I thank you Chair Malta welcomes the convening of the meeting and joins others in congratulating the Executive Director, Ms. Natalia German and her team on CTED's 20th anniversary. Malta recognizes CTED's vital role in assisting Member States in strengthening their national capacities to prevent and combat terrorism in full respect of international law and human rights. Drawing from our experience working closely with cted, we would like to expose express our gratitude for the role it has played in supporting and assisting Malta in implementing key measures. We value CTET's tailored technical recommendations and cooperation that has allowed for transparent exchanges on challenges and best practices leading to the strengthening of our Counterterrorism framework. Earlier this year, Malta hosted the International Conference on National and Regional Counter Counterterrorism Strategies which brought together a wide range of Member States, regional organizations, United nations entities and civil society. This broad participation enabled a substantive exchange of perspectives and best practices. The conference resulted in the adoption of the Valletta Principles, a set of 42 non binding recommendations designed to guide Member States and regional bodies in developing effective, legitimate and sustainable counterterrorism strategies. Building on the Bogota Principles, these recommendations promote a whole of government and whole of society approach, practical cooperation and robust oversight. The Valletta Principles reflect a strong consensus on the need for inclusive and practical counterterrorism framework networks and we are confident that these recommendations will provide useful guidance for future global counterterrorism efforts. As a testament to Malta's steadfast commitment to its role as custodian of the Valletta Principles, together with cted, we co organized a High Level side event during the High Level Week which provided a platform to advance dialogue on the practical implementation of of the Valletta Principles and to encourage their uptake by the international community. The Panel of experts highlighted the importance of adapting the Principles to national contexts, addressing radicalization, particularly among youth and marginalized groups, strengthening institutional frameworks and fostering peer to peer learning and capacity building. The discussion also underscore the value of international cooperation, the need for strong accountability mechanisms and the importance of engaging civil society and local communities in building resilience. In Closing Chair, I would like to once again thank CTET for its invaluable support and close cooperation. Malta fully supports CTET's priorities including the prevention of violent extremism, the strengthening of of the rule of law and the promotion of women's participation in counterterrorism policy making. We welcome the recent CTAD evaluation visit and the subsequent report and will provide our feedback within the prescribed nine month timeframe. We encourage all Member States to join Malta and CETAD in championing the Valletta Principles and working together to build a safer and more resilient international community. We remain committed to continue collaborating closely with SEATED and the CTC in the future. Thank you.


I thank the Representative of Malta and I now give the floor to the Representative of the Philippines followed by tunisia. Thank you Mr. Chair, Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, the Philippines congratulates the Counterterrorism Committee Executive directorate on its 20th anniversary. We commend the Chair and the leadership of CTED for convening this timely discussion on the evolution and future of our collective counterterrorism efforts. For two decades, CTED has been a pillar of the United nations counterterrorism architecture. Through its assessments, guidance and facilitation of technical assistance, it has helped Member States implement Security Council resolutions in a balanced and right based manner, fostering a culture of dialogue and shared responsibility. Responsibility for the Philippines, CTED engagement has been instrumental. Following CTED's visit in 2019 and 2020, we acted on the 67 recommendations identified through the process. This informed our key reforms including the Anti terrorism Act of 2020, amendments to the Anti Money Laundering act and the establishment of a Fusion center to enhance interagency coordination. They also guided the Philippines Delisting from the FATF Gray List earlier this year an affirmation of stronger safeguard against terrorism financing and financial crimes. Building on this partnership, the Philippines, together with CTED and the Kingdom of Morocco, co organized the Cross Regional Exchange on Countering Terrorism last September. The event drew lessons from Southeast Asia and West Africa and highlighted how south, south and cross regional cooperation can strengthen resilience and translate good practices into action. In 2021, the Philippines had the honor of briefing the Counterterrorism Committee on our progress. We emphasized that CTED assessment are not compliance exercises but opportunities to refine strategies and address gaps. Excellencies as we look ahead, we share CTED's call for continued adaptation to emerging threats. Terrorist groups are exploiting new technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence to radicalize, recruit and finance operations. CTAD's initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi and Algeria's guiding principles provide valuable tools in addressing these challenges. As asean chair in 2026, the Philippines will prioritize regional stability, digital resilience and counterterrorism cooperation. We will look to ensure that regional initiatives complement global efforts and uphold the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law. Mr. Chair, as seated marks 20 years of service, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to a global response that is inclusive, adaptive and grounded in partnership. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with SEATED and the Committee toward the safer and more resilient Word for all. Thank you. I thank the representative of Philippines and I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia followed by the EU.


Thank you Mr. Chair. At the outset I would like to thank the seated of CTC for holding this meeting. We would like to congratulate it on its 20th anniversary and we express our appreciation for all its experts and officials for their continued effort to support the Member States through capacity building programs and developing institutional and legal frameworks and promoting coordination among law enforcement institutions. We value this comprehensive approach of the CTED as a basis for international cooperation that is based on common responsibility and solidarity and trust. The world is facing an emerging and increasing terrorist threat and capabilities of the terrorists to spread in the African continent especially they exploit security, legal and economic weak points and they use social media and modern technology to promote their narratives. Hence, combating terrorism should not be limited to the security approach, but we need to address the root causes including economic and social factors. Here we call for a comprehensive multidimensional approach that is human rights based, that includes addressing hate speech and exchange is thought and dismantling these groups through cooperation between all stakeholders, including youth. My country reiterates its full support for the UN Strategy as a comprehensive framework for a collective and renewed response to terrorist threats. Tunisia and Canada has facilitated the eighth review of this strategy and we look forward to the ninth review. In closing, my country stresses that terrorism does not know any religion, race or culture and linking terrorism to any culture or religion is a grave mistake that serves the purposes of the terrorists.


I thank you, I thank the representative of Tunisia and I now give the floor to the representative of the European Union, followed by Ecuador. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the European Union, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to CITED on reaching two decades of dedicated service within the UN counterterrorism architecture. From the EU standpoint, CTED's role is central terrorism is a global cross border threat. Since its establishment at the Security Council, Resolution 15 cited has become the principal body assisting the Counterterrorism Committee in assessing Member States, implementation of Resolution 1373 and subsequent obligations. Over those years, CTED has conducted more than 200 assessment visits to over 120 member states, including many EU member states, building a unique body of knowledge on good practices and gaps and supporting capacity building and international cooperation. Importantly, CDET has consistently integrated human rights, the rule of law and international law into its work. That approach fully aligns with the EU's conviction that counterterrorism is only effective when firmly anchored in human rights and international law. Our cooperation with CDET has been long standing and constructive. We value the regular exchange of expertise, mutual support in capacity building, and joint work on normative frameworks, including the Global Counterterrorism Forum's Brussels Memorandum on Oversight and Accountability. We look forward to deepening cooperation further, including through the GCTF. Looking ahead, the UN 80 reform process presents an opportunity and the responsibility to ensure that the UN counterterrorism architecture remains fit for purpose. The EU is open to reform that strengthens coordination, streamlines delivery and avoids duplication, while at the same time enhancing transparency and accountability to ensure that all UN counterterrorism efforts fully comply with the fourth pillar of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. But reform must not dilute functional independence nor erode specialized mandates such as citeds. Bodies like Cited must remain structurally and operationally independent with their expertise and credibility preserved. In that spirit, we welcome Cited's reflections today on the involving threat landscape and on how we can best support it to preserve and strengthen this cornerstone of global counterterrorism efforts. Thank you very much. I thank you for those remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of Ecuador, to be followed by Japan. Gracias.


Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Since its inception, following resolution 1535 of the Security Council seated has been pivotal in supporting Member States in the implementation of counterterrorism resolutions. In this statement, I wish to underscore the first visit that CTED undertook to my country. That was in October of 2023. That visit allowed for a technical and political dialogue about Ecuador's progresses and challenges in terms of terrorism. The final report of that visit was something that reflected the Ecuador's staunch commitment to the Security Council resolutions and to the defence of the rule of law. This report will serve as a basis to strengthen the fight against transnational organized crime and its ties with terrorism. These are all threats which erode democratic institutions, institutions render citizen security fragile and undermine sustainable development. Consequently, Ecuador views it crucial that the United nations system as a whole step up its support to Member States. It is not sufficient to conduct assessments or issue diagnoses. We must see timely technical assistance, effective judicial cooperation, intelligence exchange, the strengthening of institutions and adequate resources provided so that countries can implement the recommendations which arise from seated missions. Cted was created 20 years ago and now it symbolizes the effectiveness of multilateralism in action. However, the threats we are today facing are more complex, interconnected and ever changing than ever before. Consequently, CTED must adapt to new realities, maintaining its ability to respond to emerging phenomena. These include the use of digital technologies by terrorist groups, online radicalization and increasingly robust ties between terrorism and transnational organized crime. It is vital that CTED work in close coordination with other UN system entities that fight terrorism as well as organized crime and the root causes of both. We must promote synergies, avoid overlaps and guarantee that we adopt the comprehensive, coherent and person focused approach. Thank you.


Thank you for those remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of Japan, to be followed by Germany. Mr. Chair, Executive Director of CTET, Mr. Ms. German Excellencies, Distinguished panelists and participants. Japan extends its sincere Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of CDET. Established in the wake of the catastrophic September 11th terrorist attacks, CDET was mandated to support the Counterterrorism Committee in the monitoring the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1373. More than two decades, CDID has played an indispensable role in the global counterterrorism architecture through its extensive assessment visit and its crucial analysis of emerging trends shi that has significantly strengthened the capacity of Member States to prevent and counter terrorism. As today's sessions highlight, the global terrorism landscape continues to evolve. We are particularly concerned about the malicious use of new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, online gaming platforms and cryptocurrencies for terrorist purposes. Japan is committed to to addressing these complex challenges. In this regard, we are very much looking forward to hosting a CTET assessment visit early next year. Japan will engage in productive dialogue and provide a substantive input on its advanced countermeasures, including the field of technologies such as online gaming. This 20th anniversary provides a critical moment for a forward looking discussion.


We face several key milestones.


The imperative to improve coordination among CT.


Related UN entities through the UNAD reform.


Initiative, the upcoming renewal of CET mandates by the end of this year and the commencement of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy negotiations next year. Given this context, we must adapt to the new era and collectively establish more efficient and effective counterterrorism measures that address evolving global terrorism threats. Japan spares no effort in contributing actively and constructively to these vital discussions to shape the robust framework for the future. I thank you. I thank the representative of Japan and I now give the floor to the representative of Germany, followed by Cuba. Thank you Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues at the outset, allow me to thank the Chair of the CDC for organizing this important event and to express my appreciation to the panelists for their valuable contributions. Let me also extend our warmest congratulations to CTET on its 20th anniversary since its establishment, CT that has become an indispensable pillar of the United nations counterterrorism architecture. Colleagues, terrorism remains a grave threat to international peace and security, demanding global cooperation with the United nations at its core, Germany is proud to be among the major contributors to the United nations counterterrorism architecture. We firmly believe that counterterrorism must address rich root causes such as poverty, inequality and weak governance, while protecting human rights. Germany is deeply concerned about the rapid increase of terrorist attacks in Africa, in particular in the Sahel region. That is why we place a strong focus on this region in our capacity building efforts on countering terrorism. As co Chair of the West Africa Capacity Building Working Group within the Global Counterterrorism Forum, together with Algeria, we actively contribute to the fight against terrorism. We are committed to supporting African led counterterrorism capacities including afripol, for example, by organizing workshops on new technologies for fighting terrorism and organized crime. We also support African civil law enforcement and military capacities through our ENABLE and ENHANCE Enabling initiative. Given the transnational nature of terrorism, we are actively involved in the Integrated Border Security Mechanism project and we also support initiatives like the African Union Border Program to address cross border terrorism. As this year's Chair of the Peace Building Commission we are working to foster integrated long term strategies for strengthening peace and governance, which are essential components of a sustainable counterterrorism approach. Let me close by emphasizing that CTET's analytical work remains a cornerstone for the UN's counterterrorism efforts. We deeply value its expertise and look forward to continuing our close and constructive cooperation in the years ahead. I thank you thank you for those remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba, followed by Morocco. Senor Presidente Mr.


Chair, I'm grateful to Algeria as Chair of the CTC established pursuant to Resolution 1373 of 2021 of the Security Council. The convening to this meeting was a convening in order to mark the 20th anniversary of C. Ted. We recognize the contribution made by the Executive Directorate to global efforts to counter this scourge. For more than six decades, the people of Cuba have been a victim of terrorist acts that have caused 3,400 and some Cubans to die and have disabled some 2029. The vast majority of these acts have been plotted, planned and organized from the territory of the United States with the support, protection and financing of the government of that country. The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations requires that we adopt a comprehensive approach and it requires international cooperation on the basis of the respect of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and of international law. We condemn any and all actions aiming to encourage, support, finance or shield any act, method or practice that is terrorist in design or intention. These acts should not be justified by the invoking of any religion, nationality or belonging to ethnic group. The rejection of terrorism is a pillar of Cuba's foreign policy as endorsed by our Constitution. We continue to be exemplary in our conduct in terms of how we tackle this global problem, including as a state party to the 19 international conventions related to this issue. Terrorism cannot be eradicated while we continue to see double standards prevail alongside manipulation, political opportunism and selectivity when it comes to tackling it Communication Cuba's inclusion by the US Government on its arbitrary and unilateral list of states allegedly sponsoring terrorism makes it clear that there is political manipulation of the struggle against this scourge. The UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy will be reviewed in 2026 by the General Assembly. It reaffirms the central role that this organ must play in coordinating global efforts to implement it. There is an urgent need to resume negotiations on a General Convention on International Terrorism. This Convention should fully encompass all facets of this phenomenon, including acts in which there are states directly or indirectly involved. This would be a significant, meaningful contribution to efforts aiming genuinely to eliminate terrorism. I thank you.


I thank the representative of Cuba for those remarks and I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco, to be followed by norway. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The kingdom of Morocco welcomes the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate and pays tribute to its key role in implementing relevant Security Council resolutions on counterterrorism. We would like to extend our congratulations to ASG Natalia German and her team, as well as to all those who have served within CTED over the years. My delegation appreciates the opportunity to take part in this important exchange and to reflect on two decades of CTED's valuable work in advancing our collective efforts to prevent and counterterrorism. My remarks today will be articulated in four points. First, Morocco values its long standing and constructive cooperation with cted. Our country was among the first states assessed by CTED on behalf of the committee in 2005, followed by a first follow up visit in 2013 and the second in June 2019. Second, Morocco commands cited analytical and policy contributions, notably its briefing to the Security Council and its involvement in the development of guiding principle and policy frameworks. Third, Morocco continues to actively promote international, regional and cross regional cooperation. It regularly hosts training programs and experts discussions on various aspects of counterterrorism. Most recently during the High Level Week Morocco co organized with Philippines and CTED across regional dialogue on countering tourism insights from Southeast Asia and West Africa. The Kingdom also takes pride in hosting the UNOCCT Program Office for Counterterrorism and Training in Africa, based in Rabat, which has become a regional hub of excellence for capacity building and training for African member states. Fourth, to address the persistent threat of terrorism, the Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its counterterrorist priorities which focus on preventing radicalization and reinforcing the rule of law, promoting moderate religious teachings, addressing socio economic vulnerabilities and ensuring that reintegration and de radicalization programs are effective. Accordingly, Morocco implements a national counter terrorism strategy based on four complementary dimensions security and judicial, religious and cultural, social and economic and reintegration and theoreticalization. In conclusion, Morocco retreats its unwavering commitments to effective and inclusive multilateralism in the fight against terrorism. Grounded in international law, human rights and the promotion of peace and tolerance, the Kingdom stands ready to continue supporting the CTC and CTED in our shared pursuit of world free from terrorism. I thank you, I thank the representative of Morocco and I now give the floor to the representative of Norway to be followed by League of Arab States and Parliamentary assembly of the Mediterranean.


Mr. Chair, on behalf of Norway, I would like to congratulate cted on its 20th anniversary. We express our appreciation to CTED for the important work done over the past two decades. SEATED has continued to develop its expertise expertise and to assess and respond to emerging issues, trends and developments in terrorism and counterterrorism. Norway highly values CTED's consistent attention to human rights and gender considerations in counterterrorism, reinforcing the importance of balanced rights compliance measures in accordance with Security Council resolutions. Norway welcomes the recent follow up assessment visit by cted conducted from the 19th to the 20th June 2025 on behalf of the Security Council Counterterrorism Committee. The visit offered an invaluable opportunity to review Norway's progress in implementing key counterterrorism measures in line with Security Council Residential Resolutions 1373 and other relevant resolutions. We express our sincere appreciation to CTED and to the specialists from the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their professionalism, expertise and constructive engagement. Throughout the preparations, during the visit and in the follow up, the delegation engaged in comprehensive and constructive dialogue with representatives from a broad range of Norwegian ministries and agencies covering multiple thematic areas under numerous Security Council resolutions. We greatly valued the professional and collaborative exchanges between national practitioners and CTED experts. The delegation separate consultations with civil society representatives were much appreciated, underscoring CTED's commitment to inclusive and broad based dialogue. Norway looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with CTED and the Committee and remains committed to advancing comprehensive rights respecting counterterrorism efforts. Congratulations. Congratulations again and thank you.


Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the representative of the League of Arab States to be followed by Pam PM.


Microphone thank you, Mr. Chair. I wish to congratulate CTED and its leadership on its 20th anniversary. I wish to thank CTED as well as Algeria for chairing the CTC and for providing support to Member States and regional organizations in capacity building and the development of regional and national counterterrorism strategies and the strengthening of their capacity to implement relevant Security Council resolutions. The League of Arab States recognizes the importance of what was mentioned by Pakistan on continuous occupation, including the effects of Israeli occupation of our peoples in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, as well as continuous efforts for forced displacement as well as attacks against Christian and Muslim holy sites by the far right Israeli government. And we stress the need for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility urgently to take a strong stance on this very important question. The League of Arab States attaches great importance to this or to the use of terrorist groups of modern technologies, including AI and its applications, which now poses an additional risk jeopardizing the security and stability of states. We stress the need for concerted efforts to bridge gaps that are exploited by terrorist groups to conduct cyber and military attacks. We wish to laud the current communication with CTED on the holding of the bilateral upcoming regional meeting in Cairo on the strengthening of regional and national capacities in the implementation of counterterrorism strategies based on the Valletta Principles which were adopted during the international conference jointly held by Malta and the CTAD last March, which was a supplement to the Algeria principles and supported regional and national counterterrorism strategies which focused on the establishment of robust capacities and secretariats equipped with resources and adequate technology to implement regional and national counterterrorism strategies. This echoed the efforts made by the LAS as well as our Secretariat and our ad hoc Ministerial Council, including the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior. The 28th Conference of Counterterrorism Officials, which was held in Tunisia this month, took stock of the progress made by Arab states and counterterrorism, especially in addressing emerging challenges confronting the Arab region, namely the use by terrorist groups of modern technologies such as AI, unmanned aircraft systems and digital currencies, in addition to strengthened interlinkages between terrorism and terrorist groups. And we focused during this conference on the need of integrating such challenges and regional coordination and cooperation mechanisms established within the United nations to address these challenges. The LAS hopes that the coming meeting to be held with CTED will constitute an additional practical step that will pave the way to bilateral periodic regional consultations to exchange expertise and assessments on current legislative and security developments, to identify regional and natural need and national needs for technical and institutional capacity building amongst Member states. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


I thank the representative of the League of on the List, the representative of the Parliamentary assembly of the Mediterranean. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Very nice to see you in the chair. It's on. No, I start again. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Very nice to see you chairing this meeting. And thank you, Executive Director. We have had such good cooperation. I'm very pleased to be here. So, Parliamentary assembly of the Mediterranean PAM extends its warm congratulations to the Executive Director, Natalia German and United Nations Security Council Counter Terrorism committee executive directorate cted on the 20th anniversary. We also thank all the experts and officials who gave excellent briefings this morning. Since its inception, PAM has devoted much effort to counter terrorist activities, being the first of the international organizations to agree on a working definition of terrorism. These efforts have been recognized by the international community and last year PAM was elected Chair of the UN Mechanisms for Parliamentary Assemblies on Counterterrorism. Pam, the Counterterrorism Committee and CTED enjoy a long standing and solid partnership and cooperation. Pam's center for Global Studies, CGS is strongly committed to assisting and advancing this mission. PAM and CTED are currently working together to explore how artificial intelligence and emergency emerging technologies are being exploited by terrorist group as well as how to monitor and prevent the malicious use of spyware. PAM and CTED will co host side events during the next UN Counter Terrorism Week in 2026 and within the framework of the Internet Governance platform IGF India in 2027. Next year it will be Pam's turn to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The success of the assembly would not have been possible without the fruitful collaboration with cted. In order to further strengthen our cooperation, it is my pleasure to invite the Chair of the counterterrorism committee and Ms. German to participate in the 20th plenary session of PAM to be held on May 20th, 26th in Podgorica, Montenegro. I hope you will be able to come. Thank you. I thank the representative of the Parliamentary assembly of the Mediterranean for those remarks. There are no more speakers inscribed on the list for this Q and A session, and in true UN tradition, hardly any questions were posed, but we had a very substantive exchange of views. I now give the floor back to the Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee, His Excellency, the Permanent Representative of Algeria. Thank you, Mr. Jadoun. Thank you all the participants for their intervention. I now invite Ms. Natalia German, Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of CTED, to deliver closing remark after this rich participation of Member States of the Committee. Thank you.


Thank you very much. Dear Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished colleagues, allow me to begin again by thanking His Excellency Ambassador Amar Benjamin and his very able team for steering our work in the Counterterrorist Committee for already two years and for the steadfast leadership as Chair of the the Counterterrorist Committee. My gratitude also goes to our distinguished Vice Chairs of the Committee for moderating our today's discussions, but very importantly, for their valuable support to the work of the Committee and to the activity of cted. I also wish to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all the Committee members, the panelists and indeed to all participants for the valuable contributions that had enriched today's discussions. The open briefing has provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the work of CTED as well as its unique ability to support Member States in countering terrorism. Dear colleagues, distinguished participants, your insights have reinforced our shared commitment to strengthen collective action against one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. I believe we can all agree that counterterrorism is not merely about security. It is about safeguarding the values that unite peace, justice and human rights and dignity. In entering our third decade, CTAD remains committed to strong cooperation as we address current and emerging challenges and build a safer, more secure and resilient future for all. Thank you.


I thank you, Ms. German. I will now deliver very short closing remarks as Chair of the ctc. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I wish to thank all participants Participant for. For their valuable contribution and reflection as we commemorated CTED's 20th anniversary. Today's discussion has underscored the continued importance of the work of both the Counterterrorism Committee and CTED in monitoring, promoting and facilitating Member States implementation of relevant Security Council resolution. I wish to take this opportunity to express the Committee's appreciation to all Member States, as well as international, sub, regional and regional organizations, United Nation entities, civil society organizations, academia and the private sector for their steadfast support through the work of the Committee and seated throughout the years. In conclusion, I wish to thank Assistant Secretary General Natalia German, Executive Director of cted, and her staff for their dedicated commitment to advancing the Committee's mandate. Can I add something? Thanking the interpreters, the sound engineers and the Secretariat for their valuable assistance. Thank you. Today's open briefing is adjourned. Thank you.