S/PV.8180 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Permanent Representative of Peru, in his capacity as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism. I now give the floor to Ambassador Meza-Cuadra.

In my capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism (CTC), I have the honour to update the Council on the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017) concerning the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks as requested therein. I wish to begin by thanking the Kuwaiti presidency for including this topic on the Council’s agenda. (spoke in English) As recognized by the Council, it is increasingly important to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks for the benefit of the national security, public safety and economy of States concerned, as well as the well-being and welfare of their people. Resolution 2341 (2017) therefore calls on Member States to consider developing or further improving their strategies for reducing risks to critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. That includes, inter alia, assessing and raising awareness of the relevant risks, taking preparedness measures, including effective responses to such attacks, promoting interoperability in security and consequence management, and facilitating the effective interaction of all stakeholders involved. The resolution also encourages all States to make concerted and coordinated efforts, including through international cooperation, to improve preparedness for attacks against critical infrastructure. International cooperation is particularly relevant to effectively addressing security concerns arising from threats and vulnerabilities related to increasing cross-border interdependencies of critical infrastructure among countries and sectors. The CTC, with the support of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), plays a key role in promoting international cooperation and identifying related gaps, vulnerabilities, trends and existing good practices. Its work includes assessment and analysis, including on trends in the area aimed at assisting the efforts of all States. In that regard, I commend CTED for its proactive engagement in that area since the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017), in particular on identifying a number of excellent initiatives, including, inter alia: the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection; the Declaration on the Protection of Critical Infrastructure from Emerging Threats, issued by the States members of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism of the Organization of American States; the Commonwealth of Independent States Anti-Terrorism Center and the assistance provided to their respective member States by the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has also published the Good Practices Guide on Non-Nuclear Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection from Terrorist Attacks Focusing on Threats Emanating from Cyberspace. The Global Counterterrorism Forum has also developed a set of good practices concerning the protection of soft targets in the context of counter- terrorism. CTED is developing an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the requirements under resolution 2341 (2017), and accordingly enhancing States’ capacities within the framework of the Working Group on the Protection of Critical Infrastructure including Vulnerable Targets, Internet and Tourism Security of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force with a view to developing a comprehensive compendium of good practices concerning the protection of critical infrastructure. CTED has also engaged with the private sector on the issue. It notably co-chaired the related work of the World Economic Forum and promoted the need to protect critical infrastructure both in Davos and in the context of the work of the CTED-Asia Information and Communication Technology Counter- Terrorism Dialogue. There is a need to further encourage all States to identify what constitutes critical infrastructure in their respective national contexts. States should also develop national strategies for reducing risks and incorporate those strategies into their national counter-terrorism plans. There is a need to enhance overall international cooperation through the exchange of information, knowledge and good practices, and of ideas and research concerning critical-infrastructure protection. States bear the responsibility for the protection of critical infrastructure, but private owners of such infrastructure and soft targets must also address their security needs and reduce vulnerabilities. It is also vital that Government and the private sector share information on threats, vulnerability and measures to mitigate risks. There is a need to initiate and strengthen joint training and exercises for law enforcement aimed at strengthening their preparedness and enhancing response capacity, communication networks and early- warning mechanisms. I should stress the importance of including other relevant Security Council resolutions, such as resolution 2309 (2016), on civil aviation, and resolution 2322 (2016), on international judicial cooperation, in our work to protect critical infrastructure. Many States continue to face significant challenges in their efforts to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2341 (2017). It is therefore important that our recommendations be taken up by our implementation partners and integrated into their work and technical assistance programmes. The Committee and CTED will continue to assess States’ implementation of resolution 2341 (2017) so as to support their work to prevent such attacks and to cooperate closely with their key partners through the regular exchange of information.

I thank Ambassador Meza-Cuadra for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank Ambassador Meza-Cuadra for his briefing, as well as his leadership as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter- terrorism. We very much appreciate his work. Over the past year, deadly terrorist attacks have killed hundreds of innocent civilians and injured countless others throughout the world, in places like the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Las Ramblas in Barcelona, the Al-Rawda Mosque in the Sinai and the Save the Children Office in Jalalabad, to name just a few. Although we continue to destroy the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) on and off the battle fields of Iraq and Syria and shut down Al-Qaida and ISIS networks around the world, terrorists continue to evolve and adapt. The ability of the terrorist networks to exploit weaknesses in our defences both at critical infrastructure sites and soft targets all around the world make it clear that much more must be done. That is why the United States strongly supported the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) a year ago and called upon all States to make concerted and coordinated efforts, including through international cooperation to raise awareness and expand knowledge of the danger of terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure. It is clear that Al-Qaida and ISIS operatives, including returning foreign terrorist fighters and home-grown terrorists, continue to plot against critical infrastructure, such as airports, power plants and Government facilities, despite nearly two decades of international efforts since 11 September 2001. We must better address those threats. However, we must also not forget that such operatives continue to attack soft targets, such as sporting venues, theatres and hotels, because they have historically received far less attention than critical infrastructure, and we all have paid dearly for it. That is why we must continue to do more to assess and raise awareness of the actual risks, while taking appropriate preparedness measures, promoting better interoperability, not only within Governments and between Governments but also with the public and private sectors, and ensuring resilience to attacks. We must continue to look to the United Nations, regional and international organizations and Member States to develop and share good practices, and take all appropriate measures to manage the risk of terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure and soft targets. For instance, since the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) a year ago, the Global Counterterrorism Forum has published the Antalya Memorandum on the Protection of Soft Targets in a Counter-terrorism Context. The Antalya Memorandum contains good practices for both Government and industry on how to increase awareness and preparedness for attacks against the public spaces where we gather to dine, shop, tour and conduct business. Those good practices reflect the collective expertise of more than 60 countries and 150 public and private practitioners from law enforcement intelligence agencies, emergency management and the private sector and are applicable globally to inform and guide Government and industry in developing and refining policies and practices for soft target protection. In the United States we have incorporated the Antalya good practices into our domestic soft target security programmes. We encourage others to do the same and continue to collaborate with international partners on how to implement most effectively these good practices as a means of promoting greater global preparedness for those types of attacks. We also pleased that both resolution 2395 (2017), renewing the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), and resolution 2396 (2017) on returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters reaffirm resolution 2341 (2017) and the importance of addressing risks associated with critical infrastructure and other particularly vulnerable targets from terrorist attack. We will be looking to CTED and other United Nations and international bodies such as the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, INTERPOL and the International Organization for Migration to assist Member States in improving their efforts to implement those resolutions and facilitate needed technical assistance. In the United States and many other countries, private companies own most of the critical infrastructure. Protecting such infrastructure is therefore a collaborative effort between the private and public sectors. In April the United States will be hosting in Japan under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum a workshop on protecting soft targets from terrorist attack, which highlights the importance of fostering public-private partnerships. Resolution 2341 (2017) represented a significant step forward in the global response to protecting critical infrastructure from the threat of terrorist attack. Now we must take concrete steps towards increasing our vigilance and adaptability to the evolving threat to better protect our citizens from future terrorist attacks.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, established by resolution 1373 (2001), for his informative briefing, which shed light on the current status of the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017), on the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. We sincerely thank Kuwait’s presidency for including such a relevant and important issue on the Security Council’s agenda in February. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is extremely concerned about and supports the protection of critical infrastructure from potential terrorist attacks. The Government of His Excellency Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, is one of the principal investors in development and infrastructure projects of all kinds in Central Africa, which are key to making progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the subregion. We therefore understand and acknowledge the crucial importance of protecting critical infrastructure that guarantees the distribution of drinking water and food, access to education, health sources of renewable energy, air, maritime and land transportation and financial services that sustain the economy and well-being of our people. In that regard, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea endorses resolution 2341 (2017), which calls for the establishment of suitable national, subregional and continental mechanisms for cooperation, information-sharing and public-private partnerships for planning, preventing, managing crises and deterring potential attacks on the critical infrastructure of the countries. Similarly, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is encouraged by regional initiatives that are supported by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, as outlined in the briefing we just heard. Nonetheless, we must point out the lack of African initiatives listed. We would therefore encourage greater cooperation with the African Union and the subregional and regional economic communities, where — as we all know — particularly complex vulnerabilities exist with regard to maintaining the progress made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, which should lay the foundation for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Agenda 2063. We understand that the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017) complements the objectives of the Committee and of other Council resolutions, including resolutions 1373 (2001), 2309 (2016), on civil aviation, and 2322 (2016), on international cooperation, and that mechanisms to implement the resolutions must be incorporated into national and regional counter- terrorism strategies. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is committed, to the extent possible and in line with its national laws, to working to ensure the implementation and application of the resolutions. In order to implement effective strategies, we call on the international community to support the development of initiatives to protect critical infrastructure in Africa and the rest of the world, in particular in the most vulnerable countries. We also call on it to participate in initiatives that ensure that representatives of all social and economic sectors take part in programmes that help us to better understand terrorist threats, prevent terrorist acts and detect suspicious activities. Let me conclude by thanking the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for its cooperation and excellent work; the Monitoring Team on the implementation of resolution 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999; the International Criminal Police Organization; the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, and all other bodies of the United Nations. Together, all of those organizations carry out an essential function in helping Member States to develop strategic capabilities to protect their infrastructure from terrorist attacks.

China appreciates the Kuwaiti initiative to convene this debate on counter-terrorism and the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. The delegation of China thanks Ambassador Meza-Cuadra for his briefing. Terrorism is the common enemy of all humankind. Faced with the threats of terrorism, all countries have a shared destiny. The international community should embrace the concept of a community with a shared future, closely follow new trends and characteristics in the evolution of such threats, enhance cooperation and jointly respond to terrorist threats. First of all, in the face of all forms of terrorist threats, the international community should uphold a unified standard and enhance counter-terrorism synergy. All countries should adopt a zero-tolerance policy without differentiation, regardless of terrorist locations, justifications, target countries or tactics. Terrorists must be met with resolute measures. International counter-terrorism efforts must fully respect the sovereignty of countries concerned. Affected countries should assume the primary responsibility to combat terrorism. International cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism must be in keeping with the purposes and principles of Charter of the United Nations and promote the leading role of the United Nations and the Security Council. Secondly, the international community should jointly respond to and address the root causes that breed terrorism. The international community should help States Members of the United Nations to achieve socioeconomic development, alleviate and eradicate poverty and conduct dialogue on an equal footing among civilizations and religions. We should refrain from linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion, build a new form of international relations and construct a community with a shared future for the benefit of humankind. Thirdly, all countries must take concrete measures to stop the movement of terrorist fighters and curb the spread of terrorist and extremist ideologies. Currently, a major challenge is the movement and return of terrorist fighters who have launched many attacks on infrastructure in their countries of origin, transit and destination. All countries should enhance border control and enforcement cooperation. The counter-terrorism bodies of the United Nations and relevant international organizations should play an important role in that effort. On the basis of respecting the sovereignty of Member States, the United Nations and relevant international bodies must respond to the specific needs of Member States and enhance the capacity-building of those countries and their ability to respond to the movement of terrorist fighters. The international community should also follow the new trends and evolution of the terrorist threat and scale up efforts to counter the use of the internet for the spread of terrorist ideologies and the commission of terrorist attacks. Fourthly, concrete measures should be adopted to implement Council resolution 2341 (2017) and other relevant resolutions so as to protect key infrastructure from terrorist attacks. Member States should implement relevant Council resolutions, identify relevant security policies and take concrete measures with regard to any potential terrorist attack on key infrastructure as a high-risk factor, as well as establish early-warning and emergency-response mechanisms. All countries should shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of their own infrastructure, enhance domestic legislation and bring to justice perpetrators of terrorist attacks on infrastructure. The international community should enhance international cooperation in the field of protecting key infrastructure and help developing countries to scale up their capacity-building. Over the past few years, the violent terrorist elements in eastern Turkistan — represented by the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) — have planned and carried out a number of terrorist attacks in China. They have also posed a serious threat to countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. Fighting the violent terrorist forces of ETIM should be part of international counter-terrorism efforts. Such forces should be met with resolute measures. As a very important member of the international counter-terrorism alliance, China has actively participated in recent years in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and have made important contribution to international counter- terrorism efforts. Beginning in 2017 and for the next five years, China will support INTERPOL in carrying out three joint global initiatives annually to combat terrorism and organized cybercrime. China supports the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter- terrorism, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and 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 in their efforts to enhance cooperation with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and will provide counter-terrorism supplies and capacity- building assistance to developing countries, within the scope of their capabilities. China stands ready to work together with all countries to jointly respond to the threat of terrorism and to maintain peace and stability.

I would like to express appreciation to Ambassador Meza-Cuadra for his briefing on the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017), on the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks, one year after its adoption. We found the briefing to be very comprehensive and informative. With the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism, the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to terrorist attacks has indeed been a source of great concern. The devastating economic and security impact of such attacks on some of the infrastructures that we normally take for granted in our daily lives, such as water, electricity, telecommunication and internet, transportation, banking and finance, is too ghastly to contemplate. Of course, the airline industry has often been the primary target of terrorists, and a series of measures have already been put in place to enhance aviation security. However, the airline industry remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks and there is therefore a need for greater international cooperation in closing any loopholes that could be exploited by terrorists. All countries big or small are indeed vulnerable to these kinds of threats. As we live in a volatile neighbourhood that is facing threats of terrorism and violent extremism, attacks against critical infrastructure by terrorists are not remote possibilities for us. They are real threats and they have already happened in our region. That is why Ethiopia supported the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) and has been working to implement the provisions of the resolution. We all know that terrorists and other criminals have developed the capacity to launch coordinated and sophisticated attacks on critical infrastructure. Public institutions, private businesses, factories and industries, roads and bridges, shopping malls, sport centres, among others, have increasingly become targets of attack aimed at disrupting normal economic activities. Cyberterrorism to cause damage to computer systems and telecommunication infrastructures has also become a real danger. The protection of critical infrastructure can be said to have been partly addressed by international treaties and conventions related to civil aviation, maritime security and nuclear weapons. However, there had not been any resolution dedicated to this issue prior to the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017), which was an important step to effectively counter terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure. Resolution 2341 (2017) remains a very important instrument as it recognizes all those threats and the need for ensuring the reliability and resilience of critical infrastructure, as well as the need to protect it from terrorist attacks for the benefit of national security, public safety, the economy of the concerned States and the welfare of their population. The resolution directed the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), with the support of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), to continue, as appropriate, within their respective mandates, to examine Member States’ efforts to protect critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks as relevant to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), with the aim of identifying good practices, gaps and vulnerabilities in this field. Accordingly, we note that CTED has included this approach under its assessment in its comprehensive visits. For instance, as one of the countries that was visited after the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017), we witnessed how CTED assessed Ethiopia’s legal and institutional frameworks and administrative measures in its efforts aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from terrorist threats. From our work in the CTC, we have also seen from the reports of different comprehensive visits how CTED was trying to include this subject in their assessments. In this regard, we appreciate the work of CTED in supporting Member States to develop or further improve their strategies for reducing risks to critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks and in assessing and raising awareness of the relevant risks and in taking preparedness measures, including effective responses to such attacks. The resolution also encouraged the CTC, with the support of CTED and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), to continue working together to facilitate technical assistance and capacity-building and to raise awareness in the field of protecting critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks, in particular by strengthening its dialogue with States and relevant international, regional and subregional organizations and working closely with relevant bilateral and multilateral technical-assistance providers, including by sharing information. We hope to see more steps taken along these lines. In this vein, the collaboration among relevant entities at the United Nations, including the Office of Counter-Terrorism and CTED, and the designing of tailor-made programmes on the protection of critical infrastructure by CTITF in line with the potential threats and risks Member States face could certainly be very helpful. It is our firm believe that in addition to what Member states do on their own, it is also through effective international cooperation that the protection, security and resilience of critical infrastructure can be enhanced.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Ambassador of Peru and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee for his briefing. On behalf of France, I would like to take this opportunity to wish him every success for the next two years at the head of this important committee. We had the opportunity in the Security Council last week (see S/PV. 8178) to discuss the fact that, despite its military defeat in Iraq and the Levant, Da’esh continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security, as exemplified by the series of terrorist attacks that continue to dominate the news. The list of Security Council statements to the press is sad proof of that reality. Several terrorist attacks have demonstrated in the past how critical infrastructure, in particular, can be a prime target for terrorists. This is an issue that may sound technical, but in reality it is very close to the daily lives of all our fellow citizens. I would like to make two main points. First, I would like to recall that the unanimous adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) exactly a year ago was the first time that this threat had been underscored at the international level. We welcome the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate (CTED) to assist States in the implementation of this important resolution and to facilitate international cooperation in the field of critical infrastructure protection. In particular, resolution 2341 (2017) highlighted two key messages. First, the resolution underlines the importance of prevention and preparedness with respect to potential threats, and the need to identify early on the main challenges and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure protection, and to develop a targeted strategy to be put in place in the event of an attack. Secondly, it stresses the importance of cooperation, whether it be inter-agency or inter-State, in order to guarantee an appropriate level of protection, which includes the exchange of information, knowledge and experience. Due to the very nature of the activities carried out by these critical infrastructures, close cooperation with the private sector is also essential. My second comment relates to France’s arrangements in this area. The protection of the population, together with guaranteeing the continuity of the nation’s essential functions, remains a strategic priority for France. That is why, at the national level, France is constantly adapting its system to protect critical infrastructures as required by resolution 2341 (2017). Our safety system for activities of vital importance, which was set up in 2006, now covers 12 sectors of activity, including transport, health and communications, in particular, and now includes nearly 250 operators of vital importance in the public and private sectors. It aims to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure both physically and in cyberspace. France also continues to support regional initiatives with its European partners. Given the interdependence of the critical infrastructures of European countries, their protection requires increased cooperation between members of the European Union. This is why France has made a major contribution to European efforts to develop the Programme for European Critical Infrastructure, which is a project also supported by CTED. We also welcome the publication by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the support of CTED, of a practical guide on the protection of non-nuclear energy infrastructure. This debate on critical infrastructure is a very concrete and operational illustration of the diversity and complexity of the challenges we face. In the fight against terrorism, which must be tackled on all fronts, we have no other options than enhanced international cooperation. France will naturally continue to play its full part in these efforts.

I thank the representative of Peru for his briefing in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Counter- Terrorism Committee. As we heard from Under-Secretary-General Voronkov last week (see S/PV.8178), military successes have left Da’esh weakened and fragmented. But we must remain vigilant, as Da’esh affiliates continue to demonstrate resilience, foreign terrorist fighters seek to return home from the battlefield or try to join new theatres elsewhere around the globe, and individuals and small cells continue to pose a threat. Critical infrastructure remains an attractive target to these groups, which is why the United Kingdom supported the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) last year and why that resolution remains the important part of the Security Council’s counter-terrorism efforts. A central feature of that resolution is to highlight States’ responsibilities to develop and continuously improve their strategies for protecting critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks, and I am glad that the representative of Peru emphasized this point in his briefing to the Council today. The United Kingdom’s national security strategy recognizes the importance of securing our critical infrastructure from all risks, including terrorism, and is fully aligned with our counter-terrorism strategy. That alignment is important because risks to critical infrastructure can come from criminality or natural hazards as well as from terrorist attacks. Our security is enhanced if we develop plans that help us prepare for and respond to multiple eventualities and if we ensure that there is coherence between all stakeholders, from first responders through counter-terrorism agencies to those responsible for managing major incidents and emergencies. Civil aviation, in particular, remains a target for terrorism because of the potential for iconic attacks and widespread fear and disruption. Guarding against that risk, therefore, remains a key priority for the United Kingdom. Building on our work here in the Council, where we adopted resolution 2309 (2016), the United Kingdom is investing in new technology that will enhance aviation security, and we worked closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on its Global Aviation Security Plan, which was adopted in October. The plan sets out a range of tasks for ICAO States and industry that will help protect civil aviation from a range of threats to security, including terrorism. We were pleased that the Security Council welcomed ICAO’s Plan in its recent resolution 2396 (2017), and we reiterate that resolution’s call to ICAO, States, the civil aviation industry and all other stakeholders to implement the Plan in full. I want to emphasize the importance of developing strong partnerships between States and with private industry in order to help us counter the terrorist threat to our critical infrastructure. Here in the Council we regularly affirm the importance of enhancing cooperation between States to counter terrorism, but it is a point that bears repeating once again. In an increasingly globalized world, our infrastructure relies ever more heavily on networks and supply chains that are transnational in nature. To protect it, we have to continue and increase our sharing of information and expertise. But, as we heard in the statement made by the representative of Peru just now, partnerships with the private sector are also vital. The private sector often owns or manages parts of our critical infrastructure, or the data and technology that underpin it. It therefore has a duty to protect those assets, and Governments have a duty to make sure that it does so responsibly, and with sufficient understanding of the risks it faces. The United Kingdom’s Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure is a good example of how that can work. The Centre is a governmental technical authority that provides resources, guidance and expert advice to businesses to help guard against external threats, whether they come from international or domestic terrorism or from other sources. The Centre works with private industry to keep it up to date on threats, and helps it to implement appropriate and proportionate protective strategies that include a combination of physical, personnel and people, and cybersecurity measures. In his statement, the Permanent Representative of Peru highlighted the importance of ensuring that States define the infrastructure that is most critical to them so that their resources can be prioritized most effectively. The United Kingdom endorses that principle and therefore ensures that the assistance of the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure is targeted to the most crucial elements of our infrastructure, whose loss or compromise would have the greatest impact. In conclusion, we must continue to ensure that our infrastructure is protected against evolving terrorist threats, and resolution 2341 (2017) remains a positive step in support of our common defence.

We are pleased to welcome the new Chair of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), Mr. Gustavo Mesa-Cuadra Velásquez, Permanent Representative of Peru. We are grateful to him for his very detailed report. Today the threat of terrorism has expanded on a huge scale, including geographically. Terrorists take advantage of gaps in our border control systems to travel across frontiers; they use modern technologies to recruit followers and search for sources of income; they exploit captured enterprises in conflict zones and increasingly invest in legitimate businesses, as we discussed a few days ago (see S/PV.8178). However, infrastructure facilities — airports, oil refineries, communication networks, banks — continue to be extremely attractive targets for terrorists. The situation is complicated by the fact that the elements of critical infrastructure are deeply interconnected, and they frequently operate in more than one jurisdiction. We firmly believe that in these circumstances, the exchange of information and best practices between specialized international and regional platforms, under the central coordinating role of the United Nations, is particularly essential, and we welcome the work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in that regard. As Mr. Mesa-Cuadra rightly noted, the interaction of the CTC and CTED with organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Anti-Terrorism Centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The Security Council has in its arsenal a whole range of decisions aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from the threats of terrorism, centred around its founding anti-terrorism resolution 1373 (2001). In our view, the premise, affirmed in this toolkit, that it is States that have the primary responsibility in the fight against terrorism and, correspondingly, in protecting their lands and infrastructure from terrorist threats, is of fundamental importance. For our part, we prioritize issues related to improving the legal framework and implementing practical tasks for protecting critical infrastructure. One of the main targets of terrorist attacks in Russia are fuel and energy facilities. In that regard, as long ago as 2011 we created special commissions responsible for inspecting energy infrastructure facilities for anti-terrorism protection. We conduct joint counter-terrorism exercises and training sessions on a regular basis, including with the participation of the private sector. After the March 2010 terrorist attacks in the Moscow metro, we established a complex programme for the transport security of the population, under which transport infrastructure facilities are equipped with modern protection devices. Incidentally, according to our data, as many as 70 percent of terrorist attacks around the world occur either on transportation or through the use of vehicles. Besides this, in 2012 we established our Centre for Cyber Incident Response in Information Systems of Government Authorities. We are ready to share the experience we have accumulated in implementing these and other anti-terrorism security initiatives with the CTC and all interested partners.

We thank the Kuwaiti presidency of the Council for organizing today’s meeting. I would also like to express our gratitude to Mr. Gustavo Mesa-Cuadra Velásquez, Permanent Representative of Peru and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), for his briefing on implementing resolution 2341 (2017), on the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. We have full confidence that under his leadership, the CTC and its Executive Directorate will have a far-reaching impact. As a result of the serious damage done in 2017 to the terrorist organization of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, that structure and its affiliated groups are currently changing their strategy and tactics for conducting criminal activities. It is expected that there will be a transition from open armed confrontations to covert targeted terrorist attacks, including on critical infrastructure facilities, in the form of both physical and cyberattacks. Such threats are becoming more dangerous as we consider the increasing digitalization of national economies and the fact that many critical infrastructure facilities and bodies are linked to a single information network. Close interaction is essential between public and private entities in the protection of critical infrastructure. Likewise, the role of international and regional organizations — including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), INTERPOL, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre and NATO — is just as important. Nuclear security is currently one of the most important responsibilities of Member States at the national, regional and global levels. Kazakhstan, as a staunch supporter of the movement for a nuclear- free world, attaches special importance to ensuring reliable control over the use, storage and trafficking of nuclear materials, the physical protection of nuclear facilities and preventing nuclear materials and related technologies from falling into the hands of terrorists. We also underscore the importance of improving the legal framework. As an active signatory to all international conventions in that field, we urge other countries to also observe them in good faith and with strong political will. In addition, the President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, at the opening ceremony of the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank, held in Kazakhstan in August 2017, proposed to resume the Summit on Nuclear Safety and Security by holding such a high-level meeting in Astana, our capital. With the start of the functioning of the Astana International Financial Centre, preventive measures are being taken to protect financial and banking system infrastructure from cyberterrorism. Every effort is being made to rigorously prevent the theft of data and money, as well as any disruption of the normal operations of information and communication systems. Kazakhstan is implementing large-scale measures to neutralize incitement and risks by strengthening its national security, thereby preventing all forms of extremism and terrorism. The legislative norms regarding arms turnovers and security and migration have been updated. At the same time, measures on criminal punishment for terrorists and extremists have been made more stringent. Taking into account the recommendations of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the decisions and resolutions of the Council, including resolution 2341 (2017), as well as the positive experience of foreign countries, we have accordingly developed the draft State programme to counter religious extremism and terrorism in Kazakhstan for the period 2018 to 2022, which is presently awaiting approval. The new programme envisages measures for the active involvement of the non-governmental sector in the prevention of religious extremism and terrorism. With that in mind, Kazakhstan strongly supports the following important steps; first, the implementation of the provisions of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, adopted by the General Assembly on 13 April 2005 through resolution 59/290; secondly, enhanced coordination of State policies and actions aimed at countering cyberterrorism as one of the threats to the security of critical infrastructure; thirdly, a greater exchange of best practices for the physical protection of critical infrastructure; and the development of an effective mechanism for mutual early warning and information-sharing on possible criminal plans by terrorists to commit attacks. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Kazakhstan’s commitment to the fight against international terrorism, including by implementing relevant United Nations resolutions, particularly resolution 2341 (2017).

I take the floor briefly once again, in my national capacity, to associate myself with my colleagues who have acknowledged the importance of convening this meeting in accordance with resolution 2341 (2017), on protecting critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. Peru welcomes and supports the efforts of the United Nations and the Security Council in that important area, including the establishment of a specific Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force. We consider it of the utmost importance to evaluate the efforts of Member States to protect their infrastructure against terrorist acts, as well as to develop preventive measures within the framework of their national strategies and policies. We also believe it is important to work on rebuilding damaged infrastructure. In our experience, that is key to effectively fight terrorism and build sustainable peace. We would like to recall, that between 1980 and 1992  — the worst years of terrorism suffered in Peru  — the economic damages amounted to more than $20 billion. To put that number into context: the gross domestic product of Peru stood at $36 billion, while poverty exceeded 60 per cent of the population. Peruvians have now closed that sad chapter, with the economy having grown substantially, to almost eight times what it was at that time, and poverty having been reduced to 20 per cent. However, the lesson that we as Peruvians have learned from those dark times is that we must always remain vigilant over terrorism and never let our guard down.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to thank the Permanent Representative of Peru, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning Counter-Terrorism, for his briefing on terrorism and critical infrastructure. Today marks exactly one year since the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017). Financial networks, energy facilities and food distribution systems do not only form the pillars of our countries, they are vital to the welfare of our societies. Much of those networks and systems transcend borders. As such, critical infrastructure serves to underline our vulnerability and the close linkages between our countries and our national security. I would like to focus on three important aspects in my intervention, namely, the protection of soft targets, public-private partnerships and further multilateral action. First, protecting our critical infrastructure is vital to enhancing our security. In that regard, protecting soft targets is a specific concern. We have all been shocked by terrorist attacks on concert halls, markets and hotels. Those attacks have a huge impact on our societies. As we will not change our way of life or give in on our freedoms, we have to enhance our resilience. Enhancing resilience starts with appropriate risk assessments based on solid risk analyses. Developing those assessments requires the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders. The Government should play a facilitating role in that, but it is up to the private sector to assume its responsibility as well. That brings me to my second point: in many countries, the majority of critical infrastructure is privately owned. In the Netherlands that figure is as much as 90 per cent, making public-private partnerships essential. We need to involve private partners in sharing knowledge and shaping our policy. In the Netherlands, therefore, we have set up so-called information-sharing and analysis centres across 11 sectors, including finance, energy and cybersecurity. With regard to the latter, the scale of insecurity caused by the proliferation of significant cyberincidents will demand increased action from all stakeholders. To that end, our national cybersecurity centre facilitates sharing information between critical infrastructure partners, including from the private sector, to mitigate the impact of cyberincidents. My third, and final, point is on multilateral action. Even though protecting critical infrastructure is a national competence, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations have an important supporting role to play. The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate plays a central role in mapping countries’ capacities to protect critical infrastructure and identifying possible gaps. The Office of Counter- Terrorism is key for coordinating subsequent capacity- building by the United Nations. Other organizations are equally important. For example, in the context of the European Union (EU), the Netherlands and the EU, together with public and private partners, organized a tabletop exercise to practice a possible disruption of electricity networks. Like the representatives of Peru, the United States and others who spoke before us, I would also like to highlight the work done by the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). Last September, the GCTF launched the Antalya memorandum on the protection of soft targets in a counter-terrorism context. That initiative, led by the United States and Turkey, offers publicly available and ready-to-use good practices to include in national policies. As co-Chair of the GCTF, we are grateful to the various United Nations entities that have contributed to the development of these good practices. In conclusion, we welcome the progress made in implementing resolution 2341 (2017) and encourage further cooperation between Member States and between multilateral organizations. Only by working together can we increase our national and global security.

I thank you, Mr. President, for having organized today’s important briefing on the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. We also appreciate the excellent presentation by His Excellency Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism. We commend Ukraine’s leadership last year on this issue in the Security Council. Let me also stress the importance in this area of the efforts and engagement of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. This briefing concerning the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017), on critical infrastructure, gives Council members another opportunity this month to send a strong message about the crucial nature of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. I believe that we need to focus on three things that we believe are of significance and that together can serve as safeguards against potential threats. The first aspect is preparation. It is essential that plans for the protection of our critical infrastructure be comprehensively elaborated, targeted, maintained and tested. We took due note of the call made on States in resolution 2341 (2017) to develop their own strategies to prepare and respond to any attack. Poland’s approach to reducing the risk to our infrastructure assumes all types of risks. That requires the development of plans that can be used to respond to many types of disruption and threats to people’s lives. That approach has helped not only to reduce risk but also to improve responsiveness. Secondly, and equally important, is the issue of protection. The threat to some elements of our national infrastructure may be theoretical; however, there are some areas, in different countries, where the probability of a threat is always high. One of these areas is transport networks. Both surface and air transportation are under serious and enduring threat from international terrorism. That is why strengthening critical infrastructure protection must be done in cooperation among States. Finally, I would like to focus on partnership. The critical infrastructure that we need to protect is not solely owned by the private sector and therefore forms part of complex supply chains and international networks. While Governments have an obligation to ensure that industry is managing this risk comprehensively, private companies are responsible for ensuring that the infrastructure is protected and that essential services are provided. As resolution 2341 (2017) stresses, stronger international partnerships are needed most when the functioning of infrastructure relies on cross-border networks and supply chains. It is the operators of critical infrastructure who bear the responsibility for its protection. The Government supports their efforts through detaining and counteracting, reacting and prosecuting acts of a terrorist nature. Everyone has a role to play in this respect. To conclude, let me highlight that there must be accountability for all acts of terrorism. The perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of terrorist attacks must be held responsible. As reflected in resolution 2341 (2017), measures to counter terrorism must be taken in accordance with international law, including human rights law.

We are grateful to the Permanent Representative of Peru, Mr. Gustavo Meza- Cuadra, for the briefing he provided in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter- terrorism. We wish him every success in his work in heading up the work of the Committee. We stress the importance of the holding of this briefing, which comes one year after the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017). Sharing our experience and knowledge is key when it comes to providing a high level of protection for critical infrastructure and to strengthening international efforts to increase resilience to terrorist attacks. Today’s global society is part of a complex worldwide network that relies on critical infrastructure, inter alia, and where citizens depend on institutions and basic services for their health, security, education and economic well-being. Some days ago we mentioned that today’s terrorist scenarios are no longer local or regional but are now a global problem. This has required us to develop practices that on occasion have had grave consequences. For that reason, the international community must stand ready to strengthen its exchanges of information and build capacity and, more importantly, step up its international cooperation. The transnational nature of terrorism requires a coordinated response from all States and stakeholders in the international community. We believe that the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) represented a comprehesnsive response to this global phenomenon. The resolution stresses the importance of each country identifying and developing strategies that enables it to eliminate the risks posed by terrorism to its critical infrastructure. It also urges States with the capacity to do so to provide the relevant assistance through technical assistance and the transfer of technology, within the framework of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the political independence of States, in line with the Charter of the United Nations. Capacity-building to provide assistance in risk assessment, improving, monitoring and establishing measures for protection, and responding to threats should be a constant. For that reason, we believe that it is key for us, inter alia, to work to prevent the risk of nuclear terrorism through the total elimination of nuclear weapons and increasing cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful means, such as electricity generation and nuclear technology in medicine. We also must enhance cooperation in managing and guarding nuclear waste. We must also take the measures necessary to protect the sea, land and air transport sectors as well as deal with possible threats to sea and air transport through the implementation of appropriate security measures. We must also build public awareness on cyberthreats and their potential consequences. We also must focus more on preventive security through ongoing risk management that, in addition to being based on actually countering terrorism, is also focused on deterrence. We must collectively strengthen our security while focusing on prevention. As the world becomes more and more interconnected owing to the increased flows of persons, capital, commerce and information, we are all the more vulnerable to attacks carried out by terrorists who use technology to spread fear in new ways. Given these changes in these practices, it is vital to engage in contingency planning and ensure that we protect infrastructure systems, which are critical components of our economic development. In that regard, we reiterate that all efforts by the Security Council and the Organization towards the elimination of terrorism must count on the maximum support from their members. Finally, I highlight the need for cooperation in order to bring those responsible for committing terrorist acts to justice so that they can be duly investigated, prosecuted and punished.

Let me start by thanking Ambassador Meza-Cuadra for his briefing in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter- terrorism. As we said last year when adopting resolution 2341 (2017) (see S/PV.7882), objects of critical infrastructure have long been attractive targets for terrorist attacks, with potentially devastating consequences. Attacks on so-called soft targets have also been a highly visible feature of the tactics of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. For that reason, we welcomed the initiative of the Ukrainian presidency of the Security Council to put this item on our agenda last year. It is appropriate that we now take stock of where we are in the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017). We live in a period marked by rapid change. Our modern societies are complex, interconnected and technologically advanced. However, the advances that are making our societies better able to meet the needs of our citizens also render them vulnerable. In interconnected societies and an interconnected world, the consequent effects of a terrorist attack are hard to predict. We must therefore recognize the need to build resilience into our thinking on critical infrastructure. The protection of critical infrastructure in Sweden is based on two pillars: first, to improve awareness, build resilience and prevent, respond to and recover from incidents and crises; and, secondly, to increase cooperation, including public-private cooperation, as well as international collaboration. Connected societies require connected system- wide perspectives when it comes to the protection of critical infrastructure. The sheer range of actors alone necessitates robust legislation and platforms for cooperation. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency developed the Action Plan for the Protection of Vital Societal Functions and Critical Infrastructure in order to raise awareness, build resilience and prevent attacks, as well as increase cooperation among the relevant stakeholders. We also need to ensure day-to-day cooperation among the various entities that are responsible for vital societal functions. Sweden’s Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Council brings together more than a dozen national agencies, from a wide range of areas, with the aim of jointly increasing our national capacity to counter terrorism. Exercises and scenario-training are one important way of ensuring effective coordination across the different agencies. We are currently conducting a large-scale multisectoral cooperation exercise to clearly identify areas of responsibility, reporting lines and processes for coordination in the event of a civil crisis. Determining what constitutes critical infrastructure is a national matter, but it cannot be treated in isolation. Interconnectedness across borders, jurisdictions, systems and networks is a fact of life. The ongoing threat from terrorism underlines the need to continue the interaction between counter-terrorism actors and those working on crisis management. Within the United Nations, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the Office of Counter- Terrorism and the members of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force play important roles in such efforts. CTED’s country visits are an important tool to help Member States to address such issues together and to inform capacity-building needs. In addition, it is important to enhance dialogue with international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, INTERPOL, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the World Customs Organization and others whose work is important to the maintenance of international critical infrastructure. The approach of the European Union may offer some examples of how to approach the issue from a regional perspective. The European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection provides a framework for cooperation. It establishes a procedure for identifying and designating European critical infrastructure and for a common approach to assessing the need to improve their protection. The tools and assessment within the European Programme could be duplicated in other sectors and regions. In coordination with other members, including through the global partnership of the Group of Seven and other multilateral initiatives, Sweden is also engaged in international cooperation to reduce the threat of terrorists gaining access to weapons and materials of mass destruction. In the field of nuclear security, Sweden and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority have implemented numerous projects since 1992 in order to secure nuclear power plants and other facilities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia that store and use nuclear and radioactive materials. By definition, terrorist attacks are unpredictable. The increasingly decentralized nature of the terrorist threat and the increased incidence of attacks using simple means that create widespread disruption, including of critical infrastructure, call for increased vigilance, preparedness and cooperation.

Allow me to thank Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Permanent Representative of Peru and Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, for his briefing on protecting critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. The current situation of widespread cross-border terrorism represents a major challenge facing us all. In that regard, my delegation appreciates your initiative, Mr. President, to include this item on the agenda of our work. In adopting resolution 2341 (2017), the Security Council gauged the scale of the damage caused by terrorist acts to critical infrastructure, in particular ports, airports, nuclear facilities, hospitals, schools and transport systems. The transnational nature of terrorist acts calls for States to be more vigilant and requires a comprehensive, coordinated and effective response. The protection of critical infrastructure must also be paid particular attention by States in order to protect the lives of their people. That is why my delegation reiterates the need for every State to increase its level of vigilance, raise awareness among its population and to equip itself with the appropriate means of prevention and protection. Côte d’Ivoire remains convinced that the effective and more comprehensive implementation of the various legal counter-terrorism instruments could effectively contribute to protecting critical infrastructure. At the regional level, strengthening cross-border efforts is therefore desirable by pooling counter-terrorism tools and by sharing information, experiences and best practices. Protecting critical infrastructure is at the heart of the counter-terrorism programme in Côte d’Ivoire. In 2015, the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire adopted a law on the suppression of terrorism. Côte d’Ivoire has also signed and ratified the main counter- terrorism legal instruments at the regional and international levels. Following the sad terrorist attack in Côte d’Ivoire’s coastal town of Grand Bassam in March 2016, my country’s authorities bolstered its counter-terrorism arsenal by taking steps to increase the level of vigilance in order to prevent any further terrorist attacks, including by stepping up intelligence, strengthening the operational capacity of our counter- terrorism units, increasing material resources, training and international cooperation, and by raising awareness among the population on how to act in the case of a terrorist attack. In order to ensure better surveillance at sensitive sites, my country’s authorities have emphasized prevention focused on two major areas, namely, intelligence and operations. Specific intelligence services have been established within different forces and benefit from the support of some of our bilateral partners. At the operational level, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire has set up specialized units within various contingents of the Defence and Security Forces of Côte d’Ivoire whose task is to intervene in any terrorist attack. The units regularly receive appropriate training and the necessary material resources. Also with regard to training, with France’s support, Côte d’Ivoire will host a region-wide school in July to train military and civilian officers on counter- terrorism. Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire authorities have taken measures to prevent the financing of terrorist groups and have established a counter-terrorism action plan for the country. Côte d’Ivoire world like to reaffirm once again that it is willing to work with all its bilateral and multilateral partners to ensure that counter-terrorism efforts are successful, in particular as they pertain to the risk terrorism poses to our countries’ critical infrastructure. Our States must constantly coordinate their policies to combat the terrorist threat, whose human and material toll is increasingly heavy. This scourge must never triumph over our determination.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Kuwait. At the outset, I would like to join other representatives in thanking Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), for his valuable briefing on the most recent updates regarding the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017), on protecting critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. I wish him every success as Chair of the CTC. I would like to focus in my statement on three main issues: first, the need to protect critical infrastructure; secondly, relevant United Nations efforts; and, thirdly, international cooperation in the protection of critical infrastructure. First, it is imperative to protect critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks, as it constitutes an easy and attractive target for terrorist groups, which are increasingly developing their capacity and modus operandi. Critical infrastructure is important because it is part of our daily lives. Among other things, it includes public facilities such as energy and water supply networks; schools and hospitals; air, maritime and rail transportation systems; and telecommunications networks. The targeting of infrastructure could result in heavy losses and lead to consequences with a direct impact on us as users. It is also important to note that it is the responsibility of every State to define the concept of critical infrastructure and determine the best ways to protect it. Kuwait is among the States whose infrastructure has been targeted by terrorists, including an attack on a religious site in 2015 that resulted in a number of deaths and injuries and was intended to sow strife within Kuwaiti society. Consequently, we have sought to heighten our prevention efforts by enacting a number of laws pertaining to preventing terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions. That includes legislation on combating cybercrimes that penalizes anyone who sets up a website on behalf of a terrorist organization or individual, posts information about them online or through other information technology means, whether under a real or fictitious name, facilitates communication with a terrorist organization or its members, promotes their ideology or facilitates their funding, or transmits information on the making of explosives or any device used in a terrorist act. Secondly, it is imperative to adopt common measures to prevent and address terrorism, including denying terrorists’ access to any means of carrying out their attacks, in line with the second pillar of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We also support the actions and efforts of the CTC, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. We urge Member States to continue working together to facilitate technical assistance, capacity-building and awareness-raising on the protection of critical infrastructure, including by engaging with other regional and international organizations to exchange best practices. Thirdly, we stress the need to encourage international cooperation among States and international organizations, including INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in order to exchange information and expertise and implement joint programmes to combat terrorism and to improve protection for critical infrastructure. We encourage Member States to make use of the programmes provided by the United Nations and its specialized agencies, as well as those of all other international organizations. We also stress the need for the implementation of resolution 2286 (2016), which calls for the protection of medical infrastructure, facilities and humanitarian personnel and their means of transportation during times of war. We also call for implementing resolution 2309 (2016), on the protection of civil aviation, and resolution 2322 (2016), on international cooperation in counter-terrorism, and any other relevant Security Council resolution. The State of Kuwait today hosted a ministerial conference of the Global Coalition against Da’esh, during which more than 70 States and four organizations took part in establishing counter-terrorism strategies and plans. At this first conference of its kind since the defeat of Da’esh in Iraq, participants adopted the Kuwait declaration, which includes a number of the Global Coalition’s guiding principles. The interdependence of critical infrastructure makes it more vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Such attacks using information and communication technology might also undermine the stability not just of the country concerned, but also neighbouring countries. It is therefore important to step up cooperation among Governments and between the private and public sectors. Governments must also adopt emergency preparedness plans. In conclusion, we reiterate our principled and firm position in condemnation of all terrorist attacks against innocent people and critical infrastructure in violation of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions and the relevant Security Council resolutions. We look forward to further cooperating and coordinating with Member States and the United Nations to combat this phenomenon and reduce the threat it poses to international peace and security. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.