Statement by Mr. Olegs Ilgis, Deputy Permanent Representative of Latvia, at UNOCT Annual Ambassadorial-level, Briefing to Member States
New York, 28 April 2026
Mr. Chair,
I thank Acting USG Zouev and all distinguished briefers and panelists for remarks and briefings provided earlier today.
In the 20 years since the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was first adopted, the global terrorism threat has evolved and shifted but not diminished. Terrorist groups continue to exploit political instability and prey on socially vulnerable and marginalized groups. Recruitment and radicalisation increasingly occur online, including through social media and gaming platforms, often targeting youth and children.
These trends underscore that terrorism and radicalization cannot be addressed through force and security measures alone. While addressing underlying causes, such as, poverty, unemployment and social exclusion, we must remain committed to countering radicalisation through investment in education, economic opportunity and community resilience. Latvia believes that national and global effort to fight terrorism must be comprehensive and conducted in full respect for human rights and in accordance to the rule of law.
Adopted by consensus in 2006, the GCTS remains a comprehensive four-pillar framework for national, regional and international cooperation. Latvia together with EU partners remains firmly committed to international cooperation in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We attach particular importance to preserving the balanced and comprehensive nature of the Strategy across all four pillars, including its strong human rights and rule-of-law approach, its prevention focus, gender-responsive approach, and the engagement of civil society.
Latvia applies a risk-based approach to the terrorism threat. As a country with overall low risk, we prioritise prevention, strengthening institutional capacity, and countering terrorist financing. In 2025, Latvia was the first assessed under the revised Financial Action Task Force methodology and demonstrated a robust and effective system to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. We believe national responses should be tailored to specific risk profiles, while supported by accessible and effective UN CT assistance and training.
In closing, we thank the UNOCT for its efforts to strengthen international cooperation and support Member States in implementing the GCTS. We welcome its Strategic Plan and Results Framework for 2026–2028, and support efforts to enhance coherence, transparency, and effectiveness.
Thank you!