conclusion, my delegation reiterates that the collaborative efforts of the 3 committees and coordinated actions across all Member States in implementing the mandates are the key for unlocking both security and humanitarian goals. I thank you.

I thank the Representative of the Republic of Korea for his statement. I now give the floor to the Representative of the United States.

Thank you, President, and thank you to Denmark, Algeria, and Panama for their briefings today and for their leadership of the 1267, 1373, and 1540 committees. The United States is committed to preventing a major attack on the homeland and has made tremendous progress in advancing safety and security by implementing its Peace Through Strength initiative. Our focus is on destroying and disrupting terrorist networks, holding state sponsors accountable, securing our borders, stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, And degrading the capacity of terrorist groups to threaten the United States. The 1267, 1373, and 1540 committees all have an important role to play in that regard. First, sanctions targeting ISIL and al-Qaeda through the 1267 committee are essential tools in the fight against global terrorism. But there is much more work to be done. Only one addition has been made to the 1267 sanctions list since 2023. Designating ISIL and al-Qaeda targets should be an apolitical issue. We call on Committee members to set aside differences as they consider nominations. To ensure ISIL and al-Qaeda cannot reconstitute in places like Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, the United States was proud to champion the resolution this Council adopted to delist Syrian President al-Assad and Interior Minister Qatab. We employ— implore all member states to continue to support the new Syrian government in preventing any terrorist group from further threatening peace and stability in Syria. Second, the Counterterrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate continue to play an important role overseeing and advancing Member States' implementation of counterterrorism measures. Over the coming weeks, the United States will lead negotiations to renew CTED's mandate. It is necessary for UN counterterrorism efforts to get back to basics and focus on core security issues, particularly those related to protecting against terrorist financing and travel. CTED's assessments should remain technical in nature and serve as resources to identify capacity gaps, prioritize efforts to address them, and share good practices. Third, the 1540 Committee and its group of experts play a vital role in preventing non-state actors from transferring, manufacturing, or acquiring acquiring weapons of mass destruction. We call on states that have not yet presented a first report to the committee on their efforts to implement the resolution to do so without delay. The work of the committee and its group of experts has never been more important, yet we remain disappointed by one council member's continued obstructionism. It has also blocked the work of existing experts in support of the committee's mandate, including their efforts to attend regional and sub-regional meetings to which they have been invited. This obstructionism undermines global nonproliferation efforts. Colleagues, in closing, joint briefings like this enable us to ensure our efforts are coordinated to address cross-cutting threats and necessary responses, avoid duplication of efforts, increase burden sharing, and bring the UN back to basics. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States for his statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Sierra Leone. I thank the chairs of the 3 counterterrorism committees, Ambassador Sandra Jensen-Lundy, Ambassador Amar Benjama, and Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, for their comprehensive briefings and for the steady manner in which they have executed their mandate. Sierra Leone values their leadership and the cooperation extended to all member states throughout the year. We remain committed to a counterterrorism architecture that is coherent, effective, and firmly grounded in the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law. We welcome the presidential statement adopted on January 24th of this year, which renewed the Council's focus on terrorism in Africa. We also reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding principled humanitarian action under Resolution 2664. On the 1267/1989/2253 ISIS and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Regime, we underscore its central role in constraining the operational reach and financing of listed individuals and entities. Resolution 2734 strengthened analytical and due process elements and reinforced attention to sexual and gender-based violence and information sharing. The Council's 6th November decision on Syria showed how precise, fair, and adaptable sanctions can recognize verified behavioral changes without undermining integrity. For Sierra Leone, this confirmed the value of sanctions that are precise, fair, adaptable, while maintaining clear expectations. Expectation regarding counterterrorism and human rights obligations. The committee's work, supported by the monitoring team and member state engagement, has reinforced the regime's credibility, though challenges remain, including ISIL and Al Qaeda activity in Africa, especially in West Africa and the Sahel, movements of foreign terrorist fighters, access to cash reserves, use of advanced technologies, and conditions in detention facilities. Sierra Leone will continue supporting effective implementation, prioritizing measures that disrupt terrorist financing, constrain mobility, and limit access to weapons while ensuring humanitarian considerations and respect for sovereignty. Turning to the 1373 Committee, Resolution 1373 remains a testament to the Council's determination to confront terrorism, which is a persistent threat to humanity. Terrorist groups and lone actors increasingly exploit drones, virtual currencies, encrypted communications, social media, and other emerging technologies. Preventing terrorist access to diversified funding streams, including criminal activity, misuse of blockchain, remains essential. Sierra Leone unequivocally condemns terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and continues advancing national and regional efforts. This year, we initiated an informal interactive dialogue on enhancing counterterrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel. In this regard, let me reiterate excerpts of the statement from our President at yesterday's briefing on peace consolidation in West Africa. More than half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide now occur in the Sahel region. If we fail to act decisively, the Sahel could become a permanent sanctuary for extremist enclaves just hours away from major global cities. These groups, aided by criminal networks and sophisticated weaponry, often outgun national forces and exploit porous borders. Intelligence sharing, air mobility, logistics, and surveillance support are not optional. They are essential tools for protection and hope. Last year, Sierra Leone enacted the National Counterterrorism Act, establishing a national coordination mechanism and strengthening legal financial and enforcement measures. This law aims to establish the National Counterterrorism Coordination Committee, address offenses related to terrorism and terrorism-related matters, implement enforcement measures against terrorist funds and other assets, prohibit financial support to terrorism, and address other related matters. We commend CTED's assessment work, the FATF and UNODC partnerships, and the OCT's technical assistance, and we call for continued logistical, financial, technical, and technological support to strengthen regional resilience. CTED's assessments of member states' counterterrorism efforts are invaluable, as are the contributions from the Global Counterterrorism Compact entities. We further urge all Council members to recognize and respect the importance and technical nature of these reports. On the 1540 Committee, we thank Ambassador Alba and commend the committee and its experts for advancing this essential preventive mandate. Resolution 1540 remains a central pillar of non-proliferation and an integral component of Sierra Leone's national agenda for peace consolidation and institutional strengthening. With support from VATIC, OPCW, and UNODC, we are finalizing legislation to domesticate the Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions. Ratification of the CPPNM and ISCANZ, and strengthening national coordination across security, border, customs, intelligence, and public health sectors. We are completing a voluntary national implementation action plan and welcome the committee's strengthening assistance matching mechanisms, expanded voluntary peer review mechanisms, and cooperation with the AU, ECOWAS, and UNODA. Sierra Leone stands ready for a voluntary peer review and continues to promote inclusive implementation by engaging academia, youth groups, women's groups, and civil society. Ahead of the 2027 comprehensive review, we support an evidence-based assessment that reflects regional realities and emerging technological risks, including synthetic biology, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. As President of the Security Council for November, Sierra Leone will continue supporting efforts to ensure the Council's counterterrorism and non-proliferation tools remain balanced, credible and aligned with international law and the UN Charter. We remain fully engaged across all 3 committees to ensure the Council's counter-terrorism and sanctions instruments remain responsive to global threats. I thank you. I now resume my function as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.