Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Briefing on “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts”
New York, 5 August 2026
Madam President,
First, let me warmly congratulate Denmark upon assuming the Presidency of the Council for the month of August, and wish you success. You can count on Latvia’s support. I also wish to extend our appreciation to Democratic Republic of the Congo for their dedicated handling of the work of the Council last month.
I thank the Chief of Office of the USG of UNOCT Ms. Niyazberdiyeva and Deputy Executive Director of CTED Ms. Cantor for their briefings.
25 years after 9/11 and in light of the Secretary-General’s twenty third report on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) to international peace and security, we note that terrorism remains a complex issue for the global peace and security agenda. Terrorist groups operate worldwide; from ISIL affiliates in West Africa, Sahel and Lake Chad Basin to ADF to Da’esh to ISIL-K - no country or region in the world can be fully exempt from terrorist activity or threat. Latvia expresses its solidarity with countries severely affected, and sympathies to victims of terrorist attacks, their families and communities. Today we extend our condolences to Pakistan [in relation to the attack in Swat last weekend].
Despite sustained global efforts, a number of groups across the world continue to conduct attacks on government forces, infrastructure and public spaces, taking de facto control of increasingly larger territories. In areas claimed, they set up alternative taxation systems and spread radical ideologies among the civilian population. These groups exploit underdevelopment, political instability and marginalization. Regrettably, many of the groups and leading individuals mentioned in the report remain not listed under 1267 (ISIL/Daesh/Al-Qaeda) sanctions regime. This Council and its subsidiary bodies must act responsibly to bridge this gap.
Among recent trends, we see terrorists recruiting cyber-experts, generating funds online and experimenting with artificial intelligence for propaganda purposes. With advanced technology widely available for public consumption, we must pay close attention to online actors with radical or extremist views, and algorithms that promote them. This behavior is not limited to urban areas or specific regions, as commercial satellites and fintech allows terrorist groups to coordinate attacks, raise funds and spread propaganda even in the most remote parts of the planet. Therefore, systematic and thorough implementation of Security Council resolutions, aimed at countering terrorism and its financing, should be coupled with enhanced coordination through information sharing and international cooperation.
We welcome the efforts of United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to facilitate cooperation and deliver technical assistance to improve national capacity of Member States. Latvia has greatly benefitted from best practices compounded by the Financial Action Task Force, through applying guidance and recommendations in line with the Council resolutions and global standards. We encourage all Member States to utilize the guidance that FATF-style regional mechanisms can provide and to build capacity through collaboration with available UN mechanisms.
In conclusion, Madame President, in June this year, following the High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism, the General Assembly adopted the 9th review of Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Latvia supports a comprehensive response against terrorism, effectively pairing security measures with prevention, within a framework of human rights and strong institutions rooted in the rule of law.
Latvia remains fully committed to the implementation of the GCTS and reiterates its support for the work of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, CTED, UNODC and other Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities advancing the global fight against terrorism.
Thank you!