Excellencies, distinguished delegates and colleagues. In my capacity as the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, I now call to order this open briefing of the Committee, CTED, at 20:00 advancing global counter-terrorism efforts for the future. I begin the proceeding with an invitation to Mr. Eril Kurtney Ratri, Chief of the 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 apologizing on behalf of the Secretary-General who would have liked to be here at this important ASEAN+20 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 the 11th of September 2001, the global community recognized 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee and subsequently the Executive Directorate through Security Council Resolution 1535 represented the UN's commitment to fulfill this vital need. For two decades, the Directorate has played a crucial role bringing member states, organizations 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 marginalized, 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 fueled by mis and disinformation is deepening the polarization that feeds terrorism. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the message, I think, is clear. 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 in countering terrorism. First, our counter-terrorism 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 emphasized that security and human rights are not competing priorities. They are mutually reinforcing pillars of lasting and inclusive peace. 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 center 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, today we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, established by Security Council resolution 1373. Since CTED became operational in 2005, it has proven to be a reliable and effective executive arm to the Counter-Terrorism Committee while operating under its policy guidance as special political. 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 counter-terrorism. These address requirements in areas such as legal and criminal justice response, international cooperation, counter-terrorism, the financing, countering the financing of terrorism, law enforcement, border management, development, national comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism 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 effectively 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 counter-terrorism. 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 counter-terrorism efforts. I thank you. I now give the floor to Ms. Natalia Gherman, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director, CTED for her opening remarks. Madam, you have the floor.

Your Excellency, Mr. Chair, your Excellency, Courtney Rattray, Chef de Cabinet, Excellencies, distinguished participants, it is my honor to address you at this open briefing marking 20 years of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. Since the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism 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 organized 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 counter-terrorism 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 amended human rights, rule of law and gender perspectives as cross-cutting issues. Our effectiveness is underpinned by strong partnership with the United Nations system and beyond. We engage regularly with international, regional and sub-regional organizations recognizing that counter-terrorism 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 change continues to outstrip many Member States' capacity to respond. Resource constraints limit many States' ability to implement comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate 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 Amr Benatia, your role has been central in convening this anniversary meeting. Thank you very much for supporting CTED.

I thank Ms. Gherman 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 counter-terrorism coordination compact partners at national, regional and global levels. I will now give the floor to Ms. Maria Zabolotskaya, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation. We will moderate this session in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the Committee. Madame, you have the floor.

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

Thank you, Madam Zabolotskaya. Now you are going? Thank you, Madam Zabolotskaya. Now I am giving you the chair. Oh, okay. I'm sorry, I have to go to the chair.

Distinguished colleagues, that's just a minor glitch. I now would like to give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Aksoltan Ataeva, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN. You have the floor, your Excellency. Excellency, Chief of SG Cabinet Court Near East. Your Excellency, Mr. Amr Benatia, Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. Your Excellency, Assistant Secretary-General, Natalia Gherman, distinguished members of the Committee, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honor for Turkmenistan to take part in this open briefing commemorating the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, a body that has over two decades become the cornerstone of the global counter-terrorism 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 aid 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee in December 2024. The visit was led by the Assistant Secretary-General Natalia Gherman, 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 counter-terrorism, while briefing together expertise from multiple United Nations entities and regional organizations to provide comprehensive practical guidance on implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions. They visited, 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 counter-terrorism 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 counter-terrorism 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 stay informed of trends, issues and developments related to terrorism and counter-terrorism. 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 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee and CTED, because lasting resilience is built not in moments of crisis 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. Tumuko Moriko, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the United Nations. Thank you, Vice-Chair, Chef de Cabinet, the Secretary-General, Vice-Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, ASG and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. This is a flagship entity within the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Architecture. Allow me to warmly thank the Secretary-General, Ambassador Amr Benatia and Ms. Natalia Gherman. I would 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 an incredibly tangible and first-hand experience of the prominent role played by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate CTED. This was first garnered as a member of the CTC Committee during our 2018 to 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 international law the provisions of the 19 international counter-terrorism 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 counter-terrorism 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 programs. These include the following: CT Travel, that is the Countering Terrorist Travel program; 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 Counter-Terrorism Academy in Jacqueville in Côte d'Ivoire. We've done this namely by advocating for demobilizing of the necessary funding to promote its internationalization. The academy participated alongside us in the side event co-organized by France on the 23rd of June 2023. 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 promise strengthened 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 counter-terrorism efforts that stand side by side with us. I wish to conclude by wishing a happy anniversary to 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 El-Dawla, Chief of Section, CTED.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Excellencies, distinguished participants, as a former senior prosecutor on counter-terrorism, 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee in its formative years after 9/11 and 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 in force. From its earliest days, CTED has prioritized countering the financing of terrorism, supporting Member States in the criminalization and prosecution, freezing mechanisms and comprehensive risk assessments, while addressing emerging threats such as the misuse of new technologies and links between organized 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 counter-terrorism 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 counter-terrorism 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 gender perspective in its work, recognizing 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 counter-terrorism 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 El-Dawla for his statement. Our next speaker is Mr. Ahab Omais, Director for Policy and Coordination, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. Mr. Omais, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It's a great honor to join you today to mark the 20th anniversary of the Counter-Terrorism 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 counter-terrorism efforts. This architecture was born when the Security Council adopted Resolution 1373 and established the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the CTC. CTED became the executive and operational arm of the CTC in 2005, tasked with assessing Member States' implementation of counter-terrorism obligations and facilitating technical assistance. From the outset, CTED has been a cornerstone of UN Security's framework, combining rigorous analysis with field engagement and policy innovation. The establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism 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 formalized and deepened this partnership, recognizing the need for a whole-of-UN approach to counter terrorism. 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 counter-terrorism 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 Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia is mapped against CTC'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 CTC's recommendations to these countries. The European Union, United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Threats Facility Project implemented by UNOCT, for instance, systematically builds onto CTC's assessments to design support to requesting member states. CTED is involved in conducting capacity consultations to scope and prioritize the needs of beneficiaries requesting support, resulting in roadmaps that guide the provision of technical assistance. This model, first developed for the UN counter-terrorism travel program, has been applied under additional six programs in the fields of countering terrorist use of weapons, countering the financing of terrorism, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration, protecting vulnerable targets, interagency coordination and 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 Zuev and the whole United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, 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 counter-terrorism 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. Omais for his statement. The next speaker we will hear from is Mr. Matteo Pasquali, Deputy Representative, UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Mr. Pasquali, 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 Counter-Terrorism 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, our UNOCT Executive Director, I'm delighted to share some of the key highlights and reflections on the work that the UN and UNODC have been doing together in the last year or so. Distinguished delegates, as I mentioned, the UN and UNODC have long enjoyed a high-functioning partnership. We often highlight it as a prime example of a whole-of-UN approach. This is due to the inherent complementarity of our respective mandates. We have an excellent compilation of various forms and fronts, and I would like to share with you some examples. In the true spirit of such an approach, CTED routinely invites UNODC to its assessment visits, and it's a rarity if we do not participate in them. UNODC's 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 organized crime is an area in which we are especially active, having developed a flagship initiative 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: UNODC's invaluable country assessment recommendations guide our programming. In the case of Nigeria, for instance, we were seated in UNODC, where project partners from 2010 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 213 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 a CTC's first assessment visit to the Federal Republic of Somalia in February 2025, a subsequent session was convened to review previous and ongoing CTC assistance to the country to better understand the scope of assistance and coordinate future support. Also, the topic of judicialization of information collected in border areas and areas of crisis translated into evidence is another example. CTED developed guidance 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 courts. Moving forward, we need to continue to leverage one another's comparative advantages, and I hope that UNODC and CTC partnership can serve as a good example of effective cross-fertilization between sister agencies. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pasquali, 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 the 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 1. I would like to thank you all for your kind attention. I will now yield the chair to another CTC Vice-Chair, the Deputy Permanent Representative of France, Jay TarriM-Dekari. He will be chairing Session 2: Trends and Developments in Terrorism and CTED's role in addressing evolving threats and assisting Member States against the backdrop of evolving threats. Thank you. Madame Executive Director, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. We will now begin Session 2: Trends and developments in terrorism and counter-terrorism, as well as the evolving role of CTED. I would like to invite our first panelist, Colonel Paul David Barbo, Military Liaison Advisor 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, the ability of our defense 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 radicalization. And last but not least, as part of the strategy, we have diverse, 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 defense and security forces as they combat terrorism and tackle asymmetric threats. Furthermore, we're helping reintegration and re-education programs so that we can help vulnerable youth 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 lasts. In that spirit, we are involved in constructive cooperation with CTED. In March of this year, a second assessment visit was conducted to Cameroon after the 2015 visit. 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. Madame, we can't hear you at the moment. We're going to try and resolve that little problem. Thank you. We could try again. Could you please try to speak, madam, and then we can see if the problem has 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 2206 of 2017. 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 the 28th of September 2001 in the aftermath of the 911 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 institutionalize counter-terrorism measures as a critically important step in the Council's work promoting international peace and security. Commencement of CTED operations in 2005 assisting the Counter-Terrorism Committee was a pivotal development in expanding and enhancing the UN's role in counter-terrorism. CTED, the 1267 Monitoring Team, and the establishment of UNOCT, in addition to the traditional roles of the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, constitute the core of the comprehensive UN counter-terrorism regime we have today. The hallmark of this overarching counter-terrorism 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, Da'esh 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 limited. 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 to. 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 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 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 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 Da'esh 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 capitalize 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 Da'esh and their affiliates remains dynamic and diverse. While CT successes such as the death of Abu Khadijah, Deputy Leader of ISIL, represents a major setback for the Da'esh organization in Iraq and the Syrian Badia region, ISIL is determined to undermine the government in Syria. Al-Qaida 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-Qaida 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 not being able to pay people. Recent reports, however, now indicate that there has 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, et cetera, 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 counter-terrorism 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 counter terrorism. The 1267 Monitoring Team looks forward to working with CTED in this next phase of its iteration to strengthen the United Nations counter-terrorism regime. Congratulations again and thank you.

I thank Ms. Eckert for her briefing. We're going to try once again to give the floor to Ms. Ishak. She is a 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 strengthened social media monitoring for early detection and intervention. This minimally intrusive method allows investigators to assess belief systems and behavioral 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 of the Central Bank. All terrorism-related cases are investigated in parallel with financing components until it is confirmed that no financial element is involved. The cornerstone of our preventive efforts lies in our de-radicalization program, which operates both outside and within the criminal justice system. Once a subject shows signs of radicalization, the assessment process begins immediately. Offices review online activity and current behavior 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 counseling on the legal and social consequences of extremist involvement. These are the youth we can still reach before they cross the line into illegality. Thank you.

Committee, 1373 Committee, Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, ISIL. Da'esh, Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General, Assistant Secretary-General, President, Vice-President, Chairperson, Chair, Rapporteur, Special Rapporteur, High Commissioner, Permanent Representative, Ambassador, Excellency, plenipotentiary, credentials, ratification, accession, denunciation, reservation, protocol, annex, charter, covenant, convention, resolution, decision, recommendation, declaration, agenda item, plenary, subsidiary organ, procedural motion. Point of order, right of reply, consensus.

Cross-Border cooperation among designated officers active and effective. We are deeply grateful to CTED for recognizing 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 unique expertise to enhance and adapt our counter-terrorism measures in line with Security Council obligations and in response to the evolving terrorism threat. We look forward to CTED's future visit as we continue to strengthen our national and regional counter-terrorism efforts. I thank you. I thank Mr. Isik for that statement. I'm now going to give the floor to our next speaker. That is Dr. Olajumoke Ayandele from New York University. He is a member of the CTED Global Research Network. The GRN. Dr. Ayandele, you have the floor. Excellencies, colleagues and distinguished delegates, it is an honor to address you today as a member of CTED's Global Research Network and as a faculty at NYU Center 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 Côte d'Ivoire's mandate, this is more than an anniversary. It is a moment for reflection and recalibration. And that is because the threat landscape has changed.

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 frontline. 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. The information domain is the new battlefield. Recruitment and radicalization, 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 monetized livestreams 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 tied lightening. 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 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 programs 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 operationalizing African-led frameworks for resilience. I see CTED as especially as a member of the Global Research Network, helping to align national and regional strategies with the AU's PCRD frameworks to support member states to move from short-term stabilization 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 transforming 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 incentivize 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 counter-terrorism 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 conveyor of evidence, and a partner in resilience. Thank you very much. I thank Dr. Ayandele for that briefing. I'm now going to give the floor to the last speaker on this panel, Ms. Maya Reghav from the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding. She joins us virtually. Thank you.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor 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 counterterrorism. 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 epicenter 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 structure, 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 organized crime, networks, trafficking and illicit economies. These evolving dynamics highlight that terrorism cannot be addressed in isolation. 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 radicalization, 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 Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, commonly known as the CCCPA, 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 programs to support local authorities in developing disarmament demobilization rehabilitation reintegration frameworks, as well as capacity building trainings to enhance the role of community leaders, particularly women community leaders, in preventing radicalization extremism leading to terrorism. In Borno State, 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 emphasized how understanding the manipulation of religious concepts by extremists empowered them to engage confidently in counter-narrative efforts within their own communities. Similarly, in Somalia, Mozambique, Mali, and the broader Sahel region, CCCPA engagement with community leaders, religious leaders, and Imams demonstrated the critical role and influence that trusted voices can play in preventing youth radicalization. Religious leaders, given their authority and credibility, can be among the most effective agents of prevention. What these experiences teach us is that effective counter-terrorism 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 organized crime, and the growing impact of climate-related risks. These interrelated challenges call for a 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 the 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 Jadoon. Thank you to all of you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you so very much. Thank you very much.

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. Yeah, the pastoral and community members. 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 and Denmark. And China. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan. 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 analyzing 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 recognized in General Assembly 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 measures. Fourth, terrorist groups are using the internet as a command and control center with technical tools like cryptocurrencies to transfer funds and dark web to recruit, organize 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 UN counter-terrorism 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 radicalization 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 as 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. Gührmann, distinguished colleagues, the Russian Federation would like to offer its heartfelt congratulations to the Counter-Terrorism 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 UN's counter-terrorism 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 counter-terrorism 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 principled importance for us is that when UN bodies, first and foremost the UN OCT, when they are planning capacity building programs, 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 caliber of the expert support the Committee receives from CTED. The Russian Federation sees 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, terrorist 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 organizations 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 counter-terrorism 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 ASG Gherman. 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 recognizes its vital role in our collective counterterrorism efforts. As others have noted, we must recognize global terrorist threats have shifted, as have the necessary responses and tools to eliminate those threats. During this time, the mandate has also 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 prioritizing 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 and facilitating the necessary technical assistance and support. The U.S. 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 programs that help countries adhere to international obligations. We look forward to working closely with CTED and our esteemed colleagues in the CTC on this endeavor. 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 for counter-terrorism measures. I will make three quick points on how CTED's role can be further utilized. 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 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 Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate. We also thank all speakers that contributed to today's discussion. The role of CTED in the UN counter-terrorism 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. 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.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. 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 counter-terrorism and pinpointing ways of improving the situation in each state. We would 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee, the CTC and CTED have created a framework for tackling contemporary challenges. For instance, the instrumentalization 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. Continue our efforts at a time when terrorist groups, first and foremost Al-Qaida and Da'esh, pose a serious threat and continue to reconfigure. We must also mobilize 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 that 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 counter-terrorism architecture. Over the past two decades, CTED has built remarkable expertise through its assessments and dialogue with Member States. That knowledge base and professionalism is what makes CTED such a trusted partner. Counter-terrorism 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 counter-terrorism framework. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark. I now give the floor to the representative of China, to be followed by Somalia and Panama. Chair. First of all, I would like to congratulate CTED on its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, CTED has fulfilled its mandates and responsibilities, working substantially to support CTED in monitoring the implementation of Security Council counter-terrorism resolutions, identifying emerging terrorist threats and developing counter-terrorism policy documents. It has made positive contributions to advancing the global fight against terrorism. China highly commends the 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 resurfacing and spreading. The counter-terrorism situation is very severe. Against such a background, international counter-terrorism cooperation must be strengthened, not weakened. The Security Council should continue to prioritize 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-OCT, CTED and other agencies jointly held a dialogue to hear Member States' views on reforming the counter-terrorism architecture. Most countries largely approve the existing structure. At the same time, they hope for enhanced inter-agency coordination to achieve synergies. In this regard, we hope CTED will strengthen cooperation with UN-OCT, Monitoring Team and UNO's DC to provide member states with higher quality and more efficient support and services in combating terrorism. China has put forward the 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-U.N. Peace and Development Trust Fund, we have supported counterterrorism projects implemented by U.N. agencies such as CTED and UNOCT in Somalia, 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. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Today we gather here to mark the 20th anniversary of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. CTED, 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, including Somalia, 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 increase leverage digital platforms to recruit, organize 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 solution alone is 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 organizations such as the African Union and leverage their distinctive expertise and deeply rooted experience. We particularly appreciate CTED's commitment to ensuring that counter-terrorism measures remain consistent with international law. This balanced approach strengthens both effectiveness and legitimacy of global counter-terrorism effort. The true measures 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 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 Counter-Terrorism Committee and all international partners to address the evolving threats, thread landscapes and build safer 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.

Mr. Chairman, Panama welcomes and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Counterterrorism Committee, Counterterrorism 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 scourge 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 counter-terrorism 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 counter-terrorism efforts. Africa faces an escalating crisis with well-equipped terrorist groups employing organized crime and new technology. Cited focus and United Nations funds must flow directly to affected countries and regions, not be dispersed broadly while specific affected areas burn. The Algeria guiding principles on preventing terrorism financing through new technology represent a CTED concrete contribution to CTC's mission. As CTED enters its third decade, we continue claiming African ownership resource to Frontline states targeted action in affected States. Thank you, Mr. Moderator.

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 to do. We commend the support provided by CTED to member states and welcome the appointment of a well not so new anymore new desk officer for the Caribbean. We acknowledge the directorate's work in examining the nexus between terrorism and organized 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 the Secretary-General we have established a national committee as CTED, we have established a relevant legislative framework, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Framework, which criminalizes 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 improved intelligence gathering and sharing mechanism. 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, Philippines, 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.

I would like to express the Kingdom of Bahrain's sincere gratitude to the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee for his leadership and the diligent efforts of the entire team and to convey our heartfelt congratulations to the Counter-Terrorism 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 counter-terrorism obligations, which includes identifying best practice, providing technical conducting monitoring and evaluation and fostering international cooperation. The Kingdom of Bahrain extends its unwavering support to the CTED and for the work of all bodies of the UN in 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 practice, 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 to 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 Hamad Global Center 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 Center 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 effective 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 Counter-Terrorism 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 efforts. Over the past 20 years, CTED has not only assisted the work of the CTED 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 where 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 a small country 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. CTED's visit was both an opportunity to take a look at the bigger picture and provided snapshots of area 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 counter-terrorism efforts, but also takes into account cross-cutting issues that we support, respect for the rule of law and human rights, encountering terrorism involving civil society in prevention work and factoring in women, peace and security and gender aspects in the new counter-terrorism 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 honor 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 counter-terrorism 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 O.C.T., the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the Counter-Terrorism 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 Counter-Terrorism, which is the second largest UN counter-terrorism office globally after New York. To further strengthen our framework, Hungary recently had the honor 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 strategic against radicalization. The delegation also conducted the site visits, including to the Liszt Ferenc International Airport, the Roske border crossing point and the Victim Support Center, 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 Hungary's 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 the dialogues with the UN experts to be highly constructive. We sincerely thank CTED and its entities for 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 this 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 exchanges on challenges and best practices, leading to the strengthening of our counter-terrorism framework. Earlier this year, Malta hosted the International Conference on National and Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategies, which brought together a wide range of Member States, regional organizations, United Nations entities and civil society. This brought participation enabled a substantive exchange of perspectives and best practices. The conference resulted in the adoption of the Valetta Principles, a set of 42 non-binding recommendations designed to guide Member States and regional bodies in developing effective, legitimate and sustainable counter-terrorism strategies. Building on the Bogota Principles, these recommendations promote a whole of government and whole of society approach, practical cooperation and robust oversight. The Valetta Principles reflect a strong consensus on the need for inclusive and practical counter-terrorism frameworks, and we are confident that these recommendations will provide useful guidance for future global counter-terrorism efforts. As a testament to Malta's steadfast commitment to its role as custodian of the Valetta Principles, together with CTED, we co-organized a high-level side event during the High-Level Week, which provided a platform to advance dialogue on the practical implementation of the Valetta Principles and to encourage their uptake by the international community. The panel of experts highlighted the importance of adapting the principles to national contexts, addressing radicalization, particularly among youth and marginalized groups, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering peer-to-peer learning and capacity building. The discussion also 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 policymaking. 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 Valetta 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.

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

I thank the representative of the Philippines and I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia followed by the EU.

Please.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the European Union, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to CTED on reaching two decades of dedicated service within the UN counter-terrorism architecture. From the EU standpoint, CTED's role is central. Terrorism is a global cross-border threat. Since its establishment at the Security Council resolution 1535, CTED has become the principal body assisting the Counter-Terrorism Committee in assessing Member States' implementation of resolution 1373. And subsequent obligations. Over those years, CTED has conducted more than 200 assessment visits to over 120 Member States, including many EU Member States, building a unique body of knowledge on good practices and gaps and supporting capacity building and international cooperation. Importantly, CTED has consistently integrated human rights, the rule of law and international law into its work. That approach fully aligns with the EU's conviction that counter-terrorism is only effective when firmly anchored in human rights and international law. Our cooperation with CTED has been longstanding and constructive. We value the regular exchange of expertise, mutual support in capacity building and joint work on normative frameworks, including the Global Counterterrorism Forum's Brussels Memorandum on Oversight and Accountability. We look forward to deepening cooperation further, including through the GCTF. Looking ahead, the UN reform process presents an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that the UN counter-terrorism architecture remains fit for purpose. The EU is open to reform that strengthens coordination, streamlines delivery and avoids duplication, while at the same time enhancing transparency and accountability to ensure that all UN counter-terrorism efforts fully comply with the fourth pillar of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. But reform must not dilute functional independence, nor erode specialized mandates such as CTED. Bodies like CTED must remain structurally and operationally independent with their expertise and credibility preserved. In that spirit, we welcome CTED's reflections today on the evolving threat landscape and on how we can best support it to preserve and strengthen this cornerstone of global counter-terrorism efforts. Thank you very much.

I thank you for those remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of Ecuador to be followed by Japan. Gracias, Señor Presidente.

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

Thank you. I thank the representative of Japan and I now give the floor to the representative of Germany, followed by Cuba. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, at the outset, allow me to thank the Chair of the CTC for organizing this important event and to express my appreciation to the panelists for their valuable contributions. Let me also extend our warmest congratulations to CTED on its 20th anniversary. Since its establishment, CTED has become an indispensable pillar of the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture. Colleagues, terrorism remains a grave threat to international peace and security, demanding global cooperation with the United Nations at its core. Germany is proud to be among the major contributors to the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture. We firmly believe that counter-terrorism must address root causes such as poverty, inequality and weak governance while protecting human rights. Germany is deeply concerned about the rapid increase of terrorist attacks in Africa, in particular in the Sahel region. That is why we place a strong focus on this region in our capacity-building efforts on countering terrorism. As co-chair of the West Africa Capacity Building Working Group within the Global Counterterrorism Forum, together with Algeria, we actively contribute to the fight against terrorism. We are committed to supporting African-led counterterrorism capacities, including AFRIPOLE, for example, by organizing workshops on new technologies for fighting terrorism and organized crime. We also support African civil law enforcement and military capacities through our enable and enhance initiative. Given the transnational nature of terrorism, we are actively involved in the integrated border security mechanism project, and we also support initiatives like the African Union border program to address cross-border terrorism. As this year's chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, we are working to foster integrated long-term strategies for strengthening peace and governance, which are essential components of a sustainable counterterrorism approach. Let me close by emphasizing that CTED's analytical work remains a cornerstone for the UN's counterterrorism efforts. We deeply value its expertise and look forward to continuing our close and constructive cooperation in the years ahead. I thank you.

Thank you for those remarks. I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba, followed by Morocco. Senor Presidente.

Have been planned and organized from the territory of the United States with the support, protection and financing of the government of that country. The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations requires that we adopt a comprehensive approach and it requires international cooperation on the basis of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and of international law. We condemn any and all actions aiming to encourage support, finance or shield any act, method or practice that is terrorist in design or intention. These acts should not be justified by the invoking of any religion, nationality or belonging to ethnic group. The rejection of terrorism is a pillar of Cuba's foreign policy as endorsed by our constitution. We continue to be exemplary in our conduct in terms of how we tackle this global problem, including as a state party to the 19 international conventions related to this issue. Terrorism cannot be eradicated while we continue to see double standards prevail alongside manipulation, political opportunism, and selectivity when it comes to tackling it. Cuba's inclusion by the U.S. government on its arbitrary and unilateral list of states allegedly sponsoring terrorism makes it clear that there is political manipulation of the struggle against this scourge. The UN global counterterrorism strategy will be reviewed in 2026 by the General Assembly. It reaffirms the central role that this organ must play in coordinating global efforts to implement it. There is an urgent need to resume negotiations on a General Convention on International Terrorism. This convention should fully encompass all facets of this phenomenon, including acts in which there are states directly or indirectly involved. This would be a significant, meaningful contribution to efforts aiming genuinely to eliminate terrorism. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Cuba for those remarks, and I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco to be followed by Norway. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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

I thank the representative of Morocco and I now give the floor to the representative of Norway to be followed by the League of Arab States and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.

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

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the representative of the League of Arab States to be followed by PAM, the Parliamentary Assembly.

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

I thank the representative of the League of Arab States for those remarks. The representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Very nice to see you in the chair. It's on. I start again. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Guterres, very nice to see you chairing this meeting and thank you, Executive Director. We have had such good cooperation. I'm very pleased to be here. So, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, PAM, extends its warm congratulations to the Executive Director, Ms. Natalia Gherman, and the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, CTED, on the 20th anniversary. We also thank all the experts and officials who gave excellent briefings this morning. Since its inception, PAM has devoted much effort to counter-terrorist activities, being the first of the international organizations to agree on a working definition of terrorism. These efforts have been recognized by the international community. And last year, PAM was elected Chair of the UN Mechanisms for Parliamentary Assemblies on Counter-Terrorism. PAM, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and CTED enjoy a long-standing and solid partnership and cooperation. PAM's Centre for Global Studies is strongly committed to assisting and advancing this mission. PAM and CTED are currently working together to explore how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are being exploited by terrorists, as well as how to monitor and prevent the malicious use of spyware. PAM and CTED will co-host side events during the General Assembly, the next UN Counter-Terrorism Week in 2026 and within the framework of the Internet Governance Platform, IGF, in 2027. Next year it will be PAM's turn to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The success of the Assembly would not have been possible without the fruitful collaboration with CTED. In order to further strengthen our cooperation, it is my pleasure to invite the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and Ms. Guterres to participate in the 20th plenary session of PAM to be held on May 20-26 in Port of Montenegro. I hope you will be able to come. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for those remarks. There are no more speakers inscribed on the list for this Q&A session. And in true UN tradition, hardly any questions were posed. But we had a very substantive exchange of views. I now give the floor back to the chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, His Excellency, the permanent representative of Algeria. Thank you, Mr. Jadun. Thank you, all the participants for their intervention. I now invite Ms. Natalia Gherman, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of CTED, to deliver closing remarks after this rich participation of Member States.

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

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