“Let us be reminded that today marks the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which changed the global counter-terrorism landscape and led to the creation of this Committee. It is co-incidental, but also quite remarkable, for the CTC to hold a meeting today,” said Chair of the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations, H.E. Raimonda Murmokaité.
In its plenary session, the CTC and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) reflected on the world since 9/11 and the constantly changing terrorist threat. It was also a time to pay tribute to all those who perished and to the families who lost their loved ones.
“Despite important steps to counter terrorism and address the perils it poses, we realize that new and emerging terrorist threats around the world continue to challenge us, of which the increasingly complex, global phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters is but one example. This is why we can never cease to be vigilant,” said Jean-Paul Laborde, Executive Director of CTED. “As many States still lack the capacity to tackle violent extremism, CTED as the supporting structure of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee assists Member States in their efforts to this end.”
“CTED is uniquely placed and well equipped to address contemporary developments in counter-terrorism, which includes analysing, assessing, and responding to Member States’ needs. Today’s solemn anniversary of 9/11 can only reinforce our conviction and commitment to work more closely together with all relevant actors within and outside of the United Nations system in accordance with relevant Security Council mandates, to reaffirm our solidarity with victims of terrorism, and to recommit to our relentless efforts to make an impact on the ground. I count on the unremitting support of our Member States to help us succeed in this endeavour,” concluded Mr. Laborde.