S/PV.10049 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by the Chairs of the following subsidiary bodies of the Security Council: Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, and Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Permanent Representative of Panama, and Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I now give the floor to Ambassador Landi. Ms. Landi: On behalf of the Committee, I am pleased to provide an overview of the evolving terrorist threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and their affiliates, drawing on the latest assessments of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. I will also provide a summary of the Committee’s activities from 1 January to 18 November. The threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and their affiliates remains dynamic and geographically diverse, with the highest intensity observed in Africa. ISIL, Al-Qaida and their affiliates continue to step up their propaganda, exploiting social media platforms to glorify violence, recruit youth and raise funds. Their continued use of cryptocurrencies poses a growing challenge to sanctions implementation. The identity of ISIL’s leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, has not been confirmed. Reflecting losses in the Middle East, ISIL has pivoted towards Africa, where affiliates such as the Islamic State West Africa Province have expanded activities and propaganda. ISIL-Khorasan is one of the most serious threats in Central and South Asia, with at least 2,000 fighters under Sanaullah Ghafari. They continue to target Shia communities, de facto Afghan authorities and foreign nationals. Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with its approximately 6,000 fighters, is another serious threat emanating from the region, receiving both logistical and substantial support from the de facto authorities. The TTP has conducted numerous high-profile attacks in Pakistan from Afghan soil, some of which incurred mass casualties. Across regions, foreign terrorist fighter movements, in particular between Syria, Africa and Central Asia, remain a persistent concern for Member States. Al-Qaida’s central leadership remains weak and largely marginalized, while affiliates, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin in the Sahel, have exploited local grievances to expand their reach and financing. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula also continues to incite attacks and raise funds. Overall, ISIL and Al-Qaida have proven resilient, adaptive and opportunistic, exploiting regional instability, weak governance and emerging technologies to sustain relevance and project influence. These developments underscore the need for During the reporting period, the Committee maintained a sustained programme of work. It met in informal consultations three times —— on 7 March, 21 July and 3 November —— and is expected to meet once again in December. The Committee is also scheduled to hold a joint, open briefing for all Member States with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) in December. An important aspect of the Committee’s work is to deliberate on the Monitoring Team’s mandated reports and formulate its position on its recommendations. The Committee undertook this task in July, meeting informally to discuss the Monitoring Team’s thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth report recommendations. The Committee continued to be supported by the Monitoring Team in accordance with resolution 2734 (2024). The Team submitted its thirty-sixth report in June. Its thirty-seventh report is expected by the end of December. The Monitoring Team also contributed to the Secretary-General’s twentieth report on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) (S/2025/72). The Team also engaged widely with Member States, including through travel and three regional meetings of heads of intelligence and security services to support the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Council maintained the humanitarian carveout for sanctions through resolution 2761 (2024), which extended the exemption first established by resolution 2664 (2022). In line with resolution 2664 (2022), the Committee heard a briefing from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in November on humanitarian implementation. As of 10 November, the Committee had received 32 travel ban exemption requests from Member States; 19 were approved, one was withdrawn, and 11 were received post-travel or only notified the Committee. The Committee received seven assets freeze exemption requests —— four for basic expenses and three for extraordinary expenses. None of the extraordinary assets freeze exemption requests were approved. In October, the Committee also approved the appointment of a new Ombudsperson. From January to November, two individuals were delisted by the Security Council. Two individuals were also delisted by the Committee upon recommendation of the Ombudsperson. In addition, one individual was listed, and the Committee approved amendments to the entries and narrative summaries of 19 individuals and one entity. The sanctions list pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) currently contains 252 individuals and 89 entities. The Committee also undertook the 2024 annual review process based on input from Member States. The annual review is still ongoing and is expected to conclude in December. The Secretariat continued to provide substantive and procedural support to the Committee, including briefings for incoming Council members, public outreach on expert recruitment for the Monitoring Team and technical maintenance of the Sanctions List. The resilience and adaptability of ISIL, Al-Qaida and their affiliates reinforce the importance of maintaining the sanctions regime pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) as a core element of the international community’s counter-terrorism toolkit. I encourage Member States to redouble efforts to identify and propose new designations, to share updated identifiers and supplementary information in support of the annual review and to engage actively with the Committee, the Monitoring

I thank Ambassador Landi for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Bendjama. Mr. Bendjama: As Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, I have the honour to brief the Council on key aspects of the work of the Committee, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). The past year has seen continued evolution in global terrorism threats and challenges. The terrorism threat in Africa is acute, currently accounting for more than 50 per cent of terrorism incidents and victims globally. In particular, the security situation across West Africa and the Sahel remains deeply troubling, marked by expanding attacks perpetrated by the Al-Qaida-affiliated Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, Islamic State Sahel Province, Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, among others. Terrorist groups and their supporters continue to accelerate their use of the Internet, social media platforms, artificial intelligence and gaming platforms to disseminate terrorist messaging, recruit individuals, engage in fundraising and conduct operational planning. The linkages between terrorism and organized crime continue to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Terrorists continue to expand their use of unmanned aircraft systems in increasingly sophisticated ways, including as improvised weapons and for surveillance, often employing and integrating dual-use technologies. These developments underscore the urgency of strengthening international responses. To support Member States’ efforts to prevent and disrupt the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes, the Committee, under Algeria’s presidency, adopted a set of non-binding guiding principles referred to as the Algeria Guiding Principles. With CTED’s support, the Committee has continued to engage with Member States, United Nations entities, international and regional organizations, academia, the private sector and civil society organizations in order to assist Member States in addressing terrorist threats and challenges, in accordance with the relevant Council resolutions on terrorism. In doing so, the Committee has focused on three key areas in its work. The first key area is the assessment of Member States’ implementation efforts. The Committee has conducted eight visits since its previous report to the Council (see S/PV.9784). From November 2024 until now, CTED, on behalf of the Committee, has visited Austria, Cameroon, Chad, Hungary, Malta, Norway, Somalia and Turkmenistan. The visits provide an effective vehicle for direct and constructive engagement and dialogue between the Committee and Member States. They remain a critical component of the Committee’s assessment process, and they allow the Committee to learn first-hand about the technical challenges that practitioners in Member States face and about their implementation efforts. Member States continue to indicate that they benefit from the visits and the post-visit engagement. Pursuant to resolution 2617 (2021), I invited senior representatives of Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Malta, Mauritania, Somalia, the United Republic of Tanzania and Turkmenistan to attend Committee meetings at which their preliminary assessment and observations reports were presented. The Committee continued its stocktaking work using its enhanced stocktaking tools designed to produce quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform the relevant policy decisions of the Committee. The second key area is facilitating the delivery of technical assistance to States in need. In this regard, the Committee and CTED have maintained their close The third key area is the continued promotion of Member States’ implementation efforts. On 27 October, the Committee held an open briefing to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the formation of CTED, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders to reflect on two decades of CTED. Discussions focused on the impact of CTED’s work and lessons learned, trends and developments and CTED’s unique ability to support Member States in their counter-terrorism efforts. The Committee has also continued, in accordance with its mandate, to integrate human rights and the various ways terrorism targets women and girls, men and boys into its efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism and to ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable. To conclude, I wish to express my thanks to the CTED Executive Director, Assistant Secretary-General Natalia Gherman, for her leadership and to thank her very able team and the Committee’s Secretary for the support provided to the Chair and the Committee in this reporting cycle. I also wish to convey my deep appreciation to all members of the Committee for their constructive engagement, which enables me to efficiently lead the work of the Committee in full unity.

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

On behalf of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), it is my honour to report on the progress made since our previous joint briefing delivered on 14 November 2024 (see S/PV.9784). In addition, as per paragraph 22 of resolution 2663 (2022), I will address the 1540 Committee’s cooperation with the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism. The Security Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) more than 21 years ago represented a watershed moment in international efforts to strengthen the non-proliferation architecture by addressing the threat posed by proliferation by non-State actors, especially for terrorist purposes. The devastating and potentially catastrophic consequences that could arise from the use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons by such actors remain a matter of grave concern to the international community. States have made considerable progress in implementing the aforementioned resolution, as noted by the Committee through the 2022 comprehensive review process. However, the full and effective implementation of the resolution remains a long-term task. The Committee’s mandate regarding supporting and monitoring national implementation, assisting Member States upon request, cooperating with relevant international, regional and subregional organizations and ensuring transparency and dissemination is reflected in resolution 1540 (2004) and subsequent resolutions. Furthermore, pursuant to paragraph 26 of resolution 2663 (2022), the Committee organized an open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations, which took place on 29 and 30 October 2025. The Committee’s activities relating to all aspects of resolution 1540 (2004), including matters relating to assistance, were also summarized. The open briefing provided Member States, international, regional and subregional organizations and other mechanisms with an opportunity to present their offers of assistance and Member States with an opportunity to voluntarily share their experiences, lessons learned and best practices on implementation. I am also pleased to inform the Council that, from 15 to 17 December, the 1540 Committee will co-organize, together with the Republic of Panama and with the support of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, a training course on contact points for resolution 1540 (2004) for Latin America and the Caribbean, to be held in Panama City. Regarding national implementation reports, 185 Member States have submitted initial reports to the Committee containing information on the measures that they have taken or plan to take to implement resolution 1540 (2004), leaving only 8 States that have yet to do so. To encourage the remaining States to submit their first reports, in September 2025, the Committee sent correspondence to those States reaffirming that the Committee remained ready to provide assistance in that area or on any other matter related to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In addition, the Committee encourages States to develop and, where appropriate, update voluntary national implementation plans, which are useful in defining Member States’ priorities and their plans for implementing the key provisions of resolution 1540 (2004). To date, 48 voluntary national plans have been submitted by 39 States, while others are preparing or updating their national implementation action plans. During the reporting period, the Committee and its Group of Experts visited four States, at their invitation and in cooperation with several international, regional and subregional organizations, to assist them in reviewing and preparing their voluntary national implementation action plans. Following the Committee’s extensive efforts to highlight the importance of designating and updating national contact points for Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), in 2025, 20 Member States provided updates on their national contact points, including one State that designated its contact point for the first time. This brings the total number of Member States with contact points for resolution 1540 (2004) to 156. The Committee plays an important role in assisting Member States in fulfilling their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004), including by matching requests for assistance from States with offers of assistance from other States, as well as from international, regional and subregional organizations and other arrangements. In resolution 2663 (2022), the Security Council recognized that many Member States continued to require assistance to implement resolution 1540 (2004) and mandated the Committee to examine periodically, as appropriate, the role, efficiency and effectiveness of its mechanism for matching offers and requests for assistance, as well as the functioning of that mechanism. I am pleased to report that, in November 2024, the Committee completed and approved an update of the assistance mechanism aimed at improving the speed and In 2025, the Committee received five new requests for assistance. Currently, 46 Member States and 20 international, regional and subregional organizations have offered assistance related to resolution 1540 (2004). These offers are listed on the Committee’s website. To support the fulfilment of its obligations under resolution 1540 (2004), the Committee held four formal meetings in 2025. These meetings focused on the measures necessary to discharge the Committee’s obligations. Regarding those obligations, paragraph 13 of resolution 2663 (2022) encouraged the Committee to develop and revise, as appropriate, voluntary technical reference guides that Member States could take into account when implementing resolution 1540 (2004), such as guidance for the implementation of resolutions or other appropriate documents of that type, prepared with the assistance of the Group of Experts. I am pleased to report that, two months ago, the Committee approved a voluntary technical reference guide focusing on export controls. The newly approved technical reference guide relates to paragraph 3 of resolution 1540 (2004), which concerns the obligation to establish, develop, review and maintain appropriate and effective national export controls. The technical reference guide has also been published on the Committee’s website. In response to the Security Council’s request, the Committee’s website has continued to serve as a tool to build public awareness and a primary source of information and resources on Security Council resolution 1540 (2004). In conclusion, regarding our cooperation with the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee, I would like to highlight that while our mandate differs from the mandates of the other two Committees, the 1540 Committee has continued to fulfil its mandate in accordance with paragraph 22 of resolution 2663 (2022). That is to say, it has continued to enhance the exchange of information on issues where the mandates of the three Committees overlap, to consider opportunities to coordinate visits to Member States in line with the respective mandates of the three Committees and to report jointly to the Security Council with those two Committees every year, as is the case now. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of the 1540 Committee, the Group of Experts and the Secretariat, as well as the interpreters, for all the support provided to the Committee in carrying out its work effectively.

I thank Mr. Alfaro de Alba for his briefing. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Since the Security Council members have not heard from me in such a long time, and so that the Council members may not dare to forget the tone of my voice, I am pleased to speak again, this time, of course, in my national capacity as the representative of Panama. (spoke in Spanish) Panama wishes to express its gratitude for the dedicated work of Ms. Lassen and Mr. Bendjama and their teams for the progress achieved in the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism. Likewise, I thank my own team for the support provided during Panama’s chairing of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Although the three Committees have distinct mandates, their efforts converge on a common goal: to strengthen the global architecture that underpins international peace and security. The full implementation of the resolutions is essential to safeguard this purpose. Starting with the threat of Da’esh and Al-Qaida, which have proliferated in various regions with a dynamic and diverse presence, these groups use sophisticated schemes of financing for their terrorist activities, including new technological tools, thus enhancing their modus operandi. For this reason, we advocate that the sanctions committees remain vigilant, innovating to effectively and efficiently combat this threat, setting aside political considerations and working with a view to maintaining international peace and security. In Panama, at the national level, we have strengthened our regulatory frameworks, improving our domestic capacities for risk identification, in particular as a responsible financial centre. In line with this responsible stance, we join the efforts of the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while upholding our national principles that promote dialogue and the peaceful coexistence of all peoples. Regarding the Counter-Terrorism Committee, we recognize the value of its visits, which allow States to identify challenges and opportunities to strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks. We emphasize the importance of providing technical assistance that bridges real gaps and builds sustainable capacities on the ground. In this regard, we recognize the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) over the past 20 years and its role in coordinating initiatives that link security, prevention and institutional development. Panama supports the renewal of its mandate; prevention is imperative. Our work will only be effective if no one is left behind. For its part, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) is a fundamental pillar in the international architecture designed to prevent non-State actors from accessing weapons of mass destruction. We stress the importance of technical assistance in strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks of States. For Latin America and the Caribbean, this agenda is a priority. Consequently, as I mentioned earlier in my other capacity, Panama will jointly organize a regional course for points of contact in December 2025, together with the 1540 Committee and the Office for Disarmament Affairs. This will be the first such course in the region since 2016. We commend the adoption of the voluntary technical reference guide on export controls and the multi-year programme of outreach, in accordance with the mandates under resolution 2663 (2022). We underscore the importance of the Committee’s participation in activities to which it is invited, as well as CTED visits that can involve the participation of the Group of Experts, especially in countries that have not yet submitted their initial report. All things considered, I must emphasize that new and emerging technologies present significant challenges, but also opportunities to strengthen our collective efforts. It is essential to maintain and deepen the dialogue between the Monitoring Team, CTED and the Group of Experts. We also encourage the leaderships of the three bodies to meet and work together to explore joint actions where appropriate. We must strengthen coordination and cooperation, particularly in the face of the current budgetary crisis. Panama therefore reaffirms its commitment to combating

We thank the Chairs of the three Security Council Committees for their briefings on the work carried out by the subsidiary bodies under their chairmanship. We welcome the cooperation between the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), within their mandates and in strict accordance with the relevant Council resolutions. Each of these subsidiary bodies performs exceedingly important objectives in the context of facilitating the Security Council’s efforts in counter-terrorism and non-proliferation. We commend the work of the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. We believe that this is one of the most effective mechanisms at the disposal of the Council to address counter-terrorism. We thank the Danish chairmanship of the Committee for its able stewardship and its commitment to finding constructive solutions to various issues. The paramount priority remains unchanged: the effective implementation of Council resolutions in line with the counter-terrorism sanctions regime against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida, established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). The relevance and significance of the work of the 1267 Committee has never been in doubt, especially given the nature of contemporary terrorist threats posed by ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and their affiliates and by foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) in the Middle East; in central, south and south-east Asia; and in Africa. We take note of the growing rivalry between Al-Qaida and ISIL (Da’esh) over sources of funding and access to weapons, media resources and new recruits, including high-tech specialists. The above-mentioned groups have a wide range of tools at their disposal to finance their activities. They are constantly searching for new financial sources, continuously fine-tuning existing ones and looking for ways to strengthen their logistics. The fighters are leveraging the Internet to raise funds and perform financial operations, allowing them to carry out anonymous transactions. They transfer funds using bank accounts and cards, and they use various digital platforms, electronic wallets and the hawala system, with its extensive network of guarantors. We continue to be concerned by the persistent presence of the ISIL-Khorasan terrorist group in Afghanistan. We take note of the efforts of the Afghan authorities but we consider these measures to be unfortunately insufficient. Terrorists are steadily scaling up their influence in the country and deliberately fomenting tensions in an effort to establish themselves as an alternative force and undermine stability both in Afghanistan and the region as a whole. The fighters themselves confirm that the terrorist group is being financed from abroad and that they have FTFs within their ranks, including those who have gained battlefield experience in Syria and Iraq. Given the quantity of weapons abandoned by Western troops in the country, the threat of these weapons falling into the hands of terrorists and spreading in the region is becoming clearly apparent. There is a clear risk of terrorist activity spilling over into central Asia and beyond. In this regard, there is a need to adopt comprehensive measures to combat terrorism and dismantle all terrorist groups, as well as to prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorist purposes, including against other States. We are closely monitoring terrorist threats in a number of African countries. Local terrorist cells largely tend to exploit chronic socioeconomic problems, which There is a persistent threat posed by FTFs who have gained battlefield experience in the Middle East and are actively moving to their countries of origin or hotspots. In this context, we believe it is necessary to continue to maintain a laser focus on the issue of FTFs who are on counter-terrorism sanctions lists in order to prevent and counter their criminal activity and to ensure they do not avoid punishment. We support the professionalism of the 1267 Committee Monitoring Team, which makes a significant contribution to the work of the Committee. We call on all States to constructively cooperate with the Team. We trust that the reports of the Monitoring Team will continue to be objective and based on verified sources of information. Country visits by the Team constitute an important foundation for the study and analysis of contemporary terrorist threats. Visits by specialized experts to countries that are engaged in armed confrontation with terrorist groups and to countries directly facing terrorist activity must continue. The work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, (CTC) this year cannot be called effective. We have not managed to make up for gaps of previous years. We never held open briefings on topical issues previously approved by this subsidiary body. There is no agreement on the list of proposals for the assessment visits for 2025. There has been a significant reduction in the number of CTC plenary meetings. Moreover, it is evident that, against the backdrop of the persistent terrorist threat, with effective countermeasures becoming a priority for regions such as Africa, the Security Council needs to step up its efforts. There is a need for us to send regular messages that we are keeping a finger on the pulse and stand ready to jointly respond to contemporary threats and challenges. It is important to remember that the CTC’s efforts need to be focused on monitoring the implementation of relevant Council resolutions by States. We support the trend of prioritizing visits on behalf of the CTC to the most vulnerable regions, first and foremost in Africa. Yet, we also understand that Member States themselves can benefit from establishing constructive cooperation, including when it comes to conducting assessment visits and providing the necessary assistance to the CTC Executive Directorate (CTED), as well as in terms of timely responses to draft reports following visits for approval by the Committee and Committee briefings on successes and obstacles in implementing the recommendations contained in the reports. We insist that capacity-building projects and programmes planned and implemented by United Nations structures, primarily by the Office of Counter- Terrorism, should be based on the identified needs of Member States in terms of technical assistance and their willingness to receive such assistance. We also wish to thank CTED and Ms. Natalia Gherman, personally, for fulfilling the mandate of the Executive Directorate, which we intend to approve by the close of this year. The Russian Federation views resolution 1540 (2004) as a global platform for cooperation among all United Nations Member States in order to erect effective national barriers to prevent materials related to weapons of mass destruction from We will continue to firmly reject any attempts to expand this framework, including vesting the Committee with oversight, monitoring and attributive functions. It is important to bear in mind that the Committee’s Group of Experts operates exclusively under the wing of this Council subsidiary body and is one of the components of its support structure. At the same time, we would like to recall the clear division between the activities of the 1540 Committee and other subsidiary bodies under discussion today. The 1540 Committee is tasked with prevention and monitoring. Unlike the 1267/1989/2253 and 1373 Committees, the mandate of the 1540 Committee does not include counter- terrorism capabilities, such as identifying the relevant threats and responding to them. Its activities are focused on non-proliferation objectives. Cooperation with the other two Committees, in accordance with the specialized Security Council resolutions, boils down to exchange of information and coordination in the planning and conduct of country visits. The Russian Federation is committed to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and will continue to champion its full implementation by all countries. Our country remains open to constructive cooperation, with a view to promptly and effectively resolving both substantive and organizational issues facing the 1540 Committee.

I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Greece thanks the Chairs, respectively, of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for their comprehensive briefings and leadership. Although each Committee has a distinct mandate, their shared goal is to address threats posed by terrorism and non-State actors to international peace and security. The complementarity of their work underscores the need for coherent, coordinated and human-rights-based implementation — combining sanctions, capacity- building and non-proliferation measures under a unified multilateral framework to counter terrorism. Greece commends the continued efforts of the 1267 Committee, supported by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson, to preserve the integrity and credibility of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida sanctions regime. The latest report highlights that, while ISIL has weakened in the Middle East, its affiliates, particularly in the Sahel, Lake Chad basin and Central Africa, continue to expand operations and exploit local grievances. Al-Qaida’s decentralized affiliates remain active across Africa and South Asia, often using local conflicts to sustain financing and recruitment. We welcome the Council’s decision, in resolution 2734 (2024), to renew the Monitoring Team’s mandate and to integrate sexual and gender-based violence as a listing criterion, advancing accountability and victim protection. It is equally vital that Member States enhance data accuracy, uphold due-process guarantees and ensure that humanitarian exemptions under resolution 2664 (2022) are implemented consistently and transparently. The 1540 Committee constitutes a central pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture. Resolution 1540 (2004) plays a key role in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-State actors, including for terrorist purposes. As an elected member of the Council and Vice-Chair of the Committee, Greece remains committed to supporting the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We reiterate that it is important to ensure that the Group of Experts functions efficiently on a continuous basis, including through the filling of the vacancies within the Group. Just last week, from 11–14 November, Greece organized, with the support of Office for Disarmament Affairs, a workshop on maritime border security enforcement, within the context of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Participants received both theoretical and technical training with respect to maritime border security operations and exchanged experiences and ideas on best practices and procedures. The Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) are complementary tools in the Council’s counter-terrorism and nonproliferation architecture. Their joint briefings highlight the need for sustained cooperation, transparency and equitable assistance to all Member States. Greece reaffirms its commitment to a rules-based international order, to multilateralism grounded in law and to the collective resolve that terrorist actors must never threaten international peace and security and human dignity.

It is a long time since we last saw each other, Mr. President. I thank my colleague from Denmark, Sandra Jensen Landi and my colleague from Panama, Eloy Alfaro de Alba, for their briefings. I also want to thank the members of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, for their collaboration. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Algeria. When we assumed the chairmanship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, we brought a sense of profound responsibility, born from our painful and bitter experience of the fight against terrorism in the 1990s, when we confronted terrorism alone, during a long and dark decade. Finally, we have defeated this culture, but only through national resilience, especially the resilience of women. This taught us that security measures alone never defeat terrorism; we must address its root causes — marginalization, joblessness, underdevelopment, ideological manipulation and radicalization. During our stewardship, we achieved critical milestones. The Algeria Guiding Principles on preventing terrorist financing through new technologies represent a precious framework for addressing how terrorists exploit cryptocurrency and emerging financial technologies. The Algeria Guiding Principles stand as a testament to the Committee’s collective efforts, showcasing what constructive dialogue and The statistics before us demand urgent reflection. Given that Africa accounts for more than 50 per cent of global terrorism victims, yet receives a small fraction of counter-terrorism resources, we are now facing not just a security crisis but also a crisis of international solidarity. The Sahel burns while resources are being dispersed elsewhere. It is a strategic failure that terrorists exploit daily. Terrorism is spreading to all West African countries, and we were not even able to organize a visit of the Committee to this region, which is a pity. During Algeria’s presidency of the Council in January, we secured a presidential statement acknowledging that terrorism fundamentally undermines Africa’s development and threatens the African Union’s goal of silencing the guns in Africa by 2030 (S/PRST/2025/2). That statement mandates annual reporting on joint African Union-United Nations efforts to counter terrorism, and we welcome the inclusion of a section on these joint efforts in the most recent report of the Secretary-General on AU-United Nations cooperation (S/2025/532). Three urgent priorities demand immediate action. First, African ownership must drive counter-terrorism initiatives. We know our challenges. We know our communities. We know our terrain. We know our terrorists. What we seek is partnership. What we seek from the international community is mutual respect — not charity, not conditionality. Secondly, resources must match rhetoric. Sympathy and condolences without effective support are empty words. Counter-terrorism financing must flow directly to the affected regions and not be diverted elsewhere. Every delayed dollar, every diverted dollar costs lives in Africa. It causes suffering in Africa. Thirdly, we must confront the terrorism-crime nexus. In the Sahel, terrorist financing through hostage-taking for ransom and drug trafficking has created a real criminal ecosystem. This requires advanced regional cooperation. My country, Algeria, facilitates such regional cooperation by hosting AFRIPOL and the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre. At the helm of this Committee, we say to our successors that the fight against terrorism is a marathon. It requires patience and resolution; it requires persistence; and it requires unity and principled partnership. We tell our successors to listen to those who suffer the impact of terrorism daily. We tell our successors to prioritize substance over process and never to forget that behind every statistic is a human tragedy. Algeria’s voice may leave this Chamber at the end of this month, but our commitment remains unwavering. We see both peril and promise ahead. The question is not whether we can defeat terrorism — yes, look at us, Algeria. The question is whether we have the collective will to do what is necessary. Though our formal role ends next month, Algeria will always be ready — today, tomorrow, always — to serve the cause of peace and security.

I would like to thank the Permanent Representatives of Denmark, Algeria and Panama for their commitment as the Chair of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Chair of the Committee established The Security Council must fully leverage the instruments at its disposal to address the terrorist threat in an effective and consistent manner that is adapted to the realities on the ground. As we commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Bataclan attacks a few days ago, France remains deeply committed to the fight against terrorism. The first instrument in this fight is the sanctions regime established by resolution 1267 (1999) to combat Al-Qaida and Da’esh. These groups and their affiliates continue to expand their networks across all continents, in particular in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Faced with this constantly evolving threat, the 1267 Committee mustbe agile and quickly adopt targeted sanctions to hinder the ability of identified terrorists to act. France welcomes the recent agreement by the 1267 Committee to impose sanctions on an individual who worked on behalf of Da’esh in East Africa. This designation, the first in two years, is a positive development. The Council should continue along this path and intensify its efforts to target individuals acting on behalf of Al-Qaida and Da’esh. Designation proposals must be reviewed quickly and objectively, based on the criteria set out in the resolution. The second instrument at the Council’s disposal is the normative framework emanating from resolution 1373 (2001) and subsequent resolutions. It sets out States’ counter-terrorism obligations and establishes a framework for international cooperation. The Counter-Terrorism Committee is the guarantor for the proper implementation of these resolutions. It must maintain its dual role of assessment and standard- setting. The adoption of the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles, guiding principles to combat the use of drones by terrorist groups and the use of new technologies to finance terrorism, is a positive development. The Counter-Terrorism Committee must continue along these lines and revive its role as an international laboratory for counter-terrorism, alongside civil society, academia and the private sector, to develop new frameworks of action in response to contemporary challenges. France reiterates its full support for the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the mandate of which will be renewed in a few weeks. We commend its essential work in assessing the implementation of Council resolutions and identifying targeted areas for improvement tailored to local situations, based on field visits and direct exchanges with the competent authorities of States. Finally, efforts must continue to ensure the universal implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), an essential component of our non-proliferation regime. Access by non-State actors to weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery is a serious threat to international peace and security. One need only think of the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups, which has been documented in Syria by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons or the risks posed by the illicit acquisition of ballistic missiles by certain non-State groups. France supports the 1540 Committee in its work to promote the full implementation of that resolution by States. We welcome the progress made over the past year, such as the updating of the mechanism for processing requests for assistance. We stand ready to participate in the five-year comprehensive review, which will provide an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the resolution and identify the challenges ahead by 2027. Given the importance of the work to be done, we reaffirm the need for the Committee to have sufficient resources, and in particular for the vacant positions within its Group of Experts to be filled as soon as possible. Countering the threats posed by terrorism to international peace and security remains a common goal of the three Committees. Urgent collective attention is warranted, recognizing the devastation perpetuated by terrorism and the transnational nature of this phenomenon. With their distinctive mandates, each Committee offers complementary approaches to addressing the multifaceted threats posed by terrorism to the international community. In this regard, Guyana underscores the importance of the Committees working in a collaborative and coordinated manner to effectively counter these threats. I wish to highlight the following three points. First, as noted in the twenty-first report of the Secretary-General on Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh) (S/2025/496), the threat posed by the group and its affiliates remains high despite counter-terrorism efforts. As the terrorism landscape evolves, those terrorist groups continue to strengthen their presence across various regions, particularly in Africa, through their resilience and adaptability. They have also been able to effectively exploit social media, emerging technologies and regional instability to execute their activities and hinder sanctions implementation. In this context, Guyana underscores the importance of the work of the 1267 sanctions regime in overseeing the implementation of sanctions measures in relation to ISIL (Da’esh) and its affiliates. We welcome the latest report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (S/2025/482) and the recommendations contained therein. We also encourage Member States to comply with the sanctions measures by sharing information on national implementation efforts, as well as engaging with the Committee on proposals for new designations and asset freeze exemption requests. Furthermore, Guyana welcomes the Committee’s approval of the appointment of a new Ombudsperson and supports all ongoing efforts by the Committee and the Monitoring Team in addressing the evolving threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) and its affiliates. Secondly, Guyana acknowledges the vital role undertaken by the 1373 Committee, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, in dealing with the multitude of existing and emerging threats associated with terrorist groups. Of particular concern is the ability of these groups to exploit emerging technologies to strengthen operational capacities through online recruitment; to use cryptocurrencies for terrorist financing; and to enhance their capabilities through the weaponization of unmanned aircraft systems. In this context, Guyana welcomes the adoption of the Algeria Guiding Principles to prevent and disrupt the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes. Guyana also welcomes and supports the work of the 1373 Committee in assisting Member States in their counter-terrorism efforts, including through country visits, by facilitating technical assistance, and through the open briefing held recently. We reiterate that this work must be complemented by efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and to promote preventive measures to this effect. We also stress the importance of upholding international law in all counter-terrorism measures, ensuring accountability for terrorist attacks and supporting victim assistance programmes. Guyana remains committed to the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and encourages Member States to fulfill their obligations under this resolution. In conclusion, Guyana sees value in the 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees cooperating with each other in effectively executing their respective mandates. Combating terrorism requires a comprehensive, coordinated and multilateral approach that is linked to the work of the three Committees. We must utilize every counter-terrorism tool available through the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and ensure global peace and security.

I thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their briefings. And I commend the Ambassadors of Denmark, Algeria and Panama for their work as Chairs of the three Committees. I would like to share the following views. First, the 1267 Committee is an important counter-terrorism sanctions mechanism of the Council. Over the past year, the Committee has processed, in an orderly manner, applications for listing, delisting and temporary exemptions and appointed a new Ombudsperson, and the reports of its Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team have provided important references for international counter-terrorism cooperation. We call on Committee members to bolster their unity and cooperation and support the Committee’s listing of the Baloch Liberation Army and its Majeed Brigade, sending a strong signal of zero tolerance for terrorism. Secondly, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) is the main body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the counter-terrorism resolutions of the Council. Over the past year, the Committee has conducted country visits, closely tracked terrorist threats and trends, and provided guidance to Member States on counter-terrorism obligations and capacity-building. We call on the CTC to focus on key issues, optimize resource allocation and provide greater assistance to developing countries, in particular African countries, in combating terrorism. China supports the mandate renewal of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and will continue to play an active role in the international fight against terrorism. Thirdly, the 1540 Committee is an important organ for promoting international cooperation on non-proliferation. Over the past year, the Committee has done a lot in preparing training courses for national focal points, assisting with national action plans, matching assistance, revising voluntary technical reference guides and strengthening international cooperation. China supports the Committee in conducting more targeted and diversified international At present, the global counter-terrorism landscape remains complex and daunting, and non-proliferation remains an uphill battle. China stands ready to work with other Council members to strengthen unity and cooperation and help the three Committees better perform their duties, thereby making positive contributions to eliminating terrorism and improving the international non-proliferation regime.

At the outset, I thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their comprehensive and informative briefing and for their exemplary leadership of their respective Committees. Although these Committees operate on separate mandates, they share the unified objective of collectively addressing the persistent, evolving and serious threat to international peace and security posed by terrorist groups and non-State actors. This reality underscores the vital importance of ensuring the strategic, coordinated and highly effective operation of these three Committees. First, with regard to the 1267 Sanctions Committee, concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) (Da’esh), my delegation commends the crucial work of the Chair. The threat of terrorism is neither static nor confined. We note with serious concern the assessment that the threat of terrorism remains dynamic and geographically diverse, with a troubling shift towards the African continent. ISIS and Al-Qaida have shown an alarming capacity for adaptation, directing their strategies and resources towards exploiting instability and weak governance. This flexibility demands a response that is equally agile and unified, particularly in support of African nations now bearing the brunt of these threats. Secondly, with regard to the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), the CTC continues to play an indispensable role in assisting Member States in strengthening their national capacity to combat terrorism. We appreciate the value of the direct and constructive engagement facilitated by the Committee and its Executive Directorate, noting that country visits and post-visit engagement remain a critical component of the Committee’s assessment process. This practical cooperative approach is vital. We underscore the critical need for enhanced technical and financial support to countries actively competing to eradicate terrorism. Thirdly, with regard to the 1540 Committee, resolution 1540 (2004) is a fundamental component of the global non-proliferation architecture addressing the devastating threat of non-State actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction. We acknowledge that the full and effective implementation of the resolution remains a long-term task, and we welcome the Committee’s sustained efforts in promoting national implementation. We appreciate the Committee’s improved assistance mechanism, which is aimed at enhancing the speed and efficiency in which assistance is delivered. For many Member States, building national capacity to meet these complex non-proliferation obligations requires sustained partnerships and technical support, and we look forward to leveraging these tools. In conclusion, my delegation reiterates its support for these three Committees and the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We stress the

I wish to thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their briefings. The impact of their leadership on the Committees’ work cannot be overstated, and we thank them for it. Slovenia reiterates its concern about the complex and evolving threat posed by terrorist groups, in particular the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al-Qaida and their affiliates. Throughout our Security Council tenure, the terrorist threat has remained persistent. In fact, it is re-emerging in some parts of the world, such as the Middle East, and intensifying in Africa, in particular West Africa and the Sahel. The use of new and emerging technologies by terrorist groups is advancing faster than States’ ability to counter them effectively. Therefore, greater investment in preventive measures and technological safeguards is essential. The use of the Internet, artificial intelligence, social media and gaming or gaming-adjacent platforms to disseminate propaganda and target young people is particularly alarming. Reports also clearly show that terrorists employ a gendered approach to recruitment through these platforms. It is therefore necessary to adopt a gender-responsive approach to preventing and countering such efforts. Education and the development of critical thinking skills, especially in the digital environment, are key. We reiterate that in order for counter-terrorism efforts to be sustainable, comprehensive, whole-of-society, whole-of-government and gender-responsive approaches that comply with international law, in particular international humanitarian, refugee and human rights law, should be implemented. At the national level, this starts with respect for the rule of law and human rights, alongside the provision of education and economic opportunities. The Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities is one of the pillars of the global counter- terrorism architecture, and safeguarding its integrity is critical. We are pleased that there has been a slight increase in the engagement of States in submitting listing proposals. However, due attention should be paid to verified affiliations with Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant or Al-Qaida, as required by the designation criteria. After all, due process should be integral to the listing procedures as well, not only to delisting. In this regard, we welcome the appointment of the new Ombudsperson, ensuring that there will be no interruption in the work of the Office. Additionally, we would like to express our appreciation to the Monitoring Team for all their support for the work of the Committee. We particularly welcome the renewed focus on organizing regional meetings of intelligence agencies, not only the annual meeting in Vienna, but also in different regions in Africa. These meetings contribute to building trust and can result in increased intelligence-sharing, an area that is consistently identified as one of the main challenges and a fundamental element of effective and successful counter-terrorism cooperation. In the face of the adaptability that terrorist groups continue to demonstrate despite counter-terrorism efforts, the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee is essential. Systematic visits and assessments in all Member States, assisting States in implementing counter-terrorism measures in line with resolution 1373 (2021) and Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a cornerstone of the international framework preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-State actors. Slovenia has supported efforts focused on helping States strengthen their national implementation frameworks, and we consistently highlight the importance of dialogue, transparency and practical cooperation to advance non-proliferation and collective security. As the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) remains uneven across regions, Slovenia encourages continued attention to capacity-building, outreach and reporting, including through engagement with national points of contact and the promotion of voluntary national implementation action plans. We welcome the upcoming comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004), which will offer a valuable opportunity to assess progress, identify remaining challenges and renew the global commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. Terrorism is evolving with the speed of human imagination as transposed into ever-changing global realities. This means that our responses must demonstrate the same ingenuity and even greater rigour, which can only be achieved in cooperation with other stakeholders. In conclusion, we cannot let geopolitical divides get in the way of cooperation on counter-terrorism. The price is human lives, human rights and the stability of States. This price is simply too high.

I thank the representatives of Algeria, Denmark and Panama for their comprehensive briefings. We appreciate their personal contributions and the overall role of these three Committees, which is crucial to the work of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. The global terrorism landscape continues to evolve, adapting itself to a fast- changing world, with new and emerging threats in the shadow of rapid technological advancement. At the same time, the prevalence of prolonged unresolved conflicts, external interventions and the root causes of terrorism — euphemistically referred to as conditions conducive to terrorism — remain unaddressed, giving continued life to the threat of terrorism. As a front-line State in global efforts to counter terrorism, Pakistan has rendered invaluable sacrifices in its efforts to eradicate this menace, with more than 80,000 casualties and billions of dollars in economic losses. Al-Qaida was decimated largely as a result of Pakistan’s efforts. Our valiant security forces and law enforcement agencies continue to counter the terrorism threat emanating from Afghanistan, where entities like Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and its affiliates, Baloch Liberation Army and the Majeed Brigade are thriving under the patronage of their hosts and backed by our principal adversary and net destabilizer in the region. The sanctions regime pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) must reflect ground realities. Its scope should be broadened to list individuals and entities, without any association with religion, nationality or ethnicity. It is necessary to deal with listing and delisting issues in a fair, transparent, judicious and impartial manner and without political considerations. We must also ensure that the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities takes an objective view of all listing proposals that are brought before its consideration and not subject them to narrow political interests. To adopt a zero- It has been 24 years since the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001). Much has changed since then. We commend the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), under the leadership of Ms. Natalia Gherman, in supporting the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism and enhancing our understanding of terrorism trends. The digital revolution has transformed the nature of terrorist threats. Terrorist groups are able to recruit, organize and incite terrorism by using the Internet and the dark web. There is an imminent need for the regulation of social media and information and communications technology platform providers, facilitated by artificial intelligence, which are primarily driven by commercial interests, to curb their misuse and prevent the proliferation of hate, radicalization, exploitation of vulnerable youth, propaganda and disinformation. Terrorists are increasingly using modern terror financing techniques through the use of cryptocurrencies and digital wallets for anonymous transactions and payment methods in cyberspace. This needs to be addressed. The Counter-Terrorism Committee, supported by CTED, plays a vital role in carrying out country assessments, building the capacities of State agencies, providing technical assistance and playing a role in norm-making that includes non-binding guiding principles. However, such efforts will remain rudimentary if they do not enjoy the support and consensus of the wider United Nations membership. This should be the cornerstone of our endeavours. While appreciating the work of CTED, we encourage it to focus on those countries that are worst affected by terrorism and faced with conflict situations. For efficient use of budgetary resources, we also encourage CTED to fully utilize technological solutions for its outreach and engagement with Member States, particularly for country assessments and training modules. Pakistan fully supports the shared goal of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) to non-State actors. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and its Group of Experts play a role that complements that of the treaty-based regimes and international organizations focused on non-proliferation issues. Denying non-State actors the acquisition or use of WMDs is critically important for national security and for international peace and stability. Given the current tensions and security challenges, promoting non-proliferation efforts in a non-discriminatory manner is crucial. The changing nature of non-State actors and terrorism highlights the importance of strengthening international cooperation to effectively implement resolution 1540 (2004). Pakistan attaches great importance to the work of the 1540 Committee and has been actively participating in its deliberations since the first adoption of the resolution in 2004. We have taken steps for the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) at the national level and have contributed to its objectives through collaboration with Member States in sharing experience, spreading awareness, promoting assistance and fostering international cooperation. We believe that the Group of Experts plays an important role in the work of the 1540 Committee and the discharge of its mandate. It is important for the Committee to benefit from the wide range of expertise and geographically balanced composition of the Group of Experts, and we hope that the vacant positions will be filled accordingly. Non-proliferation is a global objective that must be promoted within the framework of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and in accordance with the Pakistan supports all efforts to promote cooperation and coordination between the Council’s subsidiary bodies and their respective groups of experts. That objective is best advanced when joint activities are conducted in close consultation with all Council members and are consistent with the mandate and nature of the work of each subsidiary body and its group of experts.

The United Kingdom thanks the Committee Chairs for their comprehensive briefings and reaffirms our strong support for the work of all three Committees. They share overlapping priorities to protect our citizens and prevent the spread of terrorism, and we welcome efforts to ensure that their work is collaborative and united. I will make three brief points. First, on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, the evolving threat landscape demands a whole-of-society and coordinated United Nations approach. We encourage the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to use the comprehensive country assessments of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) as a guide for providing technical assistance to Member States. The United Kingdom urges all States to proactively engage with CTED’s assessment visits, particularly those most affected by terrorism. We look forward to renewing CTED’s mandate next month to ensure that Member States continue to receive valuable support for counter-terrorism efforts. Secondly, the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities is one of the strongest tools the international community has to directly target Al-Qaida and Da’esh affiliates and to limit their financial support and cross-border movement. We welcome recent updates to the sanctions list and underscore the need for new designations that are well-evidenced against the listing criteria and for a non-politicized approach to agreeing listing proposals. Politicization of the Committee’s listing process only serves the interests of the very terrorists whose activities we should be disrupting. Thirdly, the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) is essential to ensure effective prevention of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons to non-State actors. In this regard, we congratulate the Committee on the recent successful completion of the voluntary technical reference guides on export controls for Member States’ consideration. However, unwarranted objections from some Committee members, which hinder the Group of Experts from executing its function, are not only concerning but actively counterproductive to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In closing, I wish to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s commitment to working with all Council members to strengthen global security and uphold the integrity of these three vital Committees.

Let me also express Denmark’s gratitude to the Permanent Representatives of Algeria and Panama, Chairs of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) respectively. I want to thank them for their excellent stewardship during 2025. As Chair of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, Denmark has persistently worked to promote effective and principled sanctions against Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al-Qaida and affiliates. Last year marked a pivotal moment: with resolution 2734 (2024), the Security Council recognized sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of terrorism and grounds for listing under the 1267 sanctions regime — a milestone that Denmark both welcomes and urges be actively applied. As Council members, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the 1267 sanctions regime remains focused, updated and relevant. Denmark therefore encourages more listings of relevant persons and entities, and we look forward to working with the Committee to this end. These efforts, and indeed all efforts in relation to the application of sanctions regimes, must always be accompanied by guarantees of human rights and the rule of law. The invaluable role played by the Office of the Ombudsperson in this regard cannot be understated. We welcome the appointment of a new ombudsperson and hope for a swift transition. Turning to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate has particularly proven itself to be indispensable in bridging assessment findings and analysis with action and in supporting Member States. Finally, resolution 1540 (2004) remains a vital component of the non-proliferation architecture. Denmark is committed to its full and effective implementation. We encourage all States to continue submitting and updating their national reports, as these are crucial for ensuring progress. The effective work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and its Group of Experts is also essential in this regard. In closing, the enduring challenges before us continue to warrant our collective action and joint response. With the increased complexity of global terrorism, Denmark reaffirms its commitment to the shared goal of these three Committees.

I thank Ambassador Landi, Ambassador Bendjama and Ambassador Alfaro de Alba for their briefings and their dedicated leadership of each Committee. Da’esh and Al-Qaida continue to adapt globally despite sustained counter- terrorism efforts, as noted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/496). With terrorist networks expanding and operations becoming increasingly sophisticated, close coordination among the three Committees focusing on sanctions, capacity- building and non-proliferation tools is essential. Let me offer the following points. The sanctions regime of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities remains a critical tool in disrupting the operations of entities and individuals associated Yet recent discussions regarding a potential carveout of the 1267 regime in a specific country context have highlighted the need to keep the 1267 sanctions list aligned with current realities, so that measures do not inadvertently impede the delivery of legitimate economic assistance to conflict-affected regions. In this context, it is concerning that updates to the list have been slow, with only one individual added since 2024. We encourage all Council members to demonstrate greater flexibility and offer substantiated explanations for any objections in the listing process to maintain the credibility and effectiveness of United Nations sanctions. We also express our sincere appreciation to Ombudsperson Richard Malanjum for his dedicated service and extend our congratulations to Ms. Vera Ngassa on her appointment. As the Ombudsperson mechanism constitutes an essential safeguard for due process within the Council’s sanctions architecture, we look forward to Ms. Ngassa’s diligent and principled engagement. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism continues to play a vital role in advancing global counter- terrorism cooperation, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). The CTED’s rigorous assessments and tailored technical assistance have been indispensable in helping Member States, regardless of their level of development, to enhance their counter-terrorism capabilities, in alignment with specific national needs. To support CTED’s efforts, the Republic of Korea has undertaken a collaborative project this year, aimed at assisting national security institutions in south and south- east Asia, in strengthening oversight and accountability and in providing capacity- building and training to enhance reviews and investigations into alleged misconduct. This will enhance the promotion of human rights in regional counter-terrorism operations, and we welcome participation from regional partners in advancing this shared objective. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) continues to play a critical role in upholding the global non-proliferation regime by preventing the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery to non-State actors. It advances these efforts by providing guidance and assistance to Member States through the work of the Group of Experts and by supporting their capacity-building. We commend Panama for its leadership and its dedicated efforts to reinvigorate the Committee’s work in approving the long-delayed voluntary technical reference guide. We hope it serves as a valuable resource to strengthen Sates’ national export controls. We also commend Panama’s decision to host the second point of contact training course for the Latin America and Caribbean region, the first since 2016. We expect this to help build further momentum for enhancing implementation of the resolution across the region. Looking ahead, as many Member States highlighted during last month’s open briefing, rapid scientific and technological advances are creating new and complex proliferation challenges. It is thus essential that our discussions reflect this evolving landscape to ensure the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). I also wish to underscore the crucial contribution of the Group of Experts. Their work is indispensable in supporting both the Committee and Member States. We hope that current vacancies will be filled as soon as possible so that the Committee can respond effectively and in a timely manner to any requests for assistance.

I thank the representatives of Denmark, Algeria and Panama for their briefings today and for their leadership of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). The United States is committed to preventing a major attack on the homeland and has made tremendous progress in advancing safety and security by implementing its Peace through Strength initiative. Our focus is on destroying and disrupting terrorist networks, holding State sponsors accountable, securing our borders, stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and degrading the capacity of terrorist groups to threaten the United States. The 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees all have an important role to play in that regard. First, sanctions targeting ISIL and Al-Qaida through the 1267 Committee are essential tools in the fight against global terrorism. But there is much more work to be done. Only one addition has been made to the 1267 sanctions list since 2023. Designating ISIL and Al-Qaida targets should be an apolitical issue. We call on Committee members to set aside differences as they consider nominations. To ensure ISIL and Al-Qaida cannot reconstitute in such places as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, the United States was proud to champion the resolution the Council adopted to delist Syrian President Al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab (resolution 2799 (2025)). We implore all Member States to continue to support the new Syrian Government in preventing any terrorist group from further threatening peace and stability in Syria. Secondly, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate (CTED) continue to play an important role overseeing and advancing Member States’ implementation of counter-terrorism measures. Over the coming weeks, the United States will lead negotiations to renew CTED’s mandate. It is necessary for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts to get back to basics and focus on core security issues, particularly those related to protecting against terrorist financing and travel. CTED’s assessments should remain technical in nature and serve as resources to identify capacity gaps, prioritize efforts to address them and share good practices. Thirdly, the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts play a vital role in preventing non-State actors from transferring, manufacturing or acquiring weapons of mass destruction. We call on States that have not yet presented a first report to the Committee on their efforts to implement the resolution to do so without delay. The work of the Committee and its Group of Experts has never been more important, but we remain disappointed by one Council member’s continued obstructionism. It has also blocked the work of existing experts in support of the Committee’s mandate, including their efforts to attend regional and subregional meetings to which they have been invited. This obstructionism undermines global non-proliferation efforts. In closing, joint briefings such as this one enable us to ensure our efforts are coordinated to address cross-cutting threats and necessary responses, avoid duplication of efforts, increase burden-sharing and bring the United Nations back to basics.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Sierra Leone. I thank the Chairs of the three counter-terrorism committees, Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi, Ambassador Amar Bendjama and Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, for their comprehensive briefings and for the steady manner in which they have We remain committed to a counter-terrorism architecture that is coherent, effective and firmly grounded in the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We welcome the presidential statement adopted on 24 January of this year (S/PRST/2025/2), which renewed the Council’s focus on terrorism in Africa. We also reaffirm the importance of safeguarding principled humanitarian action under resolution 2664 (2022). Regarding the sanctions regime of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, we underscore its central role in constraining the operational reach and financing of listed individuals and entities. Resolution 2734 (2024) strengthened analytical and due process elements and reinforced attention to sexual and gender- based violence and information-sharing. The Council’s 6 November decision on Syria (resolution 2799 (2025)) showed how precise, fair and adaptable sanctions can recognize verified behavioural changes, without undermining integrity. For Sierra Leone, this confirmed the value of sanctions that are precise, fair and adaptable, while maintaining clear expectations regarding counter-terrorism and human rights obligations. The Committee’s work, supported by the Monitoring Team and Member State engagement, has reinforced the regime’s credibility, though challenges remain, including ISIL and Al-Qaida activity in Africa, especially in West Africa and the Sahel, movements of foreign terrorist fighters, access to cash reserves, use of advanced technologies and conditions in detention facilities. Sierra Leone will continue supporting effective implementation, prioritizing measures that disrupt terrorist financing, constrain mobility and limit access to weapons, while ensuring humanitarian considerations and respect for sovereignty. Turning to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), resolution 1373 (2001) remains a testament to the Council’s determination to confront terrorism, which is a persistent threat to humankind. Terrorist groups and lone actors increasingly exploit drones, virtual currencies, encrypted communications, social media and other emerging technologies. Preventing terrorists from accessing diversified funding streams, including through criminal activity and the misuse of blockchain, remains essential. Sierra Leone unequivocally condemns terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and continues to advance national and regional efforts. This year, we initiated an informal interactive dialogue on enhancing cooperation on counter- terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel. In this regard, let me reiterate an excerpt of the statement by our President at yesterday’s briefing on peace consolidation in West Africa: “more than half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide now occur in our region” (see S/PV.10047). If we fail to act decisively, the Sahel could become a permanent sanctuary for extremist enclaves, just hours away from major global cities. These groups, aided by criminal networks and sophisticated weaponry, often outgun national forces and exploit porous borders. Intelligence-sharing, air mobility, logistics and surveillance support are not optional; they are essential tools for protection and hope. Last year, Sierra Leone enacted a national counter-terrorism act, thereby establishing a national coordination mechanism and strengthening legal, financial and enforcement measures. This law seeks to establish a national counter-terrorism We commend the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate’s (CTED) assessment work, the partnerships between the Financial Action Task Force and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of Counter- Terrorism’s technical assistance, and we call for continued logistical, financial, technical and technological support to strengthen regional resilience. CTED’s assessments of Member States’ counter-terrorism efforts are invaluable, as are the contributions from the entities of the United Nations  Global  Counter- Terrorism Coordination Compact. We further urge all Council members to recognize and respect the importance and technical nature of these reports. Turning to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), we thank Ambassador De Alba and commend the Committee and its experts for advancing this essential preventive mandate. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a central pillar of non-proliferation and an integral component of Sierra Leone’s national agenda for peace consolidation and the strengthening of institutions. With support from the Verification Research, Training and Information Centre, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and UNODC, we are finalizing legislation to domesticate the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention. We are considering ratification of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and strengthening national coordination across the security, border and customs, intelligence and public health sectors. We are completing a voluntary national implementation action plan and welcome the Committee’s strengthened assistance-matching mechanisms, expanded voluntary peer review mechanisms and cooperation with the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the Office for Disarmament Affairs. Sierra Leone stands ready to take part in a voluntary peer review and continues to promote inclusive implementation by engaging academia, youth groups, women’s groups and civil society. Ahead of the 2027 comprehensive review of the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), we support an evidence-based assessment that reflects regional realities and emerging technological risks, including synthetic biology, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. As President of the Security Council for November, Sierra Leone will continue supporting efforts to ensure the Council’s counter-terrorism and non-proliferation tools remain balanced, credible and aligned with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We remain fully engaged across all three Committees to ensure that the Council’s counter-terrorism and sanctions instruments remain responsive to global threats. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.