Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Mr President.
The Third United Nations High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies has served as a timely reminder that terrorism and violent extremism are collective challenges, that require a united resolve and enduring coordinated action by member-states.
But it has also been an opportunity to hear directly from those non-member states in the room. The welcome presence of civil society, academia and private sector representatives has brought valuable perspectives, subject matter expertise, and practical tools to this shared conversation. Providing space for civil society members to tell us what they’re seeing and help inform global best practice, is exactly why these fora are so important. Equally, this week has been a vital chance to hear and amplify the voices of victims of terrorism.
These discussions have reaffirmed the importance of an inclusive, whole-of-society approach to preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism, that protects and promotes human rights and is gender-responsive. We’ve heard diverse perspectives on ways in which the international community can mobilise to prevent radicalisation though early intervention and engagement.
And its these perspectives that should help to inform the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which serves as a call to action – a shared roadmap to identify and combat the challenges we face. We welcome the adoption of the 8th Review of the Strategy by consensus and thank and commend Canada and Tunisia for their leadership and tireless efforts over this process. We recognise that the text of the Resolution represents a compromise for many States.
While countries are informed by their own unique perspectives and experiences – and we are collectively strengthened as a result – we know that terrorism transcends borders. As we have heard so often this week, and indeed in preceding months working to review the Strategy, the global terrorism landscape is rapidly evolving, and so too must our approach. For the Strategy to be effective in guiding our actions, it must be ambitious, inclusive and reflect the changing nature of terrorism and violent extremism. It must also promote and defend the rights of those we seek to protect.
And while robust discussion and debate on these issues is healthy, this cannot be at the expense of our solidarity and shared determination. We cannot afford to cede ground to those who would seek to exploit societal vulnerabilities and cause our citizens harm. As one of many countries to have directly experienced the devastating impacts of terrorism, New Zealand knows first hand that our work here is not hypothetical.
The Global Counterterrorism Strategy is a living document, and this discussion should, and will, be ongoing.
But today is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms – and we must.
Thank you.