A resolution concerning the latest review of the Organization’s counter-terrorism strategy took a vote in the General Assembly today, breaking a chain of consensus adoptions, with some delegates calling the text outdated and repetitive, while others stressed the need to preserve a collective framework.
The draft resolution titled “The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: ninth review” (document A/80/L.82) was adopted by a recorded vote of 140 in favour to 3 against (Argentina, Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Japan). Japan’s delegate later stated that the abstention was the result of a technical error; his delegation intended to vote in favour.
The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a unique global instrument adopted by consensus in 2006 to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. The Assembly reviews the Strategy — usually every two years — making it a living document attuned to Member States’ counter-terrorism priorities.
Today’s text details the Strategy’s four pillars: address conditions conducive to terrorism; prevent and combat terrorism; build States’ capacity to achieve these goals; and ensure respect for human rights. By its terms, the Assembly called on States to make every effort to conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. By further terms, it called on Member States to consider measures to counter the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, virtual assets and unmanned aircraft systems.
Israel, United States Reject Text as ‘Outdated’, ‘Bloated’, as Others Commend Retention of Key Elements
“This resolution is not fit for purpose,” said the representative of the United States, whose delegation called for the vote. Regretting that the Assembly did not consider alternative texts her delegation put forward, she said the resolution is “bloated, outdated and lacks focus”. It ignores her country’s red lines, she said, adding that the UN should avoid distracting narratives and references such as the “2030 Agenda; unnecessary references to gender; and divisive ‘diversity, equity, inclusion’-related programmes”.
Israel voted against the text because it is outdated, long and repetitive, and does not embrace institutional modernization, that country’s speaker said. The world has changed dramatically since the last review resolution, adopted in 2023, he said, adding that his country “suffered the deadliest terrorist attack in its history” a few months later.
While noting his country’s long-time support for the Strategy, Argentina’s delegate said it voted against the text to draw attention to the importance of reviewing the Strategy.
The representative of Egypt and Iran expressed regret that several proposals made by Islamic countries were not considered.
South Africa’s delegate pointed out that the technical roll-over does retain “a workable and important framework” to direct collective actions to counter terrorism.
During the ensuing day-long debate, the representative of Uruguay urged Member States to “recognize that the ninth review did not fully reflect the level of update and ambition that the circumstances required of us”. The limits of this process should serve as a reminder that “a lack of political will cannot continue to deprive the international community of more effective and updated responses”, she said.
Terrorism Not Linked to Any Culture, Religion, Speakers Stress, as Gulf Countries Regret Exclusion of Anti-hate Proposals
The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, noted that the text “safeguards what we have jointly achieved over two decades of intergovernmental negotiations”. Nevertheless, she, too, regretted that it was not possible to “preserve the consensus that has accompanied every previous review”. The international community must “remain vigilant” against the misuse of counter-terrorism measures to suppress dissent or silence human-rights defenders.
Finland’s delegate, who co-facilitated discussions on the text, was among the many speakers today who stressed that terrorism cannot be opposed solely by military means and called for a holistic and gender-sensitive approach. It is important to maintain a safe environment for civil society actors, she said, spotlighting the work of women and youth representatives, community leaders, religious leaders and schoolteachers.
Bahrain’s representative, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council, underscored that terrorism must not be linked to any religion, culture, nationality or race. Saudi Arabia’s delegate spoke for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which he described as “the largest negotiating bloc, representing 57 Member States”. He regretted that the ninth review did not capture his group’s proposal to condemn acts by racist and extremist right-wing elements to instigate violence and terrorism against Muslims. “Our group spent endless hours explaining how such acts of hatred promote Islamophobic, anti-minority anti-immigrant narratives,” he said.
The representative of Türkiye also expressed regret that the document does not include stronger condemnation of the repeated targeting of Muslims, the desecration of mosques and the burning of the Qur’an. Nevertheless, he welcomed its provisions concerning the financing of terrorism and the misuse of emerging technologies.
‘Worrying’ Trends, Shifting Roles of Terrorists in Africa
Morocco’s representative, who co-facilitated the ninth review, said that, for his country, countering terrorism is “a national priority, a continental commitment and an international vocation”. Noting worrying trends in Africa, he said that relationships between terrorist groups, separatist movements and transnational organized crime have “never been stronger”. He also noted non-State actors’ use of military-grade drones in at least nine African countries.
The representative of Zimbabwe also noted worrying synergies between rebel groups, terrorist groups and transnational organized crime in Africa. Terrorist affiliates are operating largely autonomously, “co-opting local grievances to their benefit and tailoring their narrative to gain support from local communities”. He underlined the need for full implementation of the “landmark” Security Council resolution 1373 (2001).
Yemen is suffering from “one of the most challenging humanitarian crises in the world”, that country’s delegate said. Its prisons are overflowing with terrorist inmates, he said, noting violations of international law in the Red Sea, the trafficking of arms and the use of drones by the Houthis. Conflict zones are fertile ground for terrorist organizations, “and this is perfectly illustrated by what is happening on the territory of [my] country”, he added.
Kenya has pledged to support the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in Nairobi with $1.3 million, that country’s delegate said, stressing the need for predictable and sustainable support to regions on the frontlines, particularly Africa. He also highlighted the “Nairobi Toolkit” which addresses the links between climate change and violent extremism. In his continent, terror groups have exploited governance gaps and enhanced their ability to establish quasi-State structures. “Their ability to shift between these roles makes them increasingly difficult to defeat,” he pointed out.
Kyiv, Moscow Trade Terrorism Claims, as AI Adds New Challenges
Ukraine’s delegate highlighted State-sponsored terrorism, adding that the Russian Federation’s full-scale aggression against his country “has evolved into a massive campaign of terror” targeting civilians. Attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure are meant “to deprive millions of people of electricity, heating, water supply and other basic means of survival during a time of extreme cold.” The threat also extends beyond the physical battlefield through cyberoperations against critical infrastructure and recruitment of individuals through online platforms.
However, the Russian Federation’s delegate said it is Kyiv that attacks civilians; his country targets only military facilities, defence and industrial enterprises and facilities that support the Ukrainian armed forces.
Malaysia’s delegate reiterated the Secretary-General’s concern regarding the misuse of emerging technologies. The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a “double-edged sword”, he said, adding that, while it offers tools for detection, it is also increasingly being exploited by terrorist groups for sophisticated propaganda, recruitment and automated planning of attacks. The use of virtual assets for terrorism financing and the increasing deployment of unmanned aircraft systems require coordinated attention, he said. “We must ensure that our technological advancement does not become a catalyst for extremist violence,” he stressed.
The representative of Kyrgyzstan said that his country’s security forces have engaged in several special operations to fight against international terrorist cells, including the Islamic State operating in the region. At the same time, it is also fighting radicalization and combating online propaganda. As a non-permanent Security Council member for 2027-28, Kyrgyzstan stands ready to contribute to the counter-terrorism file and boost the stability of Central Asia, he said.
Calls for Holistic, Gender-Responsive Approach — From the Ground Up
“An empowered citizenry is our strongest safeguard against radicalization,” Tajikistan’s delegate said, as he highlighted his country’s investments in economic development and education. The country is combating extremism, including by “bringing together local authorities, teachers, women, religious figures and youth”. “We have produced over 4,000 anti-extremist videos and sent more than 8 million targeted SMS messages to citizens,” he said. Tajikistan has also enhanced its border security along Afghanistan, identifying and neutralizing sleeper cells.
Mexico’s delegate said the international community must overcome the persistent “legal vagueness and fragmentation” concerning terrorism and conclude a general convention on international terrorism, underpinned by an agreed definition. He also highlighted the gender perspective — it is crucial to recognize the differential impacts of terrorism on women and girls, but also “understand how gender stereotypes and norms can be weaponized to normalize domination” and intolerance.
Annalena Baerbock (Germany), Assembly President, said the international community’s response to terrorism must address “terrorism itself and the conditions that allow it to take root”. In an evolving landscape where terrorists exploit poverty, injustice and “heavy-handed responses”, while adopting the latest technologies, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy remains an important framework for dialogue and cooperation among Member States, she affirmed.