Excellencies, distinguished delegates and colleagues, in my capacity as the Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee, I now call to order this open briefing of the Committee CTED at 20 advancing global counterterrorism efforts for the future. I begin the proceeding with an invitation to Mr. Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to deliver opening remarks. Mr. Chef de Cabinet, you have the floor. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Let me just begin at the outset by apologising on behalf of the Secretary-General who would have liked to be here at this important milestone. As you may know, he's at the ASEAN Summit in KL and so is not able to be with us. Let me also congratulate you. I'm sorry. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the global community recognised that terrorism posed an unprecedented threat to global peace and security, one that no nation could confront alone. It demanded a unified and multilateral response. The creation of the Counterterrorism Committee and subsequently the Executive Directorate through Security Council Resolution 1535 represented the UN's commitment to fulfil this vital need. For two decades, the Directorate has played a crucial role bringing member states, organisations and experts together to examine countries' progress in combating and preventing the scourge of terrorism. However, the terrorist threat has not diminished. Where governance fails, where development stalls, where human rights are violated, where the rule of law is undermined, and where communities are marginalised, these grievances can be exploited. And the threat has evolved in scope, scale and sophistication across every region. New technologies are bringing new vulnerabilities. Geopolitical shifts are creating vacuums where terrorist groups can operate with impunity. The climate crisis is displacing communities and intensifying competition over scarce resources. And the erosion of trust in institutions, often fuelled by mis and disinformation, is deepening the polarisation that feeds terrorism. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the message I think is clearer. We must adapt, we must innovate, and above all, we must stand united. Multilateral cooperation remains our most powerful tool. These 20 years have taught us crucial lessons about what works and what does not. Encountering terrorism first, our counterterrorism efforts must be anchored in sustainable development. We cannot rely on security measures alone. Countries must continue investing in sustainable, inclusive systems that people need and strong institutions and governance structures anchored in equality and inclusion that promote trust and cohesion. Second, our efforts must be grounded always in human rights and the rule of law. The Secretary-General has consistently emphasised that security and human rights are not competing priorities. They are mutually reinforcing pillars of lasting and inclusive peace. And third, we must continue responding to emerging issues, trends and developments in terrorism. This is the key focus of today's briefing. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues. For 20 years CTED has been at the centre of all these important efforts. I encourage the Committee and this Directorate to continue evolving to meet the changing threat. In the meantime, of all the victims and survivors of terrorism, let's continue building a world free of this scourge. Once again, I congratulate CTED on its 20th anniversary. Thank you very much. I thank Mr. Rattray. I will now deliver my own opening remarks as Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee. Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Today we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate, established by Security Council Resolution 1535. Since the CTED became operational in 2005, it has proven to be a reliable and effective executive arm to the Counterterrorism Committee, while operating under its policy guidance as a Special Political Mission. With the evolving nature of the terrorism threat, so too has the mandate of the Committee and its Executive Directorate expanded. The Committee, with the support of CTED, monitors, promotes and facilitates the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1373 and subsequent resolutions on counterterrorism. These address requirements in areas such as legal and criminal justice response, international cooperation, counterterrorism, the financing, countering the financing of terrorism, law enforcement, border management development, national comprehensive and integrated counterterrorism strategies, and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Over the years, the Committee has continued to strengthen CTED's role in facilitating the delivery of technical assistance to Member States by making visits, reports, recommendations and analysis available throughout the United Nations system. United Nations capacity building support has become more tailored and effective, guided by the gaps and needs identified by CTED. The Committee has also relied on CTED's identification of emerging issues, trends and developments, and engagement with international and regional partners to advance the implementation of relevant resolutions and identify good practices. Over the past two decades, CTED has grown into a body that bridges assessment, findings and analysis with action supporting Member States to translate Security Council requirements into concrete measures that prevent terrorism and strengthen resilience. It has also continued, in accordance with its mandate, its activities on issues of human rights and gender in the context of counterterrorism. Today's briefing is not merely a moment of reflection, it is one of renewal. It will allow us to take stock of lessons learned, reaffirm our shared commitments, ensuring that the Committee and CTED remain agile, transparent and effective in supporting Member States in their counterterrorism efforts. I thank you.


Your Excellency, Mr. Chair. Your Excellency, Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet, Excellencies, distinguished participants. It is my honour to address you at this open briefing marking 20 years of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate. Since the establishment of the Counterterrorism Committee and CTED, the international community has made significant progress in countering terrorism, from strengthened legal frameworks to enhanced cooperation mechanisms that have disrupted networks and prevented attacks. But despite the achievements, the terrorist threat persists and has become more complex. The methods used by terrorists have evolved as well. They exploit information and communication technologies for incitement, propaganda, recruitment and financing. Terrorists are now using unmanned aircraft systems, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence. And in some instances, the lines between terrorism and organised crime have blurred, creating complex networks that span borders and regions. Against this backdrop, CTED has developed a unique role within the United Nations at large, as well as within its counterterrorism architecture. Our mandate is to provide even-handed monitoring of Member States' implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. CTED's core functions serve distinct and complementary purposes. The assessments of the Member States represent constructive dialogues that identify good practices, implementation gaps and capacity needs. The facilitation of technical assistance serves as a critical bridge with our partners. CTED's analytical work on emerging issues, trends and developments informs the Committee and supports the broader international community in addressing evolving threats. Throughout this work, we have integrated, in accordance with the mandate, human rights, rule of law and gender perspectives as cross-cutting issues. Our effectiveness is underpinned by strong partnerships with the United Nations system and beyond. We engage regularly with international, regional and sub-regional organisations, recognising that counterterrorism efforts must be adapted to local contexts while maintaining consistency with international obligations. CTED's interaction with civil society, academia and the private sector brings diverse expert perspectives that complement our assessments and recommendations. Looking ahead, we acknowledge that several challenges remain and they require our unwavering attention. The pace of technological changes continues to outstrip many Member States' capacity to respond. Resource constraints limit many States' ability to implement comprehensive and integrated counterterrorism strategies. But yet change brings also opportunities. As we know when properly deployed, advances in technology can strengthen border management, improve intelligence sharing and financial monitoring, and enhance law enforcement capabilities and a greater emphasis on prevention and addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Open space for more comprehensive approaches that are holistic and inclusive. Mr. Chair, over the past 20 years, the Counterterrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate CTED have evolved to meet the changing nature of the terrorism threat. Yet we must move forward with resolve and place the rights and needs of victims of terrorism at the heart of our efforts, ensuring their voices are heard and terrorists are brought to justice. The vision of a world free from terrorism, as articulated in the Pact for the Future, requires sustained commitment from Member States, coordinated action across the United Nations system and meaningful partnerships with all relevant stakeholders. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for the leadership of the United Nations Secretary-General, all the Chairs of the Committee and the dedication of its members. I thank you. In particular, dear Chair, your Excellency, Ambassador Amar Bendjama. Your role has been central in convening this anniversary meeting. Thank you very much for supporting CTED. I also wish to acknowledge the commitment of all Executive Directors and highly professional CTED staff whose contributions have been vital in building a strong foundation for our work. CTED remains firmly committed to advancing our collective objective and to adapting to future challenges with determination and purpose. I thank you.


I thank Ms. German for her remarks. Before we proceed, a brief word on housekeeping. Following this opening session, we will hold two thematic sessions followed by a question and answer segment and then closing remarks to accommodate all speakers. Intervention during the question and answer should be limited to two minutes. Committee members will be given priority followed by other delegations and participants. Longer statements may be submitted to the Committee Secretariat for posting on the Committee website. This event is being broadcast live on UN Web TV. The concept note and agenda are available on the Committee website.


Now.


Session 1. About two decades of CTED's impact and lessons learned. Half an hour. This segment will reflect on CTED's impact in supporting Member States to counter terrorism, including lessons learned. It will highlight experiences from CTED's assessments, visits and cooperation with Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact partners at national, regional and global level. I will now give the floor to Ms. Maria Zabolodskaya, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation. We will moderate this session in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the Committee. Madam, you have the floor.


Ambassador. Thank you very much. Distinguished Representatives, Excellencies, colleagues, in my capacity as the Vice-Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee, it is a distinct honour for me to be moderating this first thematic session entitled Two Decades of CTED's Impact, Impact and Lessons Learned. Our first panellist is Her Excellency, Ms. Axultan Ataeva, the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


Thank you, Madam Zabolodskaya. Now you are going. Thank you, Madame Zabolodskaya. Now I am giving you the chair.


Oh, okay.


I'm sorry. I have to.


Distinguished colleagues. That's just a minor glitch. I now would like to give the floor to Her Excellency, Ms. Axultan Ataeva, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN. You have the floor. Your Excellency. Excellency. Chief of SG Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray. Your Excellency, Mr. Amar Bendjama, Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee. Your Excellency, Assistant Secretary-General Natalia German. Distinguished members of the Committee, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honour for Turkmenistan to take part in this open briefing commemorating the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate, a body that has over two decades become the cornerstone of the global counterterrorism architecture. Let me begin by extending our sincere congratulations to the Committee and to CTED.


For their steadfast efforts in advancing the.


Implementation of Security Council resolutions and facilitating support to strengthen Member States' capacities to counter terrorism.


In all its.


Manifestations, CTED has consistently demonstrated professionalism, impartiality and a result-oriented.


Approach in supporting Member States.


Its analytical capacity, assessment methodology and facilitation.


Of technical assistance remain unique in the UN system.


This practical and field-based expertise is precisely what makes CTED such an indispensable instrument of the Security Council. In this context, Turkmenistan attaches the highest importance to preserving the integrity, independence and operational continuity of CTED, especially amid the ongoing UN reform process.


Distinguished colleagues, preventing and countering terrorism is one of Turkmenistan's strategic priorities. In this regard, allow me to recall the successful assessment visit to Turkmenistan conducted by CTED on behalf of the Counterterrorism Committee in December 2024. The visit was led by the Assistant Secretary-General, Natalia German, Executive Director of CTED, who held high-level meetings with the President of Turkmenistan and senior officials from Turkmenistan's ministries and departments engaged in counterterrorism while briefing together expertise from multiple United Nations entities and regional organisations to provide comprehensive practical guidance on implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions. The visit enabled a detailed and objective review of Turkmenistan's national framework and countering terrorism, including our legislative, institutional and preventive measures. We highly value the substantive and comprehensive report that followed this visit. It provided a balanced and professional evaluation of our progress and offered thoughtful recommendations that are now guiding the enhancement of our national system. We consider this cooperation with CTED a model of how tailored, respectful and expert-driven engagement can make a tangible difference on the ground.


Distinguished participants, CTED's support, whether through advice on Turkmenistan's counterterrorism strategy or through facilitation of capacity building initiatives on small arms, light weapons and critical infrastructure, underscores the depth of its role within the UN counterterrorism structure.


Throughout its activities, we value CTED's approach towards practical solutions tailored to the national.


Context, with recommendations and ensure national ownership while meeting Security Council requirements.


It also allows Member States to benefit from lessons learned and good practices across the globe, helping us to stay informed.


Of trends, issues and developments related to terrorism and counterterrorism. For Turkmenistan, combating terrorism must go hand in hand with promoting peace, trust and preventive diplomacy, which are foundational elements of our permanent neutrality policy. We firmly believe that durable peace and sustainable security can only be achieved through dialogue, multilateralism and respect for the principles of the UN Charter.


Within this framework, Turkmenistan continues to work closely with the United Nations and regional partners, including through the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, to foster joint approaches to combating terrorism, violent extremism and related transnational threats. As CTED embarks on its third decade, we must reaffirm our collective responsibility to defend the credibility and integrity of this vital mechanism. It is a future that directly links to our shared commitment to global peace and security.


We encourage all UN Member States, whether currently facing high or low terrorist threats, to remain actively engaged in a follow-up dialogue with the Counterterrorism Committee and CTED because lasting resilience is viewed not in moments of credence, but through sustained dialogue and shared commitment.


Thank you.


I thank your Excellency for that statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Chemoko Moriko, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the United Nations. Thank you. Vice Chair, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General, Vice Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee, ASG and Executive Director of the Counterterrorism Executive Directorate, CTED. Ambassador, ladies and gentlemen, my delegation is pleased to take part in this public briefing convened to mark the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate. This is a flagship entity within the United Nations counterterrorism architecture. Allow me to warmly thank the Secretary-General, Ambassador Amar Bendjama and Ms. Natalia Gherman. I'd like to thank them all for their insightful briefings and for their unwavering commitment to resolutely fight terrorism and to strengthen the effectiveness of CTED's action. Côte d'Ivoire is proud to have acquired incredibly tangible and first-hand experience of the prominent role played by the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate CTED. This was first garnered as a member of the CTC committee during our 2018-2019 mandate. There we were able to appreciate from within the essential role played by CTED in supporting the Committee's work to monitor the implementation of Security Council resolutions. Secondly, we benefited from the assistance CTED provides to Member States. My country has thus been closely cooperating with this body for many years. Côte d'Ivoire had the opportunity to host two assessment visits conducted by CTED in 2018 and 2024 respectively. The relevant recommendations from the 2018 visit served as a roadmap for my Government which, as is well known, has made the fight against terrorism a national priority. These recommendations and our work have led to significant progress in several areas. Namely, we have strengthened our legal framework by, inter alia, incorporating into national law the provisions of the 19 international counterterrorism instruments. We have ratified all of those 19 instruments. This progress has also gone hand in hand with the greater effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. This has been illustrated by the establishment of a robust counterterrorism architecture. We've enhanced measures to prevent violent extremism leading to terrorism, we've improved border management and we have strengthened mechanisms to suppress terrorist financing. These are all of the positive outcomes of the 2018 assessment. Moreover, through direct assistance and the facilitation of technical support, CTED has enabled Côte d'Ivoire to take part in several major initiatives and programmes. These include the CT Travel, that is the Countering Terrorist Travel programme, the Workshop to Enhance the Implementation of Asset Freezing measures under the 1267 Committee that was in 2022. We've also had the Capacity Building Project on the Protection of Vulnerable Targets launched in 2024 and there is the CT Tech Initiative aimed at strengthening Member States' capacities to counter the growing misuse of new technologies for terrorist purposes. CTED has also supported the International Counterterrorism Academy in Jacqueville in Côte d'Ivoire. We've done this, namely by advocating for the mobilising of the necessary funding to promote its internationalisation. The Academy participated alongside us in the side event co-organised by France on the 23rd of June 2023. That side event was devoted to that very goal. This is all evidence of CTED's impact in Côte d'Ivoire and this all bears witness to the fruitful cooperation between CTED and Côte d'Ivoire. This cooperation has contributed significantly to reducing terrorism in my country. Such cooperation should be maintained and stepped up, particularly in a sub-regional security environment, which is currently marked by the growing scope and expansion of jihadist activities. In this connection, we welcome the conclusions of the second assessment conducted last year and the countless proposals for technical assistance that my country welcomed with a great deal of satisfaction and hope as they promised strength and support from international partners. We wish to take this opportunity, therefore, to convey the gratitude of my government to the Secretary-General and to all entities involved in counterterrorism efforts that stand side by side with us. I wish to conclude by wishing a happy anniversary to the CTED and I wish to express the hope that this vital body may continue to grow in strength so that its role can increase, as can the impact of its work, and we hope that it will further contribute to eradicating terrorism, the greatest transnational threat to global peace and stability. I thank you. Microphone for the Chair, please. I now give the floor to Mr. Ahmed Saif Al Dawla, Chief of Section, CTED.


Thank you. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished participants, as a former Senior Prosecutor on counterterrorism, I have always valued what the United Nations can offer practitioners striving to overcome the complex challenges of this field. Yet, having also served as an advisor to the Security Council Counterterrorism Committee in its formative years after 9/11 and the establishment of the CTC, I have come to deeply appreciate the unique and lasting role that CTED has played since its establishment in 2005, bridging global policy with the realities faced by those on the front lines. Guided by the Counterterrorism Committee, CTED translates Security Council resolutions into concrete steps that strengthen Member States' legal, institutional and operational capacities to counter terrorism effectively. CTED's assessments, developed in close consultations with each Member State visited and adopted by the Committee by consensus, embody a uniquely inclusive process that upholds national sovereignty while reflecting the wide spectrum of thematic areas covered by up to 28 Security Council resolutions currently enforced. From its earliest days, CTED has prioritised countering the financing of terrorism, supporting Member States in the criminalisation and prosecution, freezing mechanisms and comprehensive risk assessments, while addressing emerging threats such as the misuse of new technologies and links between organised crime and terrorist financing. At the same time, CTED has strengthened Member States' abilities to prevent terrorist travel through enhanced border control, the responsible use of watch lists and biometrics, and the analysis of passenger data. It has also promoted safeguards against the misuse of small arms and light weapons and unmanned aerial systems. CTED's work has further advanced the development of comprehensive counterterrorism strategies, stronger international cooperation in criminal matters, efforts to counter violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and measures to prevent terrorists from exploiting information and communication technologies. The resulting assessments, often described by Member States as free diagnostics, have proven invaluable. They help countries set clear priorities, avoid duplication, avoid turf battles on the national level, make more effective use of limited resources and close potential loopholes that could be exploited by terrorist networks. Equally important, they help partners align and coordinate capacity building initiatives so that support reaches where it is most needed and has the greatest impact at every stage. CTED has reaffirmed that counterterrorism measures must comply with international law, including human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. This approach ensures that security never comes at the expense of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. CTED has also mainstreamed a gender perspective in its work, recognising that terrorism and responses to it affect women, men, girls, and boys differently. Over the past two decades, CTED's impact as an assessor, facilitator of technical assistance and custodian of the world's largest counterterrorism data and network is tangible. Laws have been enacted if not amended and strengthened cooperation in criminal matters has improved, investigators and prosecutors are better equipped and communities and diverse stakeholders have been brought together to find practical solutions to complex challenges. CTED has also drawn key lessons from its experience. National ownership anchors success, context matters, there is no one-size-fits-all approach and coordination amplifies impact. Its cooperation with UNOCT, UNODC, Interpol, FATF and dozens of other agencies within the United Nations and beyond has transformed recommendations into results and resolutions into practical guidance, including through the Madrid, Abu Dhabi and Algeria Guiding Principles. Partnerships with the Global Research Network further demonstrate CTED's commitment to inclusive collaboration across governments, academia and civil society. To conclude, the lesson of CTED's journey is simple yet profound. When partnerships replace isolation and prevention is guided by principles, the impact is lasting and transformative. It is precisely this impact that reminds us why CTED stands as the right institution uniquely placed to carry this mission forward into the future. Together we move closer to a world where security, dignity and justice not only coexist but strengthen one another. Thank you.


I thank Mr. Saif Al Dawla for his statement. Our next speaker is Mr. Ahab Omaish, Director for Policy and Coordination, United Nations Office of Counterterrorism. Mr. Omaish, you have the floor.


Thank you. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it's a great honour to join you today to mark the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate, CTED. This is not only a celebration of two decades of dedicated service to global peace and security, but also a moment to reflect on the evolving architecture of the United Nations counterterrorism efforts. This architecture was born when the Security Council adopted Resolution 1373 and established the Counterterrorism Committee, the CTC. CTED became the executive and operational arm of the CTC in 2005, tasked with assessing Member States' implementation of counterterrorism obligations and facilitating technical assistance. From the outset, CTED has been a cornerstone of the UN Security framework, combining rigorous analysis with field engagement and policy innovation. The establishment of the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, UNOCT, in 2017 marked a new chapter created by the General Assembly to enhance coordination, coherence and capacity building across the UN system. UNOCT's mandate also complements and amplifies the work of CTED and the CTC. Security Council Resolutions 2395 and 2617 formalised and deepened this partnership, recognising the need for a whole of UN approach to counterterrorism. Today, UNOCT and CTED work hand in hand not only through joint briefings and monthly coordination meetings, but also via the Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact, which brings together 46 UN and non-UN entities under a shared strategic vision.


CTED's experts' assessments inform UNOCT's programming, while UNOCT's global reach and convening power support CTED's mission to support Member States to uphold the rule of law and human rights in counterterrorism efforts. CTED's work on emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems to terrorist financing is more vital than ever and UNOCT stands ready to support this work, ensuring that Member States receive the assistance they need to build resilient rights-based responses. For instance, the engagement coordinated by UNOCT under the Joint Plan of Action for the implementation of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy in Central Asia is mapped against CTED's recommendations. Similarly, UNOCT has worked to correlate its joint plans of action with interested Member States such as the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan against CTED's recommendations to these countries. The European Union-United Nations Global Counterterrorism Threats Facility project implemented by UNOCT, for instance, systematically builds onto CTED's assessments to design support to requesting Member States. CTED is involved in conducting capacity consultations to scope and prioritise the needs of beneficiaries requesting support, resulting in roadmaps that guide the provision of technical assistance. This model, first developed for the UN Counterterrorist Travel Programme, has been applied under additional six programmes in the fields of countering terrorist use of weapons, countering the financing of terrorism, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration, protecting vulnerable targets, interagency coordination, information exchange, fusion cells and unmanned aircraft systems. Madam Chair, the logical interdependence between threat assessment, policy and standard setting, implementation, assessment and capacity building remains central to an effective and efficient United Nations approach. On behalf of Acting Under-Secretary-General Alexander Zoev and the whole United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, let me close by extending our warmest congratulations to ASG Natalia Gherman, the Executive Director of CTED and all her team, and to the Chair and members of the Committee, the staff of CTED.


Best and present are friends and colleagues whose expertise, integrity and commitment have shaped the global counterterrorism landscape. As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our shared purpose to protect lives, uphold dignity and strengthen international cooperation in the face of evolving threats. Congratulations on 20 years of impact. We look forward to many more. Thank you.


I thank Mr. Omaish for his statement. The next speaker we'll hear from is Mr. Matteo Pasquale, Deputy Representative, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC New York office. Mr. Pasquale, you have the floor.


Thank you Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Madam Chair and the members of the Counterterrorism Committee, as well as ASG Gherman and our dear colleagues from CTED for inviting us to participate in this very important and timely open briefing on CTED 20 on behalf of Ms. Gatawali Awariuno, the Executive Director. I am delighted to share some reflections on the work that CTED and UNODC have been doing together in the last year. So, distinguished delegates, as I mentioned, UNODC and CTED have long enjoyed a high-functioning partnership and we often highlight it as a prime example of a one UN approach. This is due to the inherent complementarity of our respective mandates. We have an excellent compilation on various forms and fronts and I would like to share with you some examples. In the true spirit of such UN approach, CTED routinely invites UNODC to its assessment visits and it's a rarity if we do not participate in them. You know, this added value is largely due to its interrelated mandate which addresses drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. We examine terrorism not in isolation, but in the context of its connections with these other types of crimes. The nexus between terrorism and organised crime is an area in which we are especially active, having developed flagship initiatives such as Connect the coordination through operational networks against the nexus between crime and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel which addresses these linkages through a multi-layered approach. Furthermore, UNODC's legal and criminal justice expertise as well as its on-the-ground presence contributes to the formulation of these recommendations which go on to inform our CTED programming. And this brings me to my second point. CTED's invaluable Country Assessment recommendations guide our programming. In the case of Nigeria, for instance, we were seated in UNODC where project partners from 2018 to 2022 we supported strengthening Nigeria's criminal justice response to terrorism by training over 7,000 Nigerian officials and civil society actors. In the most recent phase of this project, Nigerian officials processed more than 3,000 terrorist cases resulting in 655 convictions. But the project also facilitated the review of over 2,900 case files by prosecutors leading to the release of approximately 1,800 adults and 580 minors and the referral of 230 new cases for trial. The expertise that spread across both our entities has been used to develop various tools and resources under the framework of the UN Global CT Coordination Compact. We jointly work on several thematic areas. One example is the counter financing of terrorism. Following CTED's first assessment visit to the Federal Republic of Somalia in February 2025, a subsequent session was convened to review previous and ongoing CTF assistance to the country to better understand the scope of assistance and coordinate future support. Also, the topic of judicialisation of information collected in border areas and areas of crisis translated into evidence is another example cited developed guidelines on the topic which UNODC used as the basis to implement several projects in the Philippines and West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso and Niger. As a result, standard operating procedures were developed by first responders serving as a key framework to enhance the collection, handling, preservation and sharing of information to ensure its admissibility as evidence before court. Moving forward, we need to continue to leverage one another's comparative advantages and I hope the UNODC and CTED partnership can serve as a good example of effective cross-fertilisation between sister agencies. I thank you.


Thank you Mr. Pasquale for that statement. I'd also like to express my gratitude to all of the speakers for their insightful remarks, their valuable reflections both on national experience cooperating with CTED, also the experts who told us about their experience combating terrorism and all of the information they gave about 20 years of CTED's work. This concludes session one. I'd like to thank you all for your kind attention. I will now yield the Chair to another CTC Vice Chair, the DPR of France, J. Tarman Dikare. He will be chairing session two. Trends and developments in terrorism and CTED's role in addressing evolving threats. Threats in assisting Member States against the backdrop of evolving threats. Thank you, Excellencies, Madam Executive Director, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. We will now begin Session two. Trends and developments in terrorism and counterterrorism as well as the evolving role of CTED. I would like to invite our first panellist, Colonel Paul David Barbo, Military Liaison Adviser at the Permanent Mission of Cameroon to the United Nations to take the floor. Colonel Barbo, you have the floor. Thank you for giving me the floor. Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Terrorism remains a serious concern for Cameroon as well as for the entire sub-region in the north of the country. Boko Haram and their affiliates continue to attack civilians, undermine socio-economic development and to prompt mass internal displacement in border areas in the east of the country. There are many other groups that are adding to the complexity of the situation. Against this backdrop, Cameroon has crafted the following strategy. First of all, we are strengthening security and the ability of our defence forces to protect our people as well as our borders. Next, consolidating the development of youth and women through education, awareness raising and socio-economic development so as to tackle the root causes of radicalisation. And last but not least, as part of this strategy, we've beefed up regional and international projects as terrorism is by definition a cross-border threat. This is why we are part of the Lake Chad Basin Joint Force. Cameroon has pinpointed a number of essential needs. First, intelligence capacity building as well as capacity building on border control and reconnaissance using cutting-edge technologies is also a priority. We are building the capacity of our defence and security forces as they combat terrorism and tackle asymmetric threats. Furthermore, we're helping reintegration and re-education programmes so that we can help vulnerable youths to break the cycle of violence. By way of conclusion, the fight against terrorism is for Cameroon and the entire region. Something that calls for a comprehensive approach underpinned by security cooperation and other components. We are marching down this path, working hand in hand with all of our partners so as to achieve peace and stability. That is all I have. Thank you. Thank you Colonel Barbo. Thank you for that statement. Our next speaker is Ms. Norma Ishak, former Deputy Director, Special Branch 2 Commissioner of Police, Royal Malaysia Police. She will be joining us virtually. You have the floor, Ms. Ishak. Madam Ishak, we can't hear you. At the moment, we're going to try and resolve that little problem. Thank you.


It.


We could try again. Could you please try to speak, Madam? And then we can see if the problem's been resolved. I'll try and give you the floor once more. If that's not working, I would propose that the technician help Ms. Ishak to reconnect. And for the moment, I'll give the floor to our next speaker, Ms. Sue Eckert, expert in the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 1526 of 2004 and 20202253 rather of 2015. Ms. Eckert, you have the floor. Vice Chair. Colleagues, thank you very much. Allow me to join in congratulating CTED on its 20th anniversary. It's a pleasure to be here today on behalf of the sanctions. The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. We just say 1267 monitoring team for short in this commemoration. Event Coordinator Colin Smith is on travel now and could not attend in person, but sends his heartiest congratulations. On a personal note, I recall the Security Council's approval of Resolution 1535 in 2004 creating CTED, as well as the Security Council's adoption of Resolution 1373 on 28 September 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. I think that makes me officially old. For those of us working at the time to enhance the instrument of UN sanctions, we welcomed the UN's innovative efforts to institutionalise counterterrorism measures as a critically important step in the Council's work promoting international peace and security. The commencement of CTED operations in 2005, assisting the Counterterrorism Committee was a pivotal development in expanding and enhancing the UN's role in counterterrorism. CTED, the 1267 monitoring team and the establishment of OCT, in addition to the traditional roles of the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, constitute the core of the comprehensive UN counterterrorism regime we have today. The hallmark of this overarching counterterrorism architecture is collaboration and complementarity. While we all have our distinct mandates. For example, the Monitoring Team is focused on implementation of sanctions and assessment of the changing threat represented by Al Qaeda, ISIL, Daesh and affiliated entities. We all work together to create a CT apparatus greater than the sum of our individual parts. The Monitoring Team participates with CTED in various assessment missions, funding permitting, which unfortunately more recently has been less due to funding constraints and works extensively on the topic of countering the financing of terrorism, including within the Financial Action Task Force. Most recently, CTED co-chaired FATF's comprehensive update on terrorist financing risks, the report which the Monitoring Team also contributed. And while activities at the UN are important within the UN Member State, implementation of CT measures is crucial. Both CTED and the Monitoring Team participate as part of UNODC's Capacity Assistance Training around the world. We're very pleased that with UNODC's support, the Monitoring Team has been able to engage in two new additional regional meetings and the one taking place this week is in West Africa. The purpose really is to engage regional partners to understand better the nature of the terrorist threat in these regions and of growing concern. I'd also like to just mention one other aspect and that is the reference to CTED's Global Research Network. The following speaker will be a representative of that network. It's really an innovative and an important way to leverage academic research for our collective needs. But as it has been noted by previous speakers, the threat landscape is constantly evolving and AQ and Daesh and their affiliates have been extremely adept at responding to CT pressure. They diversify funding sources, they use new technology for propaganda and recruitment. They capitalise on global events and continually change the routes to move fighters and weapons. They are opportunistic and the international community must be constantly vigilant and adaptable to be effective in meeting these terrorist challenges. As noted in our most recent 1267 report, the threat from Al Qaeda and Daesh and their affiliates remains dynamic and diverse. While CT successes such as the death of Abu Khadija, deputy leader of ISIL represents a major setback for the Daesh organisation in Iraq and the Syrian Badia region, ISIL's determined to undermine the government in Syria. Al Qaeda central leadership, while remaining weak, has affiliates who are operating autonomously, such as JNIM and Al Shabaab. These affiliates continue to increase the territory under their control, representing an intensifying threat in parts of Africa. And Al Qaeda overall continues its long-term intent to carry out external operations and must not be ignored. As an example of the rapidly changing threat, we noted in one monitoring team report that the Al Qaeda affiliate AQAP, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, had demonstrated considerable intent and propaganda capability, but was lacking in resources even to the point of being not being able to pay people. Recent reports however, now indicate that there's been an infusion of funds from another terrorist group to AQAP, potentially increasing the lethality in the region of significant instability. So while the threat indeed is not gone and merely changed, we have to think about how we can focus on the most critical areas for our collaborative UNCT efforts from our perspective. Some of those include the growing threat from foreign terrorist fighters, opportunistic alliances of terrorist groups with local actors, effective use of technology. And here it's not just new technology, it's using commercial off-the-shelf technology, adapting them for purposes of drones, etc., and enhancement of weapon capabilities, as well as the growing vulnerability of youth and minors who are increasingly exposed to terrorist and extremist content on social media. While significant counterterrorism challenges remain, opportunities for UN entities to deepen collaboration and partnership abound, as do the ways to work more effectively with Member States and other stakeholders to counterterrorism. The 1267 monitoring team looks forward to working with CTED in this next phase of its iteration to strengthen the United Nations counterterrorism regime. Congratulations again and thank you. And I thank Ms. Eckert for her briefing. We're going to try once again to give the floor to Ms. Ishak. She is a Police Commissioner, former Police Commissioner of the Royal Malaysia Police. We're going to try and give you the floor again. Ms. Ishak, you have the floor. Thank you distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Counterterrorism Committee for inviting me to speak at this session and to congratulate CTED on its 20th anniversary. For the record, Malaysia has received two physical visits from CTED on behalf of the CTC, the first in July 2006 and the second from 7 to 9 November 2022. As the then Chief of Counterterrorism Division of the Special Branch Royal Malaysia Police, my colleagues and I were delighted to receive the 2022 visits. We regarded it as an opportunity to be independently assessed by CTED to evaluate our progress and how well we had fulfilled our obligations in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We are pleased to receive constructive comments both to strengthen existing practices and to affirm our considerable initiatives. External evaluations, in our view, are vital for continuous improvement. Allow me to reflect briefly on our progress since 2006. In 2012, Malaysia abolished the Internal Security Act, an instrument long used for addressing national security threats, often described as draconian. In the same year, the government enacted the Security Offences Special Measures Act, or SOSMA, providing a framework for law enforcement to handle security-related cases under defined procedures. Although SOSMA is far less severe than the ISA, it has also drawn criticism from human rights groups. Consequently, the Counterterrorism Division adopted a more cautious and evidence-based approach to intelligence and pre-arrest investigation. This approach has reduced premature mass arrests while maintaining precision and adherence to human rights standards to enhance efficiency. We strengthen social media monitoring for early detection and intervention. This minimally intrusive method allows investigators to assess belief systems and behavioural patterns over time. Potential suspects identified online are profiled for physical investigation before any executive action is taken. We also place strong emphasis on countering terrorism financing through close cooperation with the Financial Intelligence Unit, Central Bank. All terrorism-related cases are investigated in parallel with financing components until it is confirmed that no financial elements are involved. The cornerstone of our preventive efforts lies in our De-Radicalisation programme which operates both outside and within the criminal justice system. Once a subject shows signs of radicalisation, the assessment process begins immediately. Officers review online activity and current behaviour to determine consistency and intensity, rating subjects as low, mild, medium or high. Those rated low are engaged voluntarily, while minors are approached with parental consent. They receive counselling on the legal and social consequences of extremist involvement. These are the youths we can still reach before they cross the line into illegality. For individuals who have been arrested, tried and sentenced, continuous engagement both during incarceration and after release is crucial to reduce recidivism. At the regional level, Malaysia works closely with neighbouring countries to strengthen networks, exchange information rapidly and maintain an open platform for discussion and collaboration. This mechanism keeps cross-border cooperation among designated officers active and effective. We are deeply grateful to CTED for recognising our progress, providing valuable recommendations and motivating us to sustain our good practices. Throughout the years, we have relied on the Committee's assessment findings and CTED's unit expertise to enhance and adapt our counterterrorism measures in line with Security Council obligations and in response to the incoming terrorism threat. We look forward to CTED's future visit as we continue to strengthen our national and regional counterterrorism efforts. I thank you. I thank Ms. Ishak for that statement. I'm now going to give the floor to our next speaker. That is Dr. Olajumoke Allendele from New York University. He is a member of the CTED Global Research Network, the GRN. Dr. Allendele, you have the floor. Excellencies, colleagues and distinguished delegates, it is an honour to address you today as a member of CTED's Global Research Network and as a faculty at NYU Centre for Global Affairs. My work bridges research and policy and draws on field-based insights from the Lake Chad, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea in order to understand how States, communities and institutions can sustain peace as we mark 20 years of CTED's mandate. This is more than an anniversary. It is a moment for reflection and recalibration and that is because the threat landscape is shifting rapidly. We must ask not only what CTED has achieved in the last 20 years, but what it must become to meet a world where violent extremism is increasingly being diffused, digital, and deeply embedded in daily life. I say this because across Africa, especially in the Sahel and coastal West Africa, we've seen that extremist tactics are evolving in three significant ways. First, as many of my colleagues have mentioned, drones have become the new front line. We are seeing extremist groups now using both surveillance and attack drones for reconnaissance and targeted strikes. And what began as an improvisation has now become strategic capability. This is blurring the line between what we see as insurgency and state power. Second, the information domain is the new battlefield. Recruitment and radicalisation, as we know, are happening online, whether it is through encrypted apps, gaming platforms, social media platforms, and spaces like TikTok, Telegram and X. I do want to point out that TikTok in particular has become a propaganda and recruitment hub for Islamic State affiliates. When we think about TikTok's commercial tools, whether it is its monetised live streams or TikTok shop, we are seeing that these commercial tools are being misused to funnel and launder funds. This convergence of ideology and commerce is turning the digital spaces as we know them into ecosystems and, might I add, echo chambers of belonging, grievance and profit. Finally, the third point, we are seeing that the climate, migration and terrorism nexus is tightening. Drought, flooding and deforestation are destroying livelihoods and pushing young Africans towards migration routes where extremists and criminal groups are able to exploit their economic desperation. These developments and trends reveal two hard truths. Extremist actors are adapting faster than most national systems, and they are embedding themselves in the same economic, digital and ecological structures that sustain life as we know it today. To keep pace, our strategies must evolve from one of containment to one of anticipation and from reaction to resilience. And this is because amid all of these challenges, we are seeing African governments demonstrating growing adaptability. In the Lake Chad Basin, we have seen reintegration programmes that are being reimagined, whether it is through community partnerships and local leadership. In the Sahel, we are seeing political transitions prompting reflections of governance reform and what African sovereignty means. And in the Gulf of Guinea, we are seeing governments building early warning systems and local networks to prevent extremism. I also want to give kudos to the African Union at the continental level, because we have seen the African Union's Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Framework, what we call the PCRD, offering an African-led foundation that links counterterrorism, governance and development. Most of CTED's findings echo this. Most African states now meet core institutional standards that are improving our coordination and rights-based implementation. Now the next phase must deepen domestic legitimacy as Africans define them, local trust and cross-border collaboration so that we can turn the gains that we have found into durable resilience. I want to leave us with three recommendations that we might implement and the role that CTED can play. The first is operationalising African-led frameworks for resilience. I see CTED, especially as a member of the Global Research Network, helping to align national and regional strategies with the AU's PCRD framework to support Member States to move from short-term stabilisation to long-term resilience. Second, I see CTED bridging the research and foresight for policy innovation. And that is because CTED's next frontier lies in transformation and transforming their 20 years of data into foresight-driven innovation. Through its GRN network, we can see CTED connecting field research, national experiences and Security Council deliberations to anticipate, not just track, emerging threats. Finally, we need to engage and incentivise the private sector. Violent extremism thrives where legitimate economies fail. CTED can help build peace-positive partnerships, whether that is through regional banks, diaspora investors and private actors to create jobs, infrastructures and alternatives to illicit economies. 20 years of CTED have shown that counterterrorism is not just about dismantling networks. It is about building trust, legitimacy and resilience. As Africa's geopolitical landscape is evolving through our many south-south corporations, new economic corridors and our growing private sector footprint, CTED's facilitative role is going to remain indispensable. Together, I believe we can amplify stories of adaptation, creativity and quiet strength. At its best, CTED is not merely a compliance body. It is a catalyst for collaboration, a convener of evidence and a partner in resilience. Thank you very much. I thank Dr. Allendele for that briefing. I'm now going to give the floor to the last speaker on this panel, Ms. Mizmaiya Raghav from the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding. She joins us virtually. Thank you. Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour to join you today in this open briefing marking 20 years of CTED. Milestones like these offer a timely moment to reflect not only on how far we have come, but also on how the nature of the threat and our collective responses have evolved. Of course, in 2016, the UN adopted the Global Counterterrorism Strategy as a global instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. The strategy embodies the commitment of Member States to take practical steps individually, but also collectively to prevent and combat terrorism. Yet despite the progress achieved, we have also learned that the scale and complexity of today's terrorism landscape requires much more than the traditional counterterrorism responses. And today, nowhere is this more evident than across the African continent. The continent unfortunately continues to be the epicentre of the global terrorism threat. As indicated, and as everyone knows, sub-Saharan Africa recorded the largest increase in terrorism-related deaths across the past couple of years and also with the Sahel region alone accounting for half of the global terrorism fatalities. Terrorist groups have skillfully exploited ongoing conflicts, weak governance structures and socioeconomic fragility, expanding across borders, exploiting existing grievances and undermining already fragile peace and development gains. These groups thrive particularly in border regions marked by poor service delivery, displacement challenges and limited accessibility to basic livelihoods. Their operations have become increasingly transnational, intertwining with organised crime networks, trafficking and illicit economies. These evolving dynamics highlight that terrorism cannot be addressed in isolation anymore. It is deeply intertwined with challenges of governance, displacement and development. So to effectively address these challenges, our responses, programming and support must also evolve. The international community has come to understand that sustainable counterterrorism efforts cannot rely exclusively on security measures. While essential, it still remains measures that are mainly reactive. What is needed is a preventative, holistic and locally driven approach that combines counterterrorism, PCVE, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts. Altogether, preventative action means addressing the root causes of radicalisation, the social, the economic, the political, and the ideological conditions that allow extremism to grow. It also means connecting counterterrorism efforts with peacebuilding by strengthening social cohesion, reconciliation and community resilience over the long term. Drawing on our work at the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, commonly known as the Triple CPA, our field experiences, particularly in Africa, we have gained valuable lessons on how such approaches can be translated into effective action. In Nigeria, for example, we have implemented training programmes to support local authorities in developing disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation, reintegration frameworks, as well as capacity building trainings to enhance the role of community leaders, particularly women community leaders, in preventing radicalisation, extremism leading to terrorism in Borno State training North in Northeast Nigeria, training beneficiaries, many of whom had never previously engaged in such initiatives, gained not only knowledge and skills, but also confidence to serve as credible messengers and community influencers. This experience in particular underscores several lessons, to mention just a few. First, local ownership and trust are indispensable. Programs that are developed in consultation with local authorities and community stakeholders, from design until implementation, are far more sustainable and impactful. Second, diversity and inclusion matter. By engaging women from various professional and social backgrounds, programs were able to reach broader community networks and multiply its impact. Third, knowledge and credibility are powerful tools against terrorist narratives. Training beneficiaries have often emphasised how understanding the manipulation of religious concepts by extremist groups empowered them to engage confidently in counter-narrative efforts within their own communities. Similarly, in Somalia, Mozambique, Mali, and the broader Sahel region, CCPA engagement with community leaders, religious leaders and imams demonstrated the critical role and influence that trusted voices can play in preventing youth radicalisation. Religious leaders, given their authority and credibility, can be among the most effective agents of prevention. What these experiences teach us is that effective counterterrorism begins at the community level. Communities are not just victims of terrorism. They are first responders, resilience builders and essential partners in prevention. Local governments, religious and traditional leaders, women, community leaders and youth all have vital roles to play. But to unlock this potential, international and regional support must be tailored to their realities on the ground, ensuring inclusivity, context specificity and coordination with national and local authorities. Addressing the evolving nature of terrorism requires also a response that tackles its interconnected dimensions, including the links between terrorism and displacement, terrorism and organised crime, and the growing impact of climate-related risks. These interrelated challenges call for comprehensive whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, with prevention and peacebuilding placed at its core. Marking two decades of CTED's contribution to global counterterrorism offers a pivotal moment to draw on lessons from past efforts and adapt future initiatives to the evolving dynamics of terrorism. And the lessons from Africa are yet a reminder that security without inclusion is unsustainable and prevention without local ownership is ineffective. I thank you. I thank Ms. Raghav for her statement. To conclude this panel, I wish to thank all briefers for their contributions. They gave us a great deal of enlightenment regarding long-term perspectives in terms of how CTED can continue to adapt to the way the terrorist threat is changing. We're now going to move to our question and answer session under the moderation of the DPR of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Usman Jadoun. Thank you to all of you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you so very much. Thank you very much for joining.


Excellencies, distinguished delegates and colleagues. It is my honour, in my capacity as Vice Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee, to moderate this questions and answer session. Committee members will be given priority, followed by other delegations and participants. I will now open the floor first to committee members. They will indicate the request. Okay, where do I see them? So those committee members that have requested for the floor are as follows as of now, Pakistan, Russian Federation, United States, United Kingdom, Slovenia, France, Denmark and China. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan. You have the floor, please. Thank you Chair for giving me the floor. I would first thank CTED for its efforts and the panelists for their insightful remarks. Pakistan has remained at the forefront of CT efforts and lost thousands of lives in the efforts to eradicate terrorism from groups such as the TTP and BLA. Despite these challenges, Pakistan is successfully thwarting this evolving threat by constantly monitoring, evaluating and adjusting its response measures. I would like to highlight a few points. First, we need comprehensive responses to CT. By addressing conditions conducive to terrorism without analysing root causes, we will fail to eliminate terrorism. Instead, we will keep responding to symptoms endlessly and the vicious cycle will continue. Second, recent international strategies have made no effort to distinguish between terrorism and the legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination. As recognised in GA resolutions, the worst form of state terrorism is foreign occupation, using state power to deny indigenous populations their inalienable right to self-determination and subjecting them to human rights abuses to prolong the occupation. The plight of Palestinians and people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir are two such examples in living memory where occupying powers are in constant pursuit of settler colonialism policies while we sit here and debate year after year. Third, the complete eradication of terrorism requires both kinetic and non-kinetic actions. Fourth, terrorist groups are using the Internet as a command and control centre with technical tools like cryptocurrencies to transfer funds and dark web to recruit, organise and execute terrorism. We need regulation of commercially driven social media companies and technology providers to curb their misuse and prevent the proliferation of hate and xenophobia, including Islamophobia that leads to violence and hatred against peoples and nations. Fifth, the UNCT architecture needs reform to address new and emerging forms of terrorism, including right-wing extremist, violent nationalist and fascist movements, to develop norms based on principles and to counter narratives that facilitate and promote stigmatization on the basis of religion or race. Sixth, we need a global plan of action to educate and caution our youth about the dangers of radicalisation and online recruitment. Seventh, final point, the misuse of digital space, misinformation and fake news enhanced by AI to spread conspiracy theories, incitement to violence and harmful narratives that shape public discourse is worsening. We must also be wary of states that hijack technology platforms for domestic political purposes. I would like to seek the views about the UN Security Council Resolution 1566 and why have we failed to address global terrorism comprehensively at the Council in the last 20 years, instead restricting ourselves to listing only those terrorist individuals and entities who are associated with Al Qaeda, Daesh or their affiliates. Thank you. I thank you for those remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.


Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Gherman. Distinguished colleagues, the Russian Federation would like to offer its heartfelt congratulations to the Counterterrorism Executive Directorate, CTED. Congratulations on your 20th anniversary. 20 years since the day you officially began your work. Over this period, CTED has firmly positioned itself in the UNCT architecture, proving its effectiveness, setting high standards and exhibiting an ability to adapt to changing threats. Security Council Resolution 1535 paved the way for CTED's activities. The resolution also set forth its main task, assisting the Counterterrorism Committee in monitoring how states implement Resolution 1373 and other relevant Security Council decisions. In implementing the resolution, CTED has proven itself to be a unique analytical and assessment mechanism which allows us to form an objective picture of how States are complying with their international obligations. CTED's approach to its work is well thought through and pragmatic. The Russian Federation has unswervingly spoken out in favour of maintaining this instrument within the confines of the mandate, concentrating on key priorities of its mandate, such as counterterrorism financing, countering the ideological fuel for terrorism and extremism, and ensuring the inevitability of punishment for terrorist crimes. We are convinced that it is these specific components which determine the genuine effectiveness of national and international efforts to ensure national and regional security. It's important for CTED assessment visits to remain impartial and for the conclusions thereof to be balanced. We support the priority placed on visits to the most vulnerable regions, first and foremost to Africa, where terrorist activity continues to grow. The practical use of such missions for us is very clear. Such visits help us to pinpoint gaps in national legislation as well as to figure out the priorities for technical assistance on the basis of the needs of the States affected. What is of principal importance for us is that when UN bodies, first and foremost the UN OCT, when they are planning capacity building programmes, Committee assessments and the wishes of States receiving assistance or wishing to receive assistance, are taken into account, they should be taken into account. We'd also like to note the high calibre of the expert support the Committee receives from CTED. The Russian Federation seeks much value in the professionalism of the CTED under the leadership of Ms. Natalia Gherman and CTED's contribution to ensuring effective and professional monitoring. What's particularly important is responding to new threats, for instance terrorists' use of uncrewed systems, AI and digital financial technologies. We welcome the committee developing, with CTED's direct involvement, optional guidelines on threats established using threats emanating from the use of UAVs for terrorist purposes, as well as guidelines on preventing, detecting and suppressing the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist ends. These guidelines help to come to a common understanding of the risks and to come up with practical response measures. The Russian Federation believes that the 20th anniversary of CTED is not only an opportunity to take stock, but also to pinpoint where we're heading in future. We are in favour of ensuring CTED remains a political mission as well as its exceptional powers to assess States' efforts. Such a format permits CTED to remain independent, to maintain its expertise, as well as to maintain a link between States, relevant UN bodies, regional organisations and academia. We wish CTED further success for it to remain resilient and true to its mandate, which we will be reaffirming at the end of the year in a Security Council resolution. We stand convinced that CTED will continue playing an important role in the global counterterrorism system, remaining a reliable partner for States and for the Security Council.


I thank you, I thank the representative of the Russian Federation and I now give the floor to the representative of the United States, followed by the UK and Slovenia.


Thank you Chair and thank you to the CTC and to the CTED team for holding this meeting commemorating 20 years of CTED's efforts and achievements. The United States is pleased to be the penholder of CTED's mandate and recognises its vital role in our collective counterterrorism efforts. As others have noted, we must recognise global terrorist threats have shifted, as have the necessary responses and tools to eliminate those threats. During this time, the mandate has also broadened. To effectively address today's terrorist threats, we need to ensure that CTED's work remains focused, effective and impactful. It's time to get the mission back to basics and focused on core CT issues, including countering terrorist financing and countering terrorist travel. CTED has conducted 216 assessment visits to more than 120 Member States and produced more than 40 analytical products on emerging terrorist trends. But with budgets reducing and mandates over-expanding, we'd like to see the CTC work together to assist CTED in prioritising visits and assessments on countries with the greatest risk and threats to terrorism. In order for these assessments and reports to continue to be impactful, we need to not only focus the mission on areas with the most critical threats, we need to also ensure Member States do not hold up the approval of these reports for external political reasons, such as the hold on the US Report for the past several years. The upcoming mandate renewal could be an important opportunity to recommit the CTC and CTED to the mission of ensuring peace and security by identifying critical gaps in facilitating the necessary technical assistance and support. The US has been one of the largest financial contributors to UNOCT and its Global CT Compact entities. We call on other Member States to provide assistance to programmes that help countries adhere to international obligations. We look forward to working closely with CTED and our esteemed colleagues in the CTC on this endeavour. Thank you.


I thank the representative of the United States and now give the floor to the Representative of the United Kingdom, followed by Slovenia and France. Thank you, Vice-Chair, and I thank the Briefers for their important contributions. Today, as we mark 20 years since the foundation of CTED, I also wish to thank all of the staff, former and present, for their efforts. As the first ever Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee, the United Kingdom is proud to have been involved in CTED's creation. When CTED was founded, it was tasked with identifying the technical assistance that Member States needed and to provide advice on best practice counterterrorism measures. I will make three quick points on how CTED's role can be further utilised. First, CTED's country assessments remain one of the most effective tools we have for promoting the implementation of Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. The recommendations they contain are actionable, grounded in the realities Member States face and pay full respect to gender and human rights considerations. We strongly encourage the wider UNCT architecture to incorporate assessment recommendations in their capacity building and technical assistance support to Member States. Second, CTED is able to produce assessments and guidance due to the analytical and technical expertise within its ranks. It is important that reform efforts protect this core function so it can respond to the emerging threats we have heard today. Finally, as stated in Resolution 1535, which established CTED, states must ensure that any measures taken to comply to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international human rights law. There should be no trade-off between effective action against terrorism and the protection of human rights and we are grateful for CTED's efforts in guiding Member States on compliance. Thank you. I thank the representative of the United Kingdom. And I now give the floor to Slovenia, followed by France and Denmark.


Thank you, Chair. We would like to thank you for convening this meeting for the opportunity to celebrate 20 years since the establishment of the Counterterrorism Executive Directorate. We also thank all speakers that contributed to today's discussion. The role of CTED in the UN counterterrorism architecture cannot be overstated. Systematic visits and assessments in all Member States resulting in reports and recommendations are an essential part of capacity building, knowledge and best practice transfer and trends analysis. We believe it's useful for Member States to have this resource of collected comparative information that can assist in identifying weaknesses in their efforts and help address them. By implementing assessment visits, CTED, on one hand, helps countries affected by terrorism with recommendations and guidance and helping with identification of capacity building and technical assistance needs that can then be provided by other parts of the UN system and partners. On the other hand, CTED helps Member States that are less or not yet affected by terrorism to work on resilience and prevention. After all, notwithstanding the obligations under Resolution 1373 and other relevant resolutions, Member States shouldn't focus on counterterrorism efforts only after attacks have already happened. We also appreciate CTED's integration of cross-cutting issues such as human rights, children and youth and gender perspectives across counterterrorism efforts. I thank you, Chair.


I thank the Representative of Slovenia and I now give the floor to the representative of France, followed by Denmark and China.


Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I welcome the holding of this session to mark CTED's 20th anniversary. CTED plays a key role assessing the implementation of Council resolutions on counterterrorism and pinpointing ways of improving the situation in each state. I'd like to thank the Executive Director and all of CTED's teams for their excellent work. We welcome the efforts of CTED to bolster the effectiveness of their working methods and their assessments. The Counterterrorism Committee, the CTC and CTED have created a framework for tackling contemporary challenges. For instance, the instrumentalisation of the Internet and social networks for terrorism, the use of new financing technologies. These are emerging phenomena that we will continue having to tackle. We must continue our efforts at a time when terrorist groups, first and foremost Al Qaeda and Daesh, pose a serious threat and continue to reconfigure. We must also mobilise civil society, research sectors, academia and the private sector to better target these threats, which are constantly evolving. We must cooperate in an agile fashion to tackle these threats, and CTED has an important role to play therein. Last but not least, the fight against terrorism can only be effective and lasting if it fully respects human rights and upholds the rule of law. I thank you.


I thank the representative of France and I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark, to be followed by China and Somalia. Thank you, Chair. And thank you to the briefers for their timely and comprehensive briefings. Today, as a member of the Security Council, Denmark has a front row seat to how crucial CTED's work is, especially at this pivotal moment for the UN's counterterrorism architecture. Over the past two decades, CTED has built remarkable expertise through its assessment and dialogue with Member States. That knowledge base and professionalism is what make CTED such a trusted partner. Counterterrorism is only effective when it is firmly grounded in human rights, the rule of law and international norms. As the UN reform process moves forward, it is essential to strengthen coherence and transparency, but not at the expense of what already works. CTED's independent and specialized mandate must be preserved. We thank CTED for its dedication and look forward to continuing our close cooperation, both as part of the European Union and as members of the Security Council, to uphold a principled and effective global counterterrorism framework. Thank you. I thank you for those remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of China, to be followed by Somalia and Panama. Chair. First of all, I'd like to congratulate CTED on its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, CTED has fulfilled its mandates and responsibilities, working substantially to support CTC in monitoring the implementation of Security Council counterterrorism resolutions, identify emerging terrorist threats and develop counterterrorism policy documents. It has made positive contributions to advancing the global fight against terrorism. China highly commends CTED's efforts and achievements. We would like to express special gratitude to Executive Director Gherman for her outstanding leadership and dedication. At present, the international situation is becoming increasingly volatile with wars and conflicts erupting one after another, terrorist threats resurging and spreading. The counterterrorism situation is very severe. Against such a background, international counterterrorism cooperation must be strengthened, not weakened. The Security Council should continue to prioritise counterterrorism on its agenda, uphold a zero tolerance policy, set aside geopolitical considerations and ideological biases, and oppose double standards and selective approaches. CTC and CTED must continue to play an active role. The counterterrorism sanctions regime should respond to evolving circumstances and Member States' requests by promptly expanding the sanctions network through measures such as adding new listings, broadening sanctions and establishing additional mechanisms. This past June, UN CTED and other agencies jointly held a dialogue to hear Member States' views on reforming the counterterrorism architecture. Most countries largely approve the existing structure. At the same time, they hope for enhanced interagency coordination to achieve synergies. In this regard, we hope CTED will strengthen cooperation with the UNOCT 1267 monitoring team at UNO's DC to provide Member States with higher quality and more efficient support and services in combating terrorism. China has put forward a Global Security Initiative and Global Governance Initiative calling on the international community to join hands in addressing complex and severe security challenges and jointly prevent and combat terrorism. China walks the talk; we have long assisted developing countries, especially African nations, in strengthening their counterterrorism capacities through bilateral and multilateral channels. Through the China UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, we have supported counterterrorism projects implemented by UN agencies such as CTED and UNOCT in Somalia, the Sahel Region and Central Asian countries. We will continue to work with all parties to combat terrorism in all its forms and make our due contribution to achieving a world of lasting peace and universal security. Thank you. I thank the representative of China and I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia, followed by Panama. Please. Thank you. Mr. Chair, today we gather here to mark the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate, established by Security Council Resolution 1535. Over the past two decades, CTED has grown into a body that bridges assessment, findings and analysis with action supporting Member States in translating Security Council requirements into concrete measures to prevent terrorism and strengthen resilience. With over 216 visits to more than 120 Member States, CTED has built an unparalleled repository of expertise and data that continues to guide our collective response to evolving threats. Mr. Chair, the terrorism threat is neither static nor confined. It's evolving with a troubling shift toward the African continent. The exploitation of emerging technologies further complicates the challenge as terrorist groups increasingly leverage digital platforms to recruit, organise and finance operations. Yet these same technological advances can empower us to bolster prevention, enhance coordination and improve intelligence sharing. CTED's technical guidance and capacity building support have been increasingly vital in strengthening our collective defence capabilities. Mr. Chair, the path to success lies in both deeper international cooperation and genuine national ownership. Somalia's experience stands as a testament to this approach. Our fight against extremism has shown that military solutions alone are insufficient. A truly effective response must integrate political, economic and ideological fronts. We underscore the importance of technological assistance, regional cooperation, intelligence sharing and enduring partnerships. It is important to strengthen the United Nations' collaboration with regional organisations such as the African Union and leverage their distinctive expertise and deeply rooted experience. We particularly appreciate CTED's commitment to ensuring that counterterrorism measures remain consistent with international law. This balanced approach strengthens both effectiveness and legitimacy of global counterterrorism efforts. The true measure of our success lies in our unwavering commitment to security measures firmly anchored in the rule of law and the guiding tenets of the United Nations Charter, ensuring that they reflect and never undermine the foundation of values that unite our international community as we look forward to the future. My delegation reaffirms its commitment to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations while upholding the principles of peace, dignity and justice for all. We remain committed to working with CTED, the Counterterrorism Committee and all international partners to address the evolving threats, tread landscapes and build communities for all. I thank you. I thank the representative of Somalia. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama, to be followed by Algeria and Guyana.


Senor President, Mr. Chairman, Panama welcomes and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate. Two decades of commitment, adaptation and a global vision in the face of a global threat which is ever changing. Since the adoption of Resolution 1535 in 2004, CTED has consolidated itself and come to be a crucial tool of the 1373 Committee. It has strengthened our collective response to terrorism. This is a scourge which continues to threaten security, human rights and multilateralism. In the face of that scourge, we reaffirm our conviction of the following: no country can confront this threat alone or in isolation. International cooperation remains the most effective pathway to tackle it. Consequently, we support the renewal of CTED's mandate. What CTED has achieved must be preserved and its mandate must also be preserved intact and its work must be strengthened. The fight against terrorism must also be preventive. In focus, we cannot leave anyone behind. Thank you.


I thank the representative of Panama. I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria, to be followed by Guyana. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Algeria fought terrorism alone during our darkest years and emerged victorious through our own determination and national comprehensive strategy. We defeated this goal through national resilience. Proof that African solutions to African problems work. During Algeria's Security Council presidency in January 2025, we secured the Presidential Statement on Counterterrorism in Africa, acknowledging that terrorism hinders the African Union agenda and challenges our goal of silencing the gun by 2030. This presidential statement mandates annual updates on African Union-United Nations joint efforts ensuring sustained focus where it matters most. The message is clear: African ownership must drive counterterrorism efforts. Africa faces an escalating crisis with well-equipped terrorist groups employing organised crime and new technology. CTED focus and United Nations national funds must flow directly to affected countries and regions, not be dispersed broadly while specific affected areas. The Algeria Guiding Principles on Preventing Terrorism Financing through new Technology represent CTC's concrete contribution to CTED's mission. As CTED enters its third decade, we continue claiming African ownership resources to frontline States targeted action in affected states. Thank you, Mr. Moderator. I thank the representative of Algeria and I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana.


Thank you, Chair. Guyana joins in congratulating the Executive Director of CTED, Ms. Gherman, and her team on the 20th anniversary of CTED and for the work that they have done and continue to do. We commend the support provided by CTED to Member States and welcome the appointment of, well, not so new anymore, new Desk Officer for the Caribbean. We acknowledge the Directorate's work in examining the nexus between terrorism and organised crime, including in the Latin American Caribbean region and elsewhere. In Guyana, based on the recommendations and support of the United Nations, including following a visit by CTED, we have established a relevant legislative framework including the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework which criminalises terrorist acts as well as the financing of terrorism. Guyana has also ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and undertaken targeted measures to enhance law enforcement capabilities, including through partnerships with regional and bilateral partners. These efforts have also resulted in improvements in intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms. In this respect, we continue to extend support for CTED's work and efforts and for the renewal of their mandate. Thank you very much.


I thank the representative of Guyana for those remarks and I now turn to other UN Member States for their comments. The speakers' delegations that have inscribed on the list are as follows and if I miss anyone, you can press the microphone button to indicate: Bahrain, Latvia, Hungary, Malta, Philippines, Tunisia, EU, Ecuador, Cambodia, Japan, Austria, Germany, Republic of Cuba, Kingdom of Morocco, Norway, League of Arab States, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. I first give the floor to the representative of Bahrain followed by Latvia.


These distinguished guests. I would like to express the Kingdom of Bahrain's sincere gratitude to the Chair of the Counterterrorism Committee for his leadership and the diligent efforts of the entire team and to convey our heartfelt congratulations to the Counterterrorism Executive Directorate, CTED, in commemorating its 20th anniversary. We recognize the unique role that CTED plays within the United Nations system, particularly in supporting Member States in the implementation of their counterterrorism obligations, which includes identifying best practices, providing technical assistance, conducting monitoring and evaluation and fostering international cooperation. The Kingdom of Bahrain extends its unwavering support to CTED and for the work of all bodies of the UN countering terrorism that work together in cohesion, guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and reaffirms its full commitment to all UNSC resolutions. In this regard, Bahrain has taken concrete institutional and legislative measures to strengthen its national framework, including the establishment of national committees that shape our policies and ensure alignment with international best practices, together with the supporting initiatives and bodies, such as the FATF recommendations that led to the launch of our National Strategy for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing for 2025-2027, intended to enhance our risk understanding, bolster international cooperation and ensure the effective implementation of sanctions on extremism prevention. Bahrain has invested in a number of alternative approaches as exemplified by the establishment of the King Hamid Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, which promotes interfaith dialogue, fosters a culture of mutual respect and counters the spread of radical exclusion narratives. Another being the establishment of the Centre for Excellence for Alternative Sentencing and Open Prisons that not only provides opportunities for hope for younger prisoners but also trains professionals involved in the practice. Such initiatives are supported by the technical and intuitive support of UN bodies today. As we take stock of our collective achievements, we must also recognize that our work is far from complete. We continue to face evolving and increasingly complex threats, including the exploitation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence by terrorist groups, the proliferation of advanced weaponry and the growing convergence of terrorism tactics across cyber and maritime domains, which demands renewed cooperation and vigilance as the Kingdom embarks on its membership in the Security Council. We look forward to advancing these critical discussions and to ensuring that the international community's capacity is strengthened to address emerging terrorist threats wherever and whenever they arise. Thank you.


I thank the representative of Bahrain and I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia, to be followed by Hungary. Dear Chairman, Excellencies and distinguished Delegates, today we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate. On this occasion, I would like to thank ASG Natalia Gherman and her team for their work and significant contribution to the global CT effort. Over the past 20 years, CTED has not only assisted the work of the CTC Committee, but also facilitated implementation of the Council resolutions addressing CT issues and emerging threats through visits to more than 120 countries. In 2022, seated experts visited Latvia and we witnessed firsthand the expertise and knowledge that the experts bring to each visit, conducting their assessments and tailoring recommendations to bridge each Member State's national efforts to match standards set out by the Council of Resolutions. Latvia is committed to the global fight against terrorism and terrorism financing, and this year we were the first country in the world assessed under the new revised Financial Action Task Force methodology. Latvia has demonstrated how small countries with relatively low-risk exposure can demonstrate good results in building an effective system to counter terrorism financing through commitment to principles, strong national cooperation and learning from the best practices of others. The CTED visit was both an opportunity to take a look at the bigger picture and provided snapshots of areas of needed improvements. In this context, Latvia fully supports the extension of the CTED mandate with new threats emerging. CTED stands guard not only for conventional CT efforts but also takes into account cross-cutting issues that we support, respect for the rule of law and human rights, countering terrorism, involving civil society in prevention work and factoring in women, peace and security and gender aspects in the new CTED strategies. Thank you. I thank the representative of Latvia and I now give the floor to the representative of Hungary, to be followed by Malta.


Distinguished Chair, Madam ASG, Excellencies, it is a great honour to take the floor on this special occasion marking the 20th anniversary of the CTED. Allow me first to express our appreciation for CTED's tireless efforts and invaluable contribution to strengthening the global counterterrorism framework over the past two decades. In recent years, the world has faced an increasing number of armed conflicts and growing geopolitical tensions that have at times diverted our collective attention from one of the most persistent threats to international peace and security, terrorism. Yet the unfortunate truth remains the risk of terrorism has not diminished. For this reason, the fight against terrorism continues to be one of the key priorities of the Hungarian government, both in terms of national security and foreign policy. Beyond our national efforts, Hungary plays an active and dedicated role in counterterrorism within all relevant international organizations, including the European Union, the Council of Europe, NATO and most crucially, the United Nations. We consider the UN entities to be our essential partners and we take great pride in our close cooperation with the UN Office on Counterterrorism, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate. As a concrete demonstration of Hungary's determination to contribute meaningfully to global terrorism efforts, since early 2021, Budapest has been hosting the regional United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, which is the second largest UN Office globally after New York. To further strengthen our framework, Hungary recently had the honour of hosting the first CTED assessment visit from June 16 to 18. During the three-day visit, the delegation led by ASG Natalia Gherman had intensive consultation with 115 Hungarian experts representing a wide range of institutions. Discussions covered crucial areas such as national legislation, law enforcement, border protection, combating terrorist financing and strategies against radicalisation. The delegation also conducted site visits including to the Liszt Ferenc International Airport, the Ruska border crossing point and the Victim Support Centre, offering a comprehensive overview of Hungary's counterterrorism system in practice. We were particularly pleased to receive highly positive feedback on the high level of expertise and efficiency demonstrated by Hungarian professionals. The delegation also commended Hungary's active role in mutual legal assistance and international criminal cooperation. Hungarian experts greatly valued the opportunity to share their practical experience and found dialogues with the UN experts to be highly constructive. We sincerely thank CTED, its entities, and their continued cooperation and partnership. Hungary stands ready to continue its active engagement and work hand in hand with the United Nations and all partners in our shared efforts to prevent and combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations. I thank you.


I thank the representative of Hungary and I now give the floor to the representative of Malta to be followed by the Philippines.


I thank you, Chair. Malta welcomes the convening of the meeting and joins others in congratulating the Executive Director, Ms. Natalia Gherman, 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 express our gratitude for the role it has played in supporting and assisting Malta in implementing key measures. We value CTED'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 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-organised a High-Level side event during the High-Level Week which provided a platform to advance dialogue on the practical implementation 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 radicalisation, particularly among youth and marginalised groups, strengthening institutional frameworks and fostering peer-to-peer learning and capacity building. The discussion also underscored 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 CTED for its invaluable support and close cooperation. Malta fully supports CTED's priorities including the prevention of violent extremism, the strengthening of the rule of law and the promotion of women's participation in counterterrorism policy making. We welcome the recent CTED 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 CTED 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 CTED and the CTC in the future. Thank you.