Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts - Security Council, 10205th meeting
Security Council
Date: 5 August 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/sc/10205
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DEN · President [0:01]:

The 10205th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute on behalf of the Council to His Excellency Mr. Zena Ngeimukongo, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for his service as President of the Council for the month of July. I'm sure I speak for all members of the Council expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Mukongo and his entire team for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council's business last month. The provisional agenda for this meeting is threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with Rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Olga Yere Niyazberdiyeva, Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and Ms. Carmen Kantor, Deputy Executive Director, Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item two on the agenda. I now give the floor to Ms. Olga Yeren Nias Badavia.

The floor is yours.


UNOCT · Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General · Olga Yere Niyazberdiyeva [1:48]:

Madam President, Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the acting United Nations Under Secretary General for Counterterrorism, Mr. Alexander Zuev, who is unable to be with us today. Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the Secretary General's 23rd report on the threat posed by Daesh to international peace and security, and on the United Nations' efforts to support member states in countering this evolving threat. I am pleased to be joined by Deputy Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, Ms. Carmen Canter. The report was prepared jointly by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. As we approach the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, to be observed on 21st of August under the theme, Healing Through Memory, we would like to pay tribute to victims and survivors of terrorism around the world. Their courage and resilience remind us of the devastating human cost of terrorism and of our collective responsibility to support those whose lives have been forever changed by terrorist violence. To mark this year's observance, the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism will convene a high-level commemoration that places victims and survivors at the forefront, featuring their testimonies alongside messages from senior United Nations leaders, the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, and a global minute of silence. We encourage Member States to join this observance and continue demonstrating their solidarity with victims and survivors. The United Nations remains committed to promoting and protecting the rights and needs of victims and survivors, including those affected by the atrocities committed by Daesh and its affiliates. Madam President, despite international efforts, Daesh continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. While sustained counterterrorism operations have disrupted Daesh's senior leadership and reduced its ability to direct operations centrally, the group has continued to adapt. Although its structure is increasingly dispersed, Daesh remains resilient with its affiliates united by a shared ideology. Daesh continues to exploit fragile security environments and protracted armed conflicts. Today, The threat remains particularly acute in parts of Africa, notably in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, where several affiliates continue to strengthen their capabilities, expand their operational reach, and adapt their tactics. Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, continues to be the most active Daesh affiliate globally and has demonstrated an increasing capacity to acquire and employ commercial drone technology. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique, affiliates remain resilient despite sustained counterterrorism pressure, continuing to carry out attacks while expanding recruitment and areas of activity. In the Syrian Arab Republic, the evolving political and security landscape continues to reshape the threat environment. At the same time, the closure of Hol camp in February has heightened security concerns, with the whereabouts of thousands of individuals remaining unclear. This underscores the Secretary-General's call for safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation conducted in accordance with international law. In Iraq, continued counterterrorism pressure has significantly constrained Daesh's capabilities. The challenge now is to consolidate these hard-won gains through strong and accountable institutions, effective administration of justice, rehabilitation, reintegration efforts, and measures that address the conditions that could enable the group's resurgence. In South Asia, ISIL-Khorasan remains one of Daesh's most capable affiliates. The group continues to demonstrate both the intent and capability to support or inspire attacks beyond Afghanistan, while exploiting local instability to recruit, plan operations, and sustain its activities. Madam President, while member states have constrained the group's capabilities in several theaters, Daesh continues to adapt to local conditions and take advantage of evolving vulnerabilities. Against this backdrop, three considerations are particularly important. First, no member state can address this threat alone. As terrorist networks adapt and increasingly operate across borders, international cooperation must translate into practical action through information sharing, border management, criminal justice cooperation, financial investigations, and coordinated responses. Second, the growing exploitation by Daesh and its affiliates of advances in artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, digital platforms, virtual assets, and unmanned aircraft systems underscores the need to strengthen governance, oversight, and international cooperation, including with the private sector. These same technologies, when deployed responsibly and in accordance with international law, also present opportunities to strengthen prevention and counterterrorism efforts. Third, all counterterrorism efforts must remain firmly grounded in international law, including international human rights, humanitarian, and refugee law. Upholding these norms is not only a legal obligation, it is also a practical necessity fundamental to the effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability of our collective efforts. Madam President, through the Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact, United Nations entities continue to strengthen system-wide cooperation, advance joint initiatives, and deliver coordinated technical assistance in response to Member States' priorities. By promoting greater coherence across the United Nations counterterrorism architecture, the Compact helps ensure that our support is strategic, coordinated, and responsive to Member States' priorities. The United Nations has also reached an important milestone in its counterterrorism efforts. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. For two decades, the strategy has provided a comprehensive framework for preventing and countering terrorism. To mark this milestone, the Office of Counterterrorism organized Counterterrorism Week at the United Nations from 26th of June to 2nd of July, 2026. to advance the implementation of the strategy through dialogue, partnerships, and practical cooperation. The week featured the fourth high-level conference of heads of counterterrorism agencies, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from member states, United Nations entities, international and regional organizations, civil society, victims and survivors of terrorism, youth representatives, and the private sector to exchange experiences and identify practical responses to the evolving terrorist threat. Counterterrorism Week also coincided with the General Assembly's adoption of the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. The review reaffirmed member states' commitment to a comprehensive, balanced, and integrated approach to countering terrorism while reinforcing the strategy as the foundation of the United Nations counterterrorism efforts. Madam President, the threat posed by Daesh will continue to evolve. Our collective response must evolve with it. Preserving the progress achieved against Daesh will require sustained prevention, strengthened international and regional cooperation, and comprehensive responses firmly grounded in international law. the United Nations will continue to support member states in implementing the global counterterrorism strategy and relevant Security Council resolutions through coordinated assistance that is responsive to national priorities and consistent with the rule of law, respect for human rights, and effective multilateral cooperation. Thank you.


DEN · President [11:03]:

I thank Ms. Niyaz Berdieva for her briefing, and I now give the floor to Ms. Carmen G. Kanter.


CTED · Deputy Executive Director · Carmen Kantor [11:15]:

Can you hear me? Thank you, Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Assistant Secretary General Natalia German, Executive Director of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate, CTED, who is unable to be with us today. Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the 23rd report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by Daesh to international peace and security and on United Nations efforts to support Member States in countering the threat. I thank Mr. Irina Niyazberdieva, and the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, and all our United Nations partners for their collaboration on this report. Madam President, over the past six months, Daesh and its affiliates have remained resilient and adaptive despite sustained counterterrorism pressure. The challenge remains global in scope. Africa continues to bear a disproportionate share of its impact, while developments in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic underscore the continuing need for vigilance. Humanitarian challenges remain significant. The closure of Al-Hol camp represented a major development. is served to highlight with even more urgency now the complexity of addressing the situation of former Daesh affiliates and their accompanying family members. Developing effective prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration measures that are age and gender sensitive remain far from resolved. Addressing this challenge will require sustained international engagement adequate resources, and compliance with international human rights law while remaining attentive to the needs of victims of terrorism. The threat landscape is also being reshaped by new and emerging technologies. Terrorist groups continue to exploit social media platforms, encrypted messaging applications, gaming ecosystems, and artificial intelligence-enabled tools to disseminate propaganda, recruit supporters, raise funds and enhance their operational capabilities. Propaganda is no longer only about shaping narratives. It has become an operational enabler that helps terrorist groups recruit supporters, mobilize resources and extend their reach across borders. Digital platforms are used to facilitate fundraising, recruitment of financial supporters, procurement of resources, and the movement of funds across jurisdictions. There are persistent gaps in addressing the nexus between terrorism and organized crime. Madam President, in response, the United Nations has continued its support to member states in addressing the broader threat posed by Daesh. Over the past six months, CTED, on behalf of the Counterterrorism Committee, conducted follow-up assessment visits to Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Tajikistan, and Togo, underlining the regional differences in the threat landscape. Two findings from CTED's engagement with Member States merit the Council's attention. First, the use and weaponization of unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, for terrorist purposes have evolved into a significant operational threat, including in parts of Africa. CTAD has worked with UNOCT and other partners to strengthen member states' capacities to assess and manage risk associated with UAS, prevent terrorist access to weapons and related components, and enhance national frameworks to counter the misuse of UAS and Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs. We continue to promote implementation of the Committee's Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles, which provide Member States with practical guidance in this area. Second, stronger information sharing, protection of critical maritime infrastructure, and the integration of maritime security into counterterrorism frameworks remain essential. This includes expanding the use of advanced passenger information, passenger name record and watch listing systems, strengthening connectivity with international databases and enhanced cooperation to detect and disrupt terrorist travel and movement, including through the maritime domain. Madam President, local context continues to shape the threat. the activities of Daesh affiliates across parts of Africa remain a matter of significant concern. In April, CTED published a report on civil society perspectives in West Africa, which highlighted terrorists exploitation of weak governance and porous borders and the growing misuse of technologies, including artificial intelligence, UAS, and social media. In our dialogue with member states in the Balkans and Central Europe, we found that terrorist activity is increasingly characterized by decentralized networks and online radicalization to violence. There is increased emphasis on reintegration, prevention, and strengthening social resilience. Hence, we need more adaptive, comprehensive, and context-specific counterterrorism responses. Madam President, on the use of technology for terrorist purposes, CTED and United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, UNICRI, convened an expert group meeting on technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence linked to terrorism. Experts underline that responses must be human rights compliant and survivor-centered. Together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNOCT and Tech Against Terrorism, CITED concluded its joint project funded through the United Nations Peace and Security Soft Fund to strengthen national capacities to detect and disrupt the use of information and communication technologies by terrorist organizations in Somalia and neighboring member states. The project produced roadmaps to guide follow-up implementation and support regional responses to counter the growing use of digital technologies by terrorist groups. CTED's recent briefings and expert engagements highlighted two trends of growing concern. the use of online propaganda ecosystems to facilitate terrorist financing and the growing links between terrorism and organized crime, including through illicit revenue generating activities. To help member states address these threats, CTED continued its close cooperation with the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, supporting efforts to strengthen counterterrorism financing measures. Additionally, We contributed to several FATAF reports on emerging terrorism financing risk and vulnerabilities. These trends also feature prominently during United Nations Counterterrorism Week in June. CTED, in partnership with the UNOCT and other partners, convened several side events to discuss effective responses and good practices. These exchanges highlighted the importance of international cooperation and collective action. Madam President, as the Secretary General's report makes clear, the threat posed by Daesh has not receded. It has dispersed and adapted across contexts. A response confined to one region or to security measures alone will not address the problem. on behalf of CTED, on behalf of the Counterterrorism Committee. CTED will assess how member states implement its council's resolutions and identify good practices and persistent gaps to inform effective responses. Only through sustained international cooperation and a comprehensive approach can we effectively counter the threat posed by Daesh and its affiliates. Thank you.


DEN · President [19:58]:

And I thank Ms. Kanter for her briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of the United States.


United States of America [20:09]:

Thank you, Madam President. It's a pleasure to see you personally behind that placard and to see Denmark in their presidency this month. And of course, also thanks to the DRC for the work that they've done leading up to this and to our briefers today. Since the Council's last briefing on this issue in February, the United States released its new National Counterterrorism Strategy on May 6th, identifying three priority threats, narco-terrorists and transnational gangs, legacy Islamic terrorists, and violent left-wing extremists. Countering ISIL, Al Qaeda, and their affiliates remains a key priority. These groups continue to exploit instability, as evidenced by Al Qaeda's gains in the Sahel, ISIL's growing focus on Africa, and the persistent threat from ISIL-K in Afghanistan. As referenced in the 23rd report, the growing exploitation of satellite communications Artificial intelligence, drones, and cryptocurrencies further complicates this landscape and demands vigilance from member states and the private sector. We commend member states whose operations and financial disruption efforts have constrained ISIL and al-Qaeda in Iraq, Syria, and Somalia. We also recognize Iraq's leadership in repatriating detained and displaced persons from northeast Syria and encourage efforts to follow suit, prosecute ISIL-affiliated nationals, and prevent rearming, returning foreign terrorist fighters from evading detection. Beyond the jihadist threat, Iran and its proxies and partners, including the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran-lined militias in Iraq, continue destabilizing the Middle East and seeking broader reach. Expanded information sharing is vital to prevent them from acquiring critical weapons and to constrain their actions. Cartels and transnational criminal organizations threaten our citizens' safety. Since January 2025, the United States has designated 20 Western Hemisphere cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists, most recently Mexico's Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras. And these groups now project influence beyond the hemisphere. We will not allow the region to become a sanctuary for those who threaten our security. It is critical that we work together to disrupt the production and movement of synthetic drugs, eradicate transnational organized crime, and combat terrorist travel. We are increasingly concerned by resurgent political terrorism, particularly far left groups. reflected in the November 2025 U.S. designation of violent Antifa-aligned organizations as foreign terrorist organizations. For too long, governments have turned a blind eye to this resurgent threat. Designations alone are insufficient. We must strengthen information sharing on the tactics, networks, funding, and malign state actors enabling this violence, especially as it converges with organized crime and anti-Semitic movements. As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, a quarter of a century, The United States looks to all member states and the UN to refocus on core actionable priorities and deliver measurable results. We will not support institutions that are redundant, mismanaged, or misaligned with our priorities. Together, we must protect our citizens and borders from terrorist threats. Thank you.


DEN · President [24:30]:

I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. And I now give the floor to Pakistan. The floor is yours.


Pakistan [24:40]:

Thank you. Madam President, allow me also to begin by congratulating you on assuming the presidency of the Council and also convey our deep appreciation to the delegation of DRC for their excellent stewardship of the Council last month. And I would also like to thank the two briefers from UNOCT and CTAD for their insightful remarks. We take note of the 23rd report of the Secretary General on the threat posed by ISIL/DAESH to international peace and security. Like other UN reports, including by the monitoring team, it is evident that While sustained counterterrorism efforts have degraded Daesh's capabilities, the terrorist threat continues to evolve and adapt, particularly across parts of Africa, Middle East, and Afghanistan. Daesh affiliates have shown considerable resilience and adaptability, capitalizing upon local dynamics in these regions. As noted, In the report, ISIL-K has suffered setbacks, including due to effective counter-terrorism efforts and actions by Pakistan. Nevertheless, ISIL-K continues to pose significant concerns, particularly in Afghanistan. President, as the briefers also said, acting alone, no state can effectively confront the transnational threat of terrorism. We echo the Secretary General's call for enhanced international cooperation, especially to counter increasing exploitation of emerging technologies by terrorist groups, including unmanned aerial systems, information and communications technologies, besides social media platforms and artificial intelligence to recruit, radicalize, fund, and conduct terrorist operations. Strengthening border management, law enforcement, capacity building, and improved cooperation among member states remain essential to addressing these terrorist threats that transcend national borders, including in the digital space. We must also disrupt terrorist financing, including through encrypted channels such as digital wallets, virtual assets and cryptocurrencies. Equally important is preventing terrorist groups from accessing weapons, arms and ammunition that enhance their operational capability and lethality. And President, the situation in Afghanistan remains deeply alarming. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, multiple terrorist groups continue to thrive. in that country in an increasingly permissive environment. Safe havens are available inside Afghanistan to terrorist groups such as TTP, BLA, and its Majid Brigade, ISIL-K, and their affiliates ETIM, and Al-Qaeda affiliates. From Afghanistan, many of these terrorist groups recruit, train, plan and carry out terrorist attacks in Pakistan with impunity. They find active external support and financing from our eastern neighbor. Just this weekend, a suicide terrorist attack by the TTP in Swat tragically claimed the lives of 16 Pakistanis. We must effectively address this increasingly dangerous terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan. The Taliban must be held accountable to the obligation to ensure that Afghan territory is not used by any terrorist group to threaten or attack other states including Pakistan. External sponsors of terrorism must also be held to account for supporting, financing, and arming these proxies, these terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Madam President, a comprehensive international response to terrorism must address all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism that manifests itself particularly in situations of foreign occupation. Today, the 5th of August, marks a grim occasion. It is the seventh anniversary of the unlawful and unilateral measures imposed in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, seven years ago, an occupied people, the Kashmiri people, enduring over seven decades of injustice, indignity, unfulfilled promises and denial of the Security Council guaranteed fundamental right to self-determination, were subjected to a new wave of repression. In nine thousand nine hundred thousand strong Indian occupation force unleashed untold suffering. On a helpless population. A worst example of state terrorism. We believe there must be zero tolerance for such blatant perpetration of state terrorism in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and in other situations of foreign occupation. Also, the international community must not allow counter-terrorism to be misused or abused as a pretext to suppress the internationally recognized and legitimate struggles of peoples against foreign occupation and for their inalienable right to self-determination. President, terrorism can only be defeated through a comprehensive and coordinated international response without double standards or selectivity by addressing the root causes and preventing politically motivated agendas that exploit situations to fuel terrorism. Our response must also evolve correspondingly to the changing landscape. The UN sanctions regime and the CT architecture need to be reformed and updated to enable the listing of all terrorist groups that pose a clear and present danger to societies. The Council's failure to address this gap would only incentivize those terrorist groups and their unscrupulous sponsors to continue wreaking havoc. President, terrorism knows no borders. It has no religion and it threatens all of humanity alike. A concerted multilateral effort aimed at advancing practical and solution oriented approach is the most effective way to comprehensively eradicate this scourge. Pakistan will remain a reliable partner in this collective endeavor. I thank you.


France [32:34]:

Madam President, I first.

Of all wish to echo what was said by my colleagues from the UN, the United States and Pakistan in terms of congratulating the DRC for an excellent July Presidency, and I wish to wish the DRC a very successful June Presidency. Denmark every success in August. I also wish to thank the briefers from the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism and CTED. And on France's behalf, I wish to express our condolences to Pakistan on the attacks that recently plunged the country into mourning. President, in a number of weeks, we will mark the 20th anniversary of the 11th of September bombings. At this time, terrorism remains one of the key threats to international peace and security. This threat continues to evolve and assume new forms. Daesh, Al Qaeda and their affiliates are demonstrating an ability to adapt and be resilient, which forces us to remain on high alert. We thank the Secretary-General for his most recent report, which illustrates the persistent nature of the threat posed by Daesh and its affiliates. On the African continent, whether we be talking about the Sahel, Nigeria or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, these groups continue to stage deadly attacks. The civilians are among the first to suffer. In the Levant, where any security vacuum could foster a resurgence of Daesh, France supports the new Syrian authorities in their efforts to combat terrorism and to stabilise the country. We continue to work within the international coalition against Daesh. On the 7th of July, the President of our Republic was in Syria. He reaffirmed during that visit our engagement, which is part of a comprehensive global partnership. The integration of groups that fought Daesh, most specifically the Syrian Democratic Forces, must continue in accordance with commitments made to these groups. Finally, Daesh Khorasan remains active in its area of operations and remains liable to mobilize combatants at an international international level. Against this backdrop, the international community must remain mobilised to combat terrorism in line with a global, comprehensive and balanced approach which makes it possible to address all the driving forces behind terrorism while stringently respecting human rights and international law. We welcome the adoption last month of the ninth review of the global counter-terrorism strategy. We stand ready to support the implementation of this strategy on that. I now wish to make a number of comments. First, the fight against terrorist financing remains essential seven years after the adoption of Resolution 2462 in 2009, which was the first time the Council was seized of this file. France, in May, hosted the fifth No Money for Terror conference that allows cooperation to be garnered in this area and that the conference underscored the need to prevent the diversion of innovative financing into coffers financing terrorist activities. My second point, the misuse of emerging technologies for recruitment and radicalisation remains a chief area of concern. As part of its G7 presidency, France is calling for bolstered protection of children against terrorist content. At the same time, we must always respect the principles of a free and open Internet. We must continue to work in a coordinated fashion to build States' capacities in terms of fighting terrorism. We fully support the work of the Council and particularly the work of the 1267 Committee. They must use all the tools they have to counter the activity of terrorist groups. Thank you.


DEN · President [35:50]:

Thank you, Representative of France, for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia.


Liberia [35:58]:

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Liberia congratulates Denmark on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and assures you of our delegation's fullest cooperation and support. We also express our sincere appreciation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its leadership during the month of July. We join others in extending our gratitude to the briefers for their qualified insights. And join in extending our condolence to the government and people of Pakistan. Excellencies, Liberia condemns terrorism unequivocally. Our commitment to collective security under the charter of the United Nations remains firm, active, and unshakable. As we have heard, the message before this council is stark. While Daesh has been stripped of its physical territory, it has gained global agility. Today, it operates as a franchise of violence. Funding its campaigns through extortion, kidnapping, and illicit taxation while exploiting on governed spaces and digital frontiers. Nowhere is this shift felt more acutely than in Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa now bears more than half of all global terrorism fatalities. In the Sahel, terrorist groups no longer seek merely to disrupt governance. They seek to replace it. and their advance is pressing steadily toward the coastal states of West Africa. For Liberia, a West African coastal nation, this is not an abstract debate. It is an existential priority. Excellencies, A threat that adapts faster than our response will inevitably expand to consume all of us. Therefore, we call for three immediate imperatives. First, actionable sub-regional security. We must reinforce border intelligence and joint operational capacity of ECOWAS and other bodies in our geographic region. As well as other emerging frameworks. Lines on a map must never become blind spots for security. Second, predictable funding for African led initiatives. African states are taking the lead on the ground. International support must match that resolve with sustained predictable resourcing. And three, preemptive investment in coastal capacity. We cannot wait for the Sahelian fire to cross our borders before deploying the extinguishers. Prevention must precede crisis. Excellencies, Liberia is determined to lead by example. We will continue to champion the security of coastal West Africa as a standing priority. Together with ECOWAS, many of our neighbors, and the international partners, we stand ready to convene a high-level dialogue to build a unified defensive shield extending from the Sahel to the Atlantic. Madam President, Liberia speaks on this matter with the authority of lived experience. Having rebuilt our republic from the arches of conflict, we know this enduring truth. Lasting peace is never won by force of arms alone. Terrorism does not create vulnerability. In truth, it harvests it. Violent extremism takes root wherever state presence precedes or actually recedes. Wherever climate pressures erase livelihoods and wherever our youth are left without hope. Security endures only where governance is accountable, justice is accessible, and citizens see a future worth living and worth protecting. Prevention is not a soft option. It is, in truth, the only strategic imperative. Importantly, to make our collective response complete, three additional priorities must guide this council. One, an integrated UN strategy. We must balance necessary security measures with robust peacebuilding, humanitarian relief, and sustainable development across all four pillars of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. Two, inclusion as a security strategy. Women and youth must not be treated as passive victims or afterthoughts. Liberia's peace was forged by the courage and resolve of its women. Their full, equal, and meaningful participation in early warning and social cohesion is, in truth, our strongest bulwark against radicalization. And three, technological foresight. As the briefers have informed us, we must deny terrorists the misuse of emerging technologies from artificial intelligence and autonomous drones to encrypted channels and virtual assets while ensuring that all counterterrorism measures strictly uphold international human rights law and abide by the rule of law in conclusion Madam President Liberia agrees with the briefers. No nation can defeat global terrorism in isolation, and no nation should have to do it alone. If we address not only the weapons of violent extremism, but the vulnerabilities on which it feeds, we can secure for the next generation what every people deserves, a safe, sovereign and resilient future. I thank you for your kind attention.


DEN · President [45:03]:

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


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [45:10]:

Thank you, Madam President, and congratulations on your assumption of the presidency this month. And thank you to the whole team of the DRC for their successful presidency last month. I also want to thank the briefers for their helpful insights today. The United Kingdom welcomes the Secretary-General's latest report, which outlines progress in countering global terrorist threats and underscores the importance of multilateral efforts. We continue our commitment to working with international partners to identify and disrupt these threats, address the underlying drivers of terrorism, and counter extremist narratives. We commend Syria and Iraq for their tireless efforts in the fight against Daesh. In Syria, a new political chapter presents an opportunity for greater stability and security, and we welcome the government of Syria's recent decision to join the global coalition against Daesh as its 90th member. In Iraq, we continue to work closely with the government as it addresses the generational challenges posed by approximately 6,000 Daesh detainees who must face justice for their crimes. The Secretary-General's report also highlights the challenges that remain as Daesh and its affiliates seek to regroup and expand, including in West Africa and the Sahel. Recent coordinated attacks in Niger and Mali demonstrate the increasing sophistication and operational reach of terrorist groups in the Sahel, driving displacement, increasing humanitarian need and undermining stability. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated regional response. The UK is strengthening counter-terrorism capability in West Africa and the Sahel through targeted support on intelligence sharing, investigations and counter-terrorism finance activity. This includes supporting regional initiatives such as Nigeria's National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Cote d'Ivoire's Counter-Terrorism Academy and the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit. As the UN has noted, ISIL-Khorasan continues to pose a significant threat and we commend Pakistan's important role in combating the group. We also offer our deepest condolences to those killed in the Swat Valley over the weekend. President, the United Kingdom welcomes the recent renewal of the global counter-terrorism strategy, which has now entered its 20th year. The overwhelming support for the strategy demonstrates continued commitment to multilateral cooperation. As terrorist groups exploit emerging technologies, online spaces and instability across borders, it is important that international framework remains fit for purpose. The lesson of the last 20 years is clear. Counter-terrorism succeeds when it is rooted in human rights, the rule of law and international cooperation. and fails when these foundations are ignored. The United Kingdom remains resolute in our commitment to working with partners to combat terrorism in all of its forms and in support of the international peace and security mandate. Thank you.


DEN · President [48:20]:

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement and I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.


Bahrain [48:28]:

Thank you, Madam President. At the outset, I would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their significant efforts as they presided over the Security Council during the month of July. I would also like to express our good wishes for success to the Kingdom of Denmark as they preside over the Security Council during this month. I would also like to thank Ms. Niyaz Berdieva, Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General from the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, and Ms. Kantor, the Deputy Executive Director from the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate, for their valuable briefings and for their ongoing commitment to counterterrorism efforts. Madam President, the Kingdom of Bahrain took note of the 23rd report of the Secretary General, which highlights the terrorist threat posed by Daesh and affiliated individuals and groups as a dangerous and persistent threat to international peace and security. The report refers to changes in the security environment which contributed to escalating the level of threat posed by Daesh in the Sahel and South Asia and Daesh's continued reliance on regional branches. Although Daesh lacks the capacity to manage and guide its network in a coherent manner, however, its propaganda and capacity to incite to violence continue to be impactful. Madam President, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to make every effort to counter and uproot terrorism wherever it may be. And in light of unjustified terrorist attacks launched by Iran and its proxies against the peaceful countries and people of the region, The Kingdom of Bahrain renews the need for Iran to implement and fully abide by relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution number 2817, and to halt hostilities that undermine the security and stability of the region while respecting the sovereignty of countries and abiding by principles of good neighborliness. Madam President, allow me to address the three following points. First, given the increase in the use of cryptocurrencies by terrorist groups, in addition to their use by third parties to fund terrorism in order to conceal the identity of the real final beneficiary, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the need to continue international efforts to counter the funding of terrorism as one of the main and most effective pillars to undermine the ability of terrorist groups to implement their activities and achieve their goals. In this regard, it is important to raise awareness of these risks in addition to the effective implementation of the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF. Second, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the need to strengthen the culture of peace, tolerance, coexistence and dialogue between religions and cultures, and to prevent the misuse of digital platforms to incite to radicalization, extremism and terrorism. Terrorist groups continue to exploit the most vulnerable groups, especially young people and minors, to recruit and polarize them. Cyberspace continues to be a main environment for recruitment through the use of propaganda and polarizing activities designed specifically to target young people through a wider number of digital platforms. We also note the increase of online terrorist content amplified by the algorithms of some social media, which are expanding its reach. Third, the sanctions list of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267, 1989 and 2253. This sanctions list continues to include a relatively limited number of individuals and entities up until the latest update of the list in July 2026, their numbers has reached 249 individuals and 88 entities, whereas during the reporting period, only three individuals were listed. Therefore, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the need to continue to update the list in a regular manner to list the individuals and groups linked to Daesh and al-Qaida and other affiliated groups that meet the criteria of listing so that they can be subjected to relevant sanctions measures and to strengthen the effectiveness of the sanctions regime to combat evolving threats. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain remains committed to countering terrorism and to work with all partners to combat Daesh and the threat it poses to international peace and security. I thank you, Madam President.


DEN · President [54:34]:

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


Russian Federation [54:41]:

President, I'd like to congratulate Denmark on assuming presidency of the Council and trust that it will be a successful month. We'd also like to thank the DRC for last month's presidency. We would like to thank UNOCT and CTED for their contribution to preparing the Secretary-General's report on the threat posed by ISIL. We highly value their efforts in these areas. We concur with the majority of the conclusions and assessments in the report. Of serious concern is the growing trend for a threat posed by ISIL and its affiliates in Africa, and also the improvement of their methods for extremist and terrorist propaganda and their means of committing acts of terrorism. Terrorists use of new and emerging technologies including digital financial assets, AI and UAVs is a serious challenge, one requiring a global response. In this context, there is an ever clearer need for an additional protocol to the UN Convention on Cybercrime, a draft of which our country presented during the 35th session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Russia supports efforts, including via the draft works projects of the OCT, to put a stop to the growing trend of the use of digital currencies and electronic payment systems to finance terrorism. With our assistance, thematic guidance has been drafted and published, which lays a foundation for analysis and practical work for national experts in this field. We pay particular attention to the problem of foreign terrorist fighters. They have acquired battlefield experience in the Middle East and are now actively moving to their states of origin or to hotspots. Further efforts should be made to prevent and counter their activity and travel. We hope that future Secretary-General reports on this topic will pay more attention to this. We continue to support efforts of the OCT for state capacity building in Turalia thanks to voluntary contributions of Russia. The office has provided technical assistance to countries of Africa and Central Asia as part of a project to stop weapons falling into the hands of terrorists as well. Comprehensive analytical material and practical recommendations have been drafted. Less than a month ago, Moscow successfully hosted a high-level meeting on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2370 in Central Asian countries. We highlight the importance and support counter-terrorism cooperation via BRICS, the SCO, CIS and the CSTO, which we are chairing this year. Following the June meeting of the Council of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister of the CSTO, the counterterrorism strategy of the CSTO for the period up to 2030 was approved. President, countering the spread of terrorist and extremist ideology in including neo-Nazism, deserve separate attention. Measures to respond to this challenge should take into account the specificities of particular countries, their capacity and also their needs. We do not support imposing on developing countries a narrow and sly concept of violent extremism, which is based on the dangerous fallacy that extremism poses a threat only when it takes a violent form. Today, in the era of new information technology, the spread of extremist ideology is part of the incitement to commit serious crimes. It's notable that some Western countries, while they impose on others the concept of violent extremism, back home criminalize any manifestation of extremism. In this connection, we support an objective analysis of the whole spectrum of contemporary approaches to the fight against extremism, including as part of OCT studies, which were presented on the margins of UN Counterterrorism Week in July. President, international terrorism is nourished by states' double standards, by promotion of hidden agendas and by deliberately hindering international cooperation of the competent national bodies. An eloquent example of this was the blowing up of the North Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September 2022. Russian competent bodies launched a criminal case as an act of international terrorism. However, we have not seen proper cooperation from the affected countries. and in line with their obligations under relevant conventions. At the same time, as a result of this, the primary victims of this terrorist attack were EU citizens. Russian gas is used to heat homes and ensure the function of industry in Europe. Thus, the amount of gas supplied on North Stream 1 met half of Germany's natural gas needs. In a June press release, a German prosecutor announced the accusation of a citizen of Ukraine who, alongside accomplices, directed by state instances of Ukraine, organized and carried out this act of terrorism. At the same time, the German government continues to transfer tens of billions of euros to the Kiev regime, and as a result of Kiev's action, according to information from Berlin themselves, millions of German citizens have suffered. President, the shift of hotbeds of activity of international terrorist organisations to Africa is by and large a result of the support for illegal armed groups by former colonial capitals, driven as they are by neo-colonial ambitions. Recent clashes with terrorists in Mali have shown that these fighters are able to carry out simultaneous large-scale attacks on big cities of the country, which in principle is not possible without organizational, financial and weapons support from state entities. In July, following consultations of the head of foreign policy ministries of the Alliance of Sahel States and Russia, a joint statement was adopted which condemns, and I quote, the criminal collusion between Ukraine, France and other countries and terrorist groups operating in the Sahel, end of quote. Terrorist activity of the Kiev regime in Africa merits being addressed separately. Here we are talking about the provision of UAVs and the direct training of terrorists by Ukrainian military instructors. There have been cases recorded of attacks on fighters using weapons provided by the West to Kiev in Africa, but also in Latin America and in the Middle East. US oversight bodies have questions on how the military assistance that was provided to Kiev by the Biden administration was used. Kiev, the Kiev regime, has long been fully dependent economically and militarily on the EU and NATO countries, which are using Ukraine to wage a proxy war with Russia. Ukraine's Western backers are taking the same approach to the African continent, pushing Ukrainians to assist terrorist groups in the Sahel. They're once again trying to achieve their own goals, but remotely. President, having suffered battlefield defeats, the Zelensky regime is now betting on terrorising civilians in Russia. Kyiv every day carries out deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure using missile artillery, UAVs, remote mining, cluster munitions and booby traps. including those produced by NATO member states. There's ongoing terror against the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant staff, the killing in July of experts responsible for nuclear and radiation safety, and also the ongoing strikes on the territory of the plant. show how Kiev is trying to disrupt the running of the plant and create a threat of a large-scale technical disaster. EU and NATO countries flaunt their complicity in the terrorist attacks of Kiev as they provided thousands of drones and missiles to Ukraine. President of the Russian Federation has always advocated for strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation on the basis of the global counter-terrorism strategy approved in July, with a central and coordinating role played the United Nations Organisation to ensure long term reduction in the terrorist threat and also to ensure strengthening of international security. The Russian Federation remains open to cooperation with all constructive and interested states and specialised institutions of the UN without hidden agendas and double standards. Thank you.


DEN · President [1:03:59]:

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


Greece [1:04:05]:

Thank you, Madam President. Allow me to begin by congratulating Denmark on assuming the Presidency of the Council this month and wish you every success in your duties. I would also like to express my appreciation to the TRC for a successful stewardship of the Council in July. I thank our briefers from UNOCT and CTED for their insightful presentations and their steadfast commitment to this critical agenda. I also join others in extending our condolences to the government and people of Pakistan regarding the recent terrorist attack that cost innocent lives. Madam President, although sustained counterterrorism efforts have degraded Daesh across several theaters, the organization continues to adapt through its decentralized structure and resilient regional affiliates. The threat therefore remains persistent and demands sustained international vigilance. Greece remains deeply concerned by the continued regionalisation of terrorism, particularly across Africa. The spread of terrorist activity across the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique once again demonstrates how terrorist groups exploit weak governance, porous borders, local conflicts, and transnational criminal networks. Developments in Syria also require our constant vigilance. DICE continues to maintain a significant operational presence and has increasingly shifted to hit-and-run attacks against religious, political, and military targets in urban areas. It is imperative to address the terrorist threat and prevent renewed violence while protecting civilians and ensuring accountability for violations of international law. All Syrians, irrespective of ethnicity or religion, must enjoy equal protection under the law, equal citizenship, and the right to live in safety and dignity. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria must also be fully respected. The situation following the closure of Al-Hol camp is also concerning. Thousands of individuals, primarily women and children, with family links to Daesh remain unaccounted for. The fate of approximately 3,000 Daesh-affiliated detainees also remains unclear. We applaud the considerable contribution of Iraq, including its assumption of responsibility for thousands of detainees transferred from northeast Syria and its sustained repatriation efforts. Iraq's experience demonstrates that determined national leadership supported by international cooperation, can significantly degrade terrorist capabilities. We also remain concerned by the threat posed by ISIL-K, which continues to seek opportunities to rebuild its operational capacity and conduct external attacks. This underlines the importance of sustained intelligence sharing and regional cooperation, including with the countries of Central Asia. Madam President, as we also heard from the briefers, we are alarmed by the increasingly sophisticated misuse of new and emerging technologies by terrorist groups. The use of artificial intelligence is no longer confined to propaganda and recruitment. Terrorist groups are also expanding their use of commercial drones, virtual assets, encrypted communications, and digital platforms. Our response must keep pace with these evolving threats. Stronger international and public-private cooperation, effective governance of emerging technologies, and enhanced efforts to disrupt terrorist financing are essential while fully safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. Greece also reiterates the importance it attaches to maritime security as an integral component of international counter-terrorism efforts. We welcome United Nations initiatives to strengthen member states capacities to counter terrorist travel by sea and related illicit activities through improved port security, passenger information systems and maritime domain awareness. Terrorism, transnational organized crime, and illicit trafficking increasingly exploit the same vulnerabilities in maritime and border security, threatening freedom of navigation, critical infrastructure, and global supply chains. Above all, Madam President, the humanitarian dimension must remain central to our response. Greece strongly supports safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation, together with prosecution where appropriate, rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration measures. Children affected by terrorism must be treated first and foremost as victims in accordance with Security Council resolution 2427. Their protection and reintegration are essential to preventing future cycles of radicalization. To conclude, Madam President, GRISRI affirms its unwavering commitment to the United Nations global counterterrorism strategy and to a comprehensive approach that combines effective security measures, prevention, international cooperation, and full respect for human rights. Only through sustained international solidarity and coordinated action can we effectively respond to the continuously mutating threat posed by Daesh. I thank you.


DEN · President [1:10:21]:

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


China [1:10:30]:

President, I congratulate Denmark on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. The Chinese delegation assures you and your team of its full cooperation. I also take this opportunity to commend the DRC for its work during its presidency of the Council last month. I thank Ms. Niyazbayeva and Deputy Executive Director Kantor for their briefings. At present, the international terrorist threat remains complex and severe. Terrorist attacks continue to occur, while terrorist organizations are steadily enhancing their operational capabilities and exploiting regional conflicts to expand their influence, posing a grave threat to international peace and security. The international community should uphold a new security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, maintain zero tolerance for terrorism, and avoid politicization and instrumentalization of counterterrorism and strengthen the effectiveness of global counterterrorism efforts through solidarity and cooperation. I wish to make four points. First, we must properly address the terrorist risks in Syria. Terrorism remains a major obstacle to Syria's reconstruction. Terrorist organizations, including ISIL and ETIM, continue to seek opportunities to restore their operational capabilities. As noted in the SG's report, following the closure of the detention camp in the northeastern Syria, the whereabouts of numerous individuals associated with the terrorist organizations as well as their families remain unclear. Some may have rejoined terrorist organizations and other armed groups, further heightening regional security risks. The international community should prioritize the repatriation and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters and their families in order to prevent the emergence of new sources of instability. China urges the Syrian transitional government to demonstrate firm resolve in combating terrorism, take decisive action against all international terrorist organizations listed by the council, including ETIM, and prevent terrorists from threatening the security of other countries. Second, we must continue to closely monitor the counter-terrorism situation in Afghanistan. The report indicates that terrorist organizations in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to the country and its neighbors, while those organizations, including ISIL-K, are steadily increasing their intent and capability to conduct cross-border attacks, China urges the Afghan authorities to honor their counter-terrorism commitments by taking resolute action against all terrorist forces based in Afghanistan, including the entities and individuals listed by the 1267 committee to prevent the country from once again becoming a breeding ground for terrorism. The international community should assist Afghanistan in restoring its economy and improving livelihoods so as to eliminate the space for terrorism at the source. China supports action countries and regional organizations such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization in strengthening cooperation with Afghanistan to jointly address cross-border terrorist threats. Third, we must ramp up support for African countries in their counterterrorism efforts. The counterterrorism situation in the Sahel remains deeply concerning. The recent trend in Mali toward accelerating convergence between terrorist organizations and separatist armed groups deserves serious attention. According to the SG's report, terrorist organizations such as ISWAP and ISGS are increasingly misusing emerging technologies such as drones and AI, while terrorist activities across the region remain frequent. The international community should, with full respect for the sovereignty of African countries, help countries in the region strengthen cooperation in border management, intelligence sharing, and joint counterterrorism operations, and enhance their capacity to address security risks independently. The UN should deepen cooperation with the AU and other regional organizations in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 agenda and uprooting terrorism through continuous development. The Council should also stay committed to advancing political solutions to hotspot issues in Africa, thereby denying terrorists any opportunities to operate. Fourth, we must strengthen effective governance of emerging technologies. Terrorist organizations are increasingly exploiting the internet, AI, drones, and other emerging technologies for incitement, recruitment, financing, and attacks, creating new challenges for global counterterrorism efforts. China supports the UN and the international community in strengthening the governance of emerging technologies, enhancing risk assessment and regulatory frameworks, and preventing the three forces of violent terrorism, ethnic separatism, and religious extremism from exploiting these technologies to spread and infiltrate. Greater support should be provided to developing countries in the form of technology transfer, equipment, training, and information sharing to enhance their counterterrorism capabilities and strengthen their defenses against terrorism. President, China commends the UN OCT, CTAD, and the monitoring team of the 1267 Committee for their contributions to advancing global counterterrorism efforts. We look forward to closer coordination among the relevant UN entities to further implement the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy and the relevant Council resolutions. The Council should make full use of sanctions regimes, including those established pursuant to resolutions, 1267 and 1213 to support international counterterrorism efforts. Recently, there was a suicide bombing in Pakistan which resulted in civilian casualties. China strongly condemns this attack. We call on the international community to provide strong support for Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. China has consistently implemented the Global Security Initiative in earnest, actively participated in global counter-terrorism cooperation under the framework of the UN, the SCO and BRICS, shared its counter-terrorism experience with the international community, and supported relevant countries in strengthening their capacity through cooperation projects. China stands ready to work with all parties to resolutely combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and make positive contributions to building a world free from terrorism. Thank you, President.


DEN · President [1:17:21]:

I thank the representative of China for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Panama.


Panama [1:17:27]:

Thank you very much, Madam President. We wish to congratulate the Kingdom of Denmark on assuming the presidency of the Council, and we wish you every success. We also congratulate the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a successful July presidency. We are grateful for the briefings delivered by Ms Niyazberdieva, Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and we are also grateful to Ms Carmen Kantor for her briefing as Deputy Executive Director at the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. Their briefings contribute to our collective understanding of the threats posed by terrorist acts to international peace and security. As has been made patently clear by the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by Daesh and the range of activities done by the United Nations to combat it, we note that terrorism continues to evolve in terms of complexity and scope. terrorism remains a persistent threat in spite of international efforts to counter it. Moreover, terrorism continues to demonstrate a noteworthy ability to adapt through decentralized networks, increasingly diverse tactics, and resilient regional affiliates. We are particularly concerned by the continued worsening of the security situation in Sahel and several regions of Africa. There, these groups continue to strengthen their operational capacity. and they also continue to use radicalisation processes which particularly affect young people and children. Of equally grave concern is the growing use of the digital environment for terrorist purposes. As we've heard today, a particular source of alarm is the increasingly sophisticated use of artificial intelligence for propaganda, radicalisation and recruitment. These threats know no borders, and the risk of their proliferation and their spread to other regions is high. This is a risk that we must counter together and in concert, President. Extremism can be eradicated through dialogue, ongoing dialogue, and by channeling efforts into the implementation of preventive policies of quality education. Efforts must also be focused on creating economic work and social opportunities for young people. For as long as such efforts do not materialize, the likelihood of progress in the short and medium term is slim, and we will continue to react to crises, ignoring early warning signs when we see and pointing us rather to the possible resurgence of these threats. In this connection, we underscore the results of the United Nations. Counter-terrorism Week held in June 2026. We closely followed discussions there and they allowed us to confirm that terrorism remains a complex and dynamic phenomenon fueled by conflict, institutional fragility and governance vacuums. In view of this landscape and in view of the evolving nature of the threats outlined above, it is vital to strip terrorist groups of their financing sources. This is one of the effective tools we have to limit their ability to recruit people, circulate propaganda and carry out attacks. The most recent reports point to increasingly diversified methods, including kidnappings for ransom and the use of virtual assets. These allow terrorist groups to sustain their operations and to evade traditional oversight mechanisms. As such, it is vital to strengthen financial intelligence, as well as the timely exchange of information between states. Panama is an advocate of the above. As such, as President pro tempore of the Latin American Financial Task Force, GAFILAT, in 2026, we are championing initiatives designed to strengthen financial intelligence. tackle risks linked to virtual assets and deepen cooperation between competent authorities and the private sector. And all of this is being done in line with work at the United Nations and its agencies to tackle new terrorism financing modalities. President Panama once again unequivocally condemns the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appeal to all states to prevent it and to combat it through And we demand joint and decisive action. National capacities must continue to be strengthened, as must the full implementation of relevant resolutions of this Council, in accordance with the UN Charter and applicable international law. We are of the view that it is only through international cooperation and the timely exchange of information, as well as through the absolute respect for human rights and the rule of law, that we will ultimately see a lasting reduction to these threats while at the same time preserving the legitimate development of our societies. Consequently, as a financial hub for the Americas, Panama reiterates its readiness to continue working with Member States, the United Nations system, regional and international organizations and relevant stakeholders to bolster our collective response to terrorism and its sources of financing, this for the benefit of peace, security and sustainable development. Thank you.


DEN · President [1:23:03]:

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement and I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.


Somalia [1:23:11]:

Thank you, Madam President. At the outset, I would like to commend the exemplary leadership of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Presidency for the effective and able manner in which they have steered the Council's work in the month of July. I also congratulate the Kingdom of Denmark on assuming the Council's Presidency this month. Madam President, I also thank the briefers for their comprehensive briefings. We also take note of the Secretary-General's 23rd report on the threat posed by ISIL/DAESH to international peace and security. Madam President, the report before us confirms a persistent and evolving reality. While sustained counter-terrorism pressures and leadership disruptions have constrained DAESH in some regions, including the significant elimination of key leadership figures, the overall threat remains. The operational center of gravity continues its troubling shift toward the African continent. While we acknowledge the success where attack frequencies have been curtailed, we cannot afford complacency. The group's capacity for adaptation, decentralization, its operational and redirecting resources requires a response that's equally agile, unified, and supportive of African nations bearing the brunt of these attacks. In light of these developments, my delegation wishes to emphasize the following points. First, Effective counterterrorism requires deep, genuine national ownership combined with international cooperation. Somalia's experience continues to demonstrate the strength of this approach, where joint operations and sustained partnerships have significantly constrained and degraded operational capacities of ISIS. In this vein, international corporations must prioritize technical assistance, intelligence sharing, and predictable support for national initiatives. Second, addressing the root causes and prioritizing prevention. A security-centered approach alone will not suffice. Prevention must remain the cornerstone of our collective strategy. We must adopt a comprehensive whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to address the underlying drivers of radicalization, including poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and social exclusion. Sustainable development coupled with targeted support for affected states is our strongest defense. Furthermore, investing in education, expanding economic opportunities, and fostering civic participation, particularly among youth and women-led organizations, is essential to building community resilience and diminishing the pull factors of extremist ideologies. Third, Responding to New and Emerging Technologies. We are deeply concerned by the increased adaptation of Daesh and its affiliates in exploring new technologies. The report highlights an alarming trend in the use of artificial intelligence. We call on enhanced international cooperation and technical assistance to help Member States, particularly in Africa, establish robust capabilities to detect and disturb these digital threats, while ensuring that all measures must remain firmly grounded in international law and human rights standards. Fourth, the protection of civilians, especially those most vulnerable populations, must remain central to all counterterrorism efforts. Our strategies must prioritize civilian safety while ensuring that security measures do not inadvertently inflict new hardships or create grievances that extremist groups can exploit. All counterterrorism measures must be firmly rooted in the rule of law, fully compliant with international human rights, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter. To conclude, Madam President. The fight against Daesh and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is a universal challenge that respects no borders and demands our sustained and dedicated and unwavering resolve. The true measure of our collective success lies in our commitment to national ownership anchored in security, human rights, and the rule of law. Somalia remains committed to working with this Council and the broader international community to achieve this, a world free from this scourge of terrorism. Thank you.


DEN · President [1:27:18]:

I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Latvia.


Latvia [1:27:26]:

Thank you, Madam President. And first, let me warmly congratulate Denmark upon assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of August and wish you success. And of course, you can count on my delegation's support. And I also wish to thank Democratic Republic of the Congo for the dedicated handling of the work of this Council last month. And I thank the Chief of Office of the USG of UNOCT, Ms. Niyazberdiyeva, and Deputy Executive Director of CTAD, Ms. Kantor, for their briefings. Twenty-five years after 9/11, and in light of the Secretary-General's 23rd report on the threat posed by ISIL, Daesh, to international peace and security, we note that terrorism remains a very complex issue for the global peace and security agenda. Terrorist groups operate worldwide, from ISIL affiliates in West Africa, Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, to ADF, to Daesh, to ISIL-K. And no country or region in the world can be fully exempt from terrorist activity or threat. And Latvia expresses its solidarity with the countries severely affected and our sympathy to victims, their families and communities suffering from terrorist acts. We also extend our condolences to Pakistan. Despite sustained global efforts, a number of groups across the world continue to conduct attacks on government forces, infrastructure and public spaces, taking de facto control of increasingly larger territories. and in areas claimed they set up alternative taxation systems and spread radical ideologies among the civilian population. These groups exploit underdevelopment, political instability, and marginalization. Regrettably, many of the groups and leading individuals mentioned in the report remain not listed in 1267 sanctions regime. So this council and its subsidiary bodies must act responsibly to bridge this gap. Among recent trends, we see terrorists recruiting cyber experts, generating funds online, and experimenting with AI for propaganda purposes. With widely available advanced technology for public consumption, we must pay close attention to online actors with radical or extremist views and algorithms that promote them. This behaviour is not limited to urban areas or specific regions, as commercial satellites and fintech allow terrorist groups to coordinate attacks, raise funds and spread propaganda even in the most remote parts of the planet. Therefore, systematic and thorough implementation of Security Council resolutions aimed at countering terrorism and its financing should be coupled with enhanced coordination through information sharing and international cooperation. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact entities to facilitate cooperation and deliver technical assistance to improve national capacity of member states. Latvia also has greatly benefited from best practices compounded by the Financial Action Task Force through applying guidance and recommendations in line with the Council resolutions and global standards. And we encourage all member states to utilize the guidance that FATF style regional mechanisms can provide to build capacities for collaboration with available UN mechanisms. In conclusion, Madam President, in June this year, following the high level conference, the General Assembly adopted the ninth review of global counterterrorism strategy. Latvia supports a comprehensive response against terrorism, effectively pairing security measures with prevention, within the framework of human rights and strong institutions rooted in rule of law. And Latvia remains fully committed to the implementation of the GCTS and reiterates its support for the work of the Office of Counterterrorism, CTED, UNODC, and other global counterterrorism coordination compact entities advancing the global fight against terrorism. I thank you.


DEN · President [1:31:51]:

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


Democratic Republic of the Congo [1:31:59]:

Madam President, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would first and foremost like to warmly congratulate you on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for August. My delegation would also like to thank you for convening this meeting on a threat which continues to sorely test international peace and security. I would also like to thank Madam Niyazbayeva, Chief of the Office of the Secretary General of the UNOCT, and I'd also like to thank Ms. Kanto, Deputy Executive Director of CTED, for their briefings. President, as the 23rd biannual strategic report of the Secretary General highlights, ISIL and the threat posed by it is one of the most serious challenges that we face today. Because it is a transnational threat, it is and also its use of criminal networks and sophisticated sources of financing makes this more of a threat and it continues to undermine the stability of states, make societies more fragile and test international peace and security. While no region of the world can see state that they're completely safe from this threat, from this threat, Africa is the main hotbed of it as well as the Middle East. In the Middle East, despite some weakening of the central command, ISIL Daesh still has a capacity to evolve and coordinate and diversify its financial mechanisms for support of it and exploit emerging technologies. In Africa, the Islamic State in West Africa, ISWAP, is persistent and also the Islamic State is growing in Sahara and there's also activity of other terrorist groups and this undermines security and makes states and populations more fragile. This requires increased support for African efforts for counter-terrorism, particularly through strengthening national capacity, sharing intelligence, and increased regional cooperation. The DRC is unfortunately no different in terms of how it faces this reality. The Allied Democratic Forces are continuing to attack civilians, particularly women and children. Through massacres, kidnappings, sexual violence and the destruction of villages, this terrorist armed group continues to sow terror, to weaken state authority and to compromise the stability of the Great Lakes region. This situation shows how well terrorist groups can exploit armed conflict, weakened institutions and humanitarian crises to expand. It also reminds us that no region will be spared in the long term if we do not ensure that we are constantly vigilant and increase our international cooperation on that is based on solidarity, sharing of information and the respect for international law. President, the fight against terrorism also requires that we cut off the resources that fuel terrorist activities and ensures that these terrorist activities can continue. Thus we welcome the efforts carried out by the UNOCT as well as CTED, as well as the Financial Action Task Force too and the UNODC and regional organizations as well. All of these efforts are seeking to build states capacity to tackle illicit financial flows, to support their border control and to support operational cooperation. We remain particularly concerned by the growing use of virtual assets, informal money transfer, kidnapping against ransom, and also ever closer links between terrorism and organized transnational crime. In the DRC, terrorist groups are also exploiting illicit trafficking, particularly the illegal exploitation of natural resources, And they're doing this to finance their activities. It is therefore essential to strengthen regional cooperation and international cooperation mechanisms to dismantle this financial networks and cut off the logistics. Technological evolution is also making this threat even more complex. Artificial intelligence, drones, encrypted communications, digital platforms are now being used for recruitment, propaganda, financing and operational planning by terrorists. We, in this connection, welcome the initiatives led by UNOCT, CTED, UNODC and Interpol to support Member States in how they can adapt their capacity when faced with these new challenges, all the while respecting the UN Charter and international law. Madam President, women and young girls continue to pay a particularly heavy price. In many regions affected by conflict, they remain on the front line in terms of kidnappings, sexual violence, forced marriage, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation that is used as a way of sowing terror. In this connection, resolution 1325 from 2000 and resolution 2342 from 2015 reminds us of the importance of guaranteeing their protection. strengthening their participation in conflict prevention mechanisms and also fully integrating the gender dimension in counter-terrorism strategies. Beyond the security response that is crucial to protect people, a long-term strategy also needs to attack the root causes of violent extremism, particularly protracted conflicts, weak governance, poverty. inequality, marginalisation of young people and the lack of economic prospects. Here we support UN efforts that seek to strengthen, build community resilience, that promote youth engagement and that foster rehabilitation and reintegration of those who were previously in terrorist groups and to fight extremist discourse online and offline. President, my delegation remains convinced that the fight against terrorism will not have impact without strengthening international legal cooperation. Perpetrators, commanders and those who support terrorist acts must be held accountable, given that the victims must also have access to justice, fully respecting the principles of the rule of law. In this connection, the DRC believes that it would be desirable that the international community continue its efforts to have a legal universally accepted definition of terrorism. This step forward would make a contribution to strengthening legal security, would facilitate international cooperation, and it would consolidate the fight against impunity. Moreover, The sanctions regime created by the resolutions 1267 and 2553 remains an important instrument in the fight against terrorist networks. It is effective because it is rigorous, impartial and consistent in how it is implemented by all Member States, and it is based on objective criteria that are regularly updated. President no state, whatever means they have can address this challenge alone because the ramifications go beyond borders and beyond continents. This is why the DRC reaffirms its full support to the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy and the Global Coordination Compact, as well as the ongoing efforts carried out by the UNOCT and CTED. that seek to strengthen and build member states capacity in the long term. Our collective action must remain guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect for state sovereignty, the rule of law, international law, international human rights law and international humanitarian law. President, to conclude, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever it takes place, whenever it happens or whoever carries it out. We remain convinced that the response to this threat should not be exclusively a security one. While military responses crucial, it will only be possible in the long term if resolute action is taken to strengthen the rule of law, good governance, development, prevention of violent extremism, and if efforts are made for international cooperation. When faced with an ever-changing threat, only a global, multilateral response based on solidarity between States and respecting international law will address the root causes in the long term. Only that will protect civilians and preserve and maintain international peace and security. Thank you.


DEN · President [1:41:51]:

Thank you, Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Colombia.


Colombia [1:42:00]:

Thank you very much. Madam President, I wish to begin by congratulating Denmark on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. I wish them every success in that role, and I wish to thank them for convening today's meeting. I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their presidency in July. Allow me also, Madam President, to convey our condolences to the government of Pakistan following the attack there. I thank the Secretary General for his report and Ms. Niyazberdieva and Muskenov for their briefings. Madam President, while it is clear from the report that progress has been made, our work is far from over. Terrorism continues to stand as one of the main threats to international peace and security. It undermines the rule of law, destabilises states and wreaks suffering on a major scale. Colombia reaffirms its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and wherever and by whomever terrorist acts may be committed. In connection with the report, allow me to make five points. One, in spite of its territorial losses and leadership setbacks, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in view of its resilience, its adaptability and its constantly evolving tactics. Colombia reiterates that the fight against this scourge must focus on making it less ideologically attractive. This fight must also focus on tackling factors driving radicalisation and on prevention. It must also pre-empt both traditional and emerging threats. My second point, we agree with the report's emphasis on the need for greater coordination and cooperation to combat the terrorist threat. We particularly welcome the roadmap that was adopted by the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. We also are of the view that it is crucial to ensure close cooperation with the African Union and with Central Asian states. and international pressure must be unified and continue to be brought to bear. There is an urgent need to continue capacity building, and this is my third point. In this connection, we are grateful for the efforts of the committee and its field visits to support states to improve their capacity and infrastructures. They have also worked to help effective implementation of the global counter-terrorism strategy and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. Here, we reiterate the importance of ensuring that building activities bear in mind regional and local contexts. These activities must be tailored to the needs and priorities of beneficiary states and this includes activities designed to harness the preventive potential of technologies such as AI and unmanned aerial vehicles. These efforts avoid that these technologies and systems being used by terrorists. Our fourth point, we continue to be concerned by the situation of children previously associated with terrorist groups. They must be reintegrated into civilian life and their recruitment must be prevented through the comprehensive implementation of Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflicts and more specifically the implementation of 2427. Here we must continue to forge ahead with the WPS agenda and it must be fully incorporated into the fight against terrorism based on the provisions of resolutions 2242 and 2467. My fifth point, we support the sanctions committees 1267, 1989 and 2253 and we appeal for a review of the list of persons and entities designated by these committees because the report details countless acts that have been perpetrated by people that are not under sanction. We reiterate our full commitment to the renewed GCTS and we support the UNOCT, CTED, the UN Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact and the 1267 Monitoring Team. We encourage all of the above entities to bolster internal and inter-institutional cooperation and to continue to hold productive dialogue with the UN membership and with this Council. Allow me to conclude by noting that the fight against terrorism can only be successful if it is underpinned by an approach of coordination and one that fully focuses on human rights. It's only in that way that we can win the battle long term.


DEN · President [1:46:40]:

Representative of Colombia for the statement. And I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Denmark. I thank the briefers for their presentations and the Secretary-General for his 23rd report on the threat posed by ISIL or Daesh to international peace and security. As we have heard, the threat posed by Daesh persists and is becoming increasingly diverse. In a year where we are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, The international community's fights against terrorism remains crucial. I'll make three points. First, under Sahel, Denmark condemns the terrorist attacks carried out in the region and the continued violations of international humanitarian law. The countries of the region must urgently strengthen cross-border cooperation, protect civilians, support humanitarian access, and address governance deficits, which can be exploited by terrorist groups. Counterterrorism operations must always comply with international law. Preventive action is the most effective solution. Counterterrorism operations should be accompanied by good governance, basic services, and engagement with local communities. Cross-border initiatives and regional collaboration are essential in preventing and countering terrorism. We must continue to build on African-led efforts as part of strengthening the region's collective security response. UNOWAS, in close partnership with regional actors such as the African Union and ECOWAS, can also support efforts towards a conducive political environment for enhanced security cooperation. Second, on Syria. We commend Syria for the strengthened efforts in combating terrorism and urge further action to address the threat comprehensively as a member of the counter-Daesh coalition. However, prison escapes and a large number of former detainees and camp residents who have remained unaccounted for have created serious risk of renewed recruitment and mobilization. Last month, terrorist attacks in Damascus serve as a reminder of the importance of sustained counterterrorism pressure. Following the closure of the al-Hol camp, we stressed that individuals affiliated with Daesh must be addressed through lawful and predictable frameworks, including prosecutions where appropriate. Moreover, the closure has led to a more tenuous position for many children and more should be done to protect them. Third, multilateral cooperation remains indispensable. The global counter-terrorism strategy provides a shared framework and must be implemented in a balanced manner across all four pillars, with human rights and the rule of law at its core. This includes strengthened cooperation to address the misuse of emerging technologies such as AI, digital platforms and virtual assets. The 1267 sanctions regime must remain up to date, credible and responsive. As a former, and hopefully future, Chair of the Committee, Denmark regrets that not all key figures of listed terrorist groups are themselves listed. Denmark has submitted a proposal to expand the list, and we hope that they will be added without further delay. We remind all states of their obligation to implement the sanctions fully and urge them to support the monitoring team with timely, detailed information. I thank you, and I resume my function as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.