Cooperation between the UN, the SCO RATS and the CIS ATC in addressing security related challenges in Central Asia (Counter-Terrorism Week Side Event)

Excellency, colleagues from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the regional anti terrorist structure and colleagues from the Anti Terrorism Center of the Commonwealth of Independent States, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, welcome to the side events on cooperation between the United Nations and SEO RTs and CIS ATC in addressing security related challenges in Central Asia.
As we meet today, this relative stability in Central Asia and the continuing exposure to the region of cross border risks is mainly linked to Afghanistan and the wider region.
As you know this cooperation between the three of us is anchored in the memorandum of understanding between New and OCT, Shanghai Corporation Organization and CIS, AEC, and in the joint action plan endorsed in 2022.
This session is an opportunity to take stock of what this cooperation has achieved and to explore how it might be strengthened and expanded to meet evolving regional needs and recent developments.
As always, with these side events, we have a tight schedule and if Friday's event is any indication, they'll turn off the light and the microphones and everything at six sharp.
I encourage speakers to stick to the time limitations provided.
With that, it is a great pleasure to introduce our acting Secretary-General, Mr.
Alexander Swift of the United Nations Office of Coterrosm.
Sorry you have the floor.
Thank you very much, moderator and excellencies, colleagues from the regional anti terrorist structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, colleagues from the anti terrorist Center of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Ladies and gentlemen, The well established cooperation between the United Nations SCO regional anti terrorist structure and the CIS Antiterrorism Center stands as a strong example of regional cooperation and support of the implementation of United Nations global counterterrorism strategy, which was, as you saw this morning successfully adopted by member states, and we definitely congratulate all of you.
It's a very important global framework which will be used by all member states, but also by all regional and international organizations present here.
As you know, Central Asia has demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of evolving security challenges owing to the sustained prevention and counterterrorism of the five Central Asian states supported by their regional and international partners.
I cannot attest it since I spent eight years in two Central Asian countries working with colleagues from the governments, but also definitely with regional organizations present here and I can tell you it was pretty successful.
It was pretty successful.
The region continues to face a complex and evolving security environment shaped by developments beyond its borders, including in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
These challenges relate in particular to border security, the financing of terrorism, and the spread of terrorist propaganda.
I'm not sure why we are using this word all the time.
I mean, we can say, it's my speech writers included, traditionally, it was a Russian term, but there is a very good term terrorist narratives, which we can also use in this regard.
They are transnational in nature and require coordinated cross regional responses.
This context, I would like to highlight two flagship initiatives implemented jointly by our Office of Counterterrorism, UNIC, and the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, University based in Askabat and we have a senior representative for University also participating in our.
First, the Counterterrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia launched in 2022, and second, the Regional Expert Council on returners from conflict zone launched in 2024.
We discussed this new expert Council.
I mean, you know, because just very recently, we had a side event on return and reintegration and rehabilitation of former terrorist fighters and especially return of their families, women and kids.
Engagement in both these platforms has reflected our real institutional investment.
I'm very glad that we work very closely with UNIC and I have with me two colleagues based in Ashbat but they're already my staff members, these two young ladies sitting on my left and we are expanding our presence in Central Asia and we're looking at other points of entry for UNIC over there.
I look forward to this discussion today on the results of these initiatives in which both the SCO and CIS have been active contributors.
The SEO Regional anti terrorist structure and the CIS Atiist Terrorism Center, and you've heard in our opening session video address by the director of the CIS Anti terrorism Center, and they continue to bring the wealth of experiences from member states across the wider region.
Their contribution is built on established information exchange mechanism and deep institutional relationship with national security services.
Their respective assessments of security trends have been most valuable in designing capacity building activities under our so called early warning network in the Regional Council.
I would like to thank both organizations for regularly inviting University to their meetings.
We just discussed this morning with Shanghai coation organization, what we can do and especially with their specific counterterrorist capacity based in Tashkan.
I know it's SER Rats so called.
So we most recently participated in the third conference on combating terrorism and extremism, co organized by the CAS Anti terrorism Center in Dushanbe in October 25 and 11th International Scientific and Practical Conference, organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Regional Anti Terrorist Structure in Tashkeni in November 2025.
Indeed, the close cooperation with SCO and CIS extends beyond the Early Warning Network and the Regional Council.
We have jointly conducted regional training courses on advanced passenger information and passenger name record data for SEO member states and also for Turkmenistan.
I would like to welcome His Excellency permanent representative of Turkmenistan, who joined us recently.
We have also organized regional roundtables on the investigations, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals suspected of terrorism, including foreign terrorist fighters and their accompanying family members, as I mentioned a little bit earlier.
These examples demonstrate the complementarity and our strengths that each of our organization bring to supporting the efforts of member states in Central Asia under the auspices of the global counterterrorism strategy.
This event give us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what our cooperation has achieved and how we can expand it to meet the evolving challenges of the region and address the needs and priorities of Central Asian member states.
I wish you all success and I look forward to your open and productive and constructive exchange.
With this, since I see many people around this table already maybe five, six times today only because I have many engagements.
But I have to apologize.
I have the chief of Libyan National Intelligence waiting for my office in 10 minutes and I have to run So my work from here, with your understanding and permission, but we will have senior University staff and we definitely will take note of all deliberations and then I will get a summary of discussions and especially since we have a variable moderator of this process.
Okay.
Thank you very much.
Ram Ramad all the best.
Much, Mr.
F for making time in your busy schedule to also attend this particular side event.
I turn now to Mr.
Navidnjm, the Deputy Director from the regional anti terrorist structure of the Shanghai cooperation Organization.
Navi do you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Urik.
In fact, Director Sis has to be here, but due to the visa complications, he could not make it, and I'll be reading his message on his behalf.
Silman Rahim, ladies and gentlemen, Excellencies, on behalf of multinational Team of Executive Committee of Regional anti terrorism Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and on my own behalf.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you.
All of you to the seminar on cooperation between the UN the SEOs and the CIS ATC in addressing security related challenges in Central Asia.
I would also like to thank UN OCT and ATCCIS for their support and cooperation in organization of today's event.
Ladies and gentlemen, an analysis of the current international and regional situation indicates that the threats posed by terrorism, sepism extremism to the member states of the Shanghai cooperation organization remain high.
Despite an overall decline in the number of terrorist attacks worldwide, the nation is becoming more complex, destructive, and difficult to predict.
Terrorist organizations are adapting to new conditions, moving away from a model of territorial control in favor of decentralized networks and autonomous cells.
The main source of challenges and threats to the security and stability of the SU member states remain international terrorist organizations operating in and from Afghanistan, Syria, and other countries, which are included in the UN Security Council's consolidated list and the list of terrorist separatists and extremist organizations.
Whose activities are prohibited within the territories of SU member states.
These terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan continue to focus on carrying out subversive activities in absentia and cross border recruitment, establishing super cells, and infiltrating and transferring terrorists to carry out terrorist acts both within and outside Afghanistan.
The situation in Syria also remains unstable.
The release of detained militants, the uncertain status of foreign jihadis, the dire socioeconomic situation, and ethnical tensions are creating conditions for the continuation and transformation of terrorist activity.
There are risks of militants returning to their countries of origin or infiltrating third countries under the guise of magnets or via legal channels.
Armed conflicts in the Middle East remains a significant factor into radicalization.
International terrorist organizations actively exploit these conflicts for propaganda purposes, creating an image of a sacred struggle and recruiting new sympathizer to their cause.
There has been a significant transformation in the methods of terrorist activity.
Modern terrorist organizations have adopted a decentralized network based on the autonomy of cells, distance control and the widespread use of digital technologies.
Recruitment, training, and ideological indoctrination are carried out via social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms and banned online resources.
Artificial intelligence is actively utilized in the preparation of informational content.
Terrorist activities are increasingly financed through cryptocurrencies, illegal money transfers, and online fraud.
Unmanned aerial vehicles are actively used in the conduct of terrorist attacks.
The accelerated radicalization of young people, including minors is a cause of particular concern.
The main factors contributing to this process are social vulnerability, a lack of prospects in life, religious illiteracy, and the influence of pseudo religious figures.
Recruitment takes place without face to face contact using strict measures of secrecy, which significantly complicates the detection and suppression of such activities.
Ladies and gentlemen, additional risks are emerging within the S regions countries.
Extremist ideology continues to spread within prisons where those convicted of terrorist offenses continue to indoctrinate others.
Upon release, such individuals often form criminal terrorist groups with the aim of financing the underground movement.
The activities of religious extremist organizations that operate their cells remotely also remain a significant threat.
Overall, the situation in the fight against terrorism, separatism extremism call for the strengthening and development of cooperation mechanism between the competent authorities of SU member states in jointly countering new forms and methods of terrorist separatism and extremist activity.
Against this backdrop, the activities of SU regional anti terrorism structure, were directed towards implementing the program of cooperation among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Counterterrorism, Counter Terrorism, separatism, extremism for years 2025, 2027, as well as the decisions of the Council of Heads of States of the member states, the Council of Head of Governments, Prime Minister level of the assumable State, and the Civil Rights Council falling within the auspices of the rights.
This was facilitated by the active discussion of topical issues of cooperation by representatives of the competent authorities of the parties at meetings of the Civil Rights Council and relevant experts group.
In the SERT framework in 2025, the competent authorities of CEU member states prevented terror acts, suppressed crimes of terrorist separate extremist nature, and neutralized and detained the leaders of members of terrorist separate extremist organizations and their cells and channels for financing of terrorism.
Moreover, illegal immigration channels used for terrorists, separatist and extremist purposes were identified and closed.
Overall, the current situation and the short term outlook indicate that high level of terrorist activity by the MTO will persist alongside an escalation of new challenges and threats to the security of SU member states.
In these circumstances, the SU regional anti terrorism structure with the active participation of the competent authorities of member states continues its work on formulating the necessary practical measures, developing the regulatory framework, implementing the approved decisions, programs and plans of SEO and strengthening the developing multilateral cooperation.
Particular attention will be paid to the establishment within the SUT of Universal Center for Accounting challenging and threat to the security of SEO member states.
The establishment of universal Center will enable cooperation between member states to reach a qualitatively new level, enhance effectiveness of joint efforts across a wide range of security areas and serve as an important platform for the continued high fight against international terrorism, separism, extrem.
Here I would also like to acknowledge the role played by UNSCO, UNC City, and other union organization in providing us with the useful information.
We highly value cooperation with UN bodies and ATC CIS.
With this, I finished the message of the speech of the Director.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Thank you very much, Navid, for delivering this statement from the Director and we look forward also to your own statement, I believe, later in the session.
With your indulgence, participants, we will be moving around a little bit because I understand that General Mamotsoda has to leave shortly.
So we have agreed that we will move him up so he can speak now.
With that, I give the floor to General Manageir Mamotsoa, the head of the Unified Information Center of the Office of the Prosecutor General in the Republic of Tajikistan.
So you have the floor.
Distinguished colleagues.
On behalf of the delegation of Republic of Tajikistan, I thank the organizers for convening this discussion on regional cooperation in preventing and countering violent extremism.
No single state can defeat terrorism and extremism alone, and our region has translated this Conviction into joint action.
As a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the active participants in the Commonwealth of Independent States, Tajikistan implements both frameworks in parallel with our neighbors.
On October 10th, 2025, the Heads of State of the CIS approved in Duchamba three complementary instruments, the P of Cooperation in countering terrorism and extremism for 2026 2028, the program for strengthening border Security for 2026 30, and the concept of military cooperation to 2030, building on the 2025 to 2027 program for cooperation in the field of de radicalization.
Together, these commit our competent authorities through the CIS Anti terrorism Center to join information sharing on returning foreign terrorist fighters and coordinated special operations.
In parallel, our regional anti terrorist structure in Taukan coordinates ten SEO member states.
At the Tanjin Summit in September 2025, Our leaders adopted the new SEO program of cooperation to counter extremist ideology for 2026 2030.
RTS has since developed new mechanism to track terrorist financing and the cross border movement of fighters.
Our security services completed joint exercises in December 2025 with the council convening again in Islamabad this year.
These two architectures no longer operate in isolation.
In September 2025, the Secretaries Generals of the CIS, CSTO and CSO approved a joint roadmap for cooperation through 2028 and the CIS Anti terrorism Center and SCO RATs Executive Committee now hold direct working meetings.
We are preparing the first joint SEOCIs counterterrorism forum to be hosted by Belarus in 2026.
The most ambitious institutional conversions of regional counterterrorism mechanism to date.
We also welcome continued engagement by the UN Office of Counterterrorism, including through the Counterterrorism Early Warning Network and the Regional Expert Council on Rees, connecting our regional work to the global counterterrorism strategy.
Tajikistan Prosecutorial and Security Services are active participants across every one of these frameworks.
Legal harmonization through the CIS model legislation process, operational cooperation through joint exercises, and intelligence sharing through the RTS and ATC data banks.
We stand ready to deepen this joint implementation and initiate our partners to use 2026 2028 to translate these adopted programs into the measurable shared results.
I thank you.
Those remarks and also for the flexibility and timing and we wish you a safe travel onwards.
We will then continue with the opening remarks and I turn now to prerecorded video message from Mr.
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Preparing this video statement for us and of course, look forward to the presentation by Mr.
Aff in the following session.
I now turn to Mr.
Ahmad Simao Toda, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Corporation Organization.
Thank you, Mr.
Moderator.
Well, as the representative of the main executive body of SEO, my remarks will be complimentary to what my brother Navid has said.
First of all, I'm glad to represent the Secretariat of SEO at this special event and I have also honored to convey greetings and best wishes for a successful side event from the SEO Secretary-General, Mr.
Ya Macbeth.
Dear colleagues in today's complex security architecture, while some seek security through exclusive minilateral groupings, multilateral structures like SEO and CIS remain committed to a more representative and multipolar world order based on the central coordinating role of the United Nations.
As most of you are aware, in 2021, Central Asia declared the nucleus of the SEO.
Nowadays, countries of this region are making a significant contribution to deepening dialogue and cooperation, working together with other SEO member states in ensuring comprehensive security, combating three evils with the efforts of the SERT, terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as countering the drug threats, which is Secretariat I'm so sorry, which is SEO Secretariat is responsible.
Dear colleagues, SEO community now includes 27 states, ten member states, two observers, and 15 dialogue partners.
Since 2001, the SEO has grown almost five fold.
Our new members of the SEO community see our organization as a rapidly evolving center of the emerging multipolar world capable of actively countering global and regional risks.
SEO Secretariat and SEO Rats remain open to developing dialogue with all interested organization that share our commitment to a peaceful and sustainable world.
Dear colleagues, dear moderator, SEO, UN and CIS have largely similar goals, principles, and tasks.
We are proud to know that the relations between the SEO and UN have significantly strengthened in recent year On September five, 2025, right after the SEO Tin Summit, the 79 session of the UNGA adopted a resolution on cooperation between UN and SEO.
I wish to note that this resolution was adopted with the support of the 120 votes result that wasn't achieved during the last eight resolutions.
It has become a good tradition to hold joint SEO and UN events in New York here, in Vienna, in Bangkok, and other cities.
Our colleagues from SEO's executive committee also actively cooperate with UN colleagues on counterterrorism and other security related challenges and threats.
SEO and CIS are connected by geographic proximity and shared history.
In October last year, the OEO has gained observer status at the CIS and as the Secretariat, we are ready to continue working closely with the CIS Executive Committee, with the CIS anti terrorist structure, and other organs of the Commonwealth.
Dear moderator, in 2021, SEO launched the modernization process, including its security instruments and operational capabilities in Central Asia.
We are now transforming the original anti terrorist structure in Tashkan to universal center to counter challenges and threats to security.
Furthermore, we are institutionalizing our response to transnational threats through new specialized hub, anti drug center in Duchamber Center to combat transnational organized crime in Bishkek and Center for International Information Security.
We believe that these centers allow us to respond to threats while simultaneously addressing both traditional and new challenges in Central Asia and, of course, in a wider REO region.
In conclusion, I would like to thank my colleagues from the RAS Executive Committee for inviting us and holding today's special event.
Navid, thank you so much and looking forward also to interesting discussion.
Thank you very much, Deputy Secretary-General for that interesting presentation.
Last of the opening remarks, we turn to our partner from UNIC, Mr.
Arman Spuplz, the Human Rights and Political Affairs Officer.
Distinguished representatives of member states, distinguished colleagues from regional organizations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Dear UN colleagues, on behalf of UNRCCA I would like to welcome all of you here in the side event devoted to cooperation between the UN and the two regional organizations.
The mandate of UNRCC specifically refers to cooperation with regional organizations.
It states that UNRCC should encourage peace making efforts and initiatives and facilitate coordination and information exchange with due regard to the specific mandates.
In this context, the cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States along with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are particularly mentioned in the UNRCC mandate.
Basically, the UNRCC mandate is label less than one page, it just indicates how significant is this cooperation that in such a concise mandate, we have this reference to regional organizations.
UNICA has several priority areas where it cooperates with regional organizations such as climate change and transboundary water management, when peace and security use and peace and security are among those areas, but particularly close cooperation with regional organizations we have in the field of preventive violent extremism and countering terrorism.
And it was already mentioned that the regional anti terrorism structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Counterterrorism Center of the Commonwealth of Independent States have been active participates in such joint initiatives of UNRCCA and UNOCT as the Counter Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia and the Regional Expert Council on returnees from conflict zones.
The two organizations not only participate and participated in these activities, they also contributed in the creation stages of these initiatives.
The important complementarity of these two organizations is engagement of the member states from the larger geographical area which are able to share the experience with the Central Asian states.
During today's meeting, we will discuss more in detail the initiatives with the regional anti terrorism structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the counterterrorism Center for Commonwealth Independent States.
But what is important in conclusion to say that over the years we have achieved significant level of trust and interaction with our colleagues, but there is always a scope for further improvement and it would be important not only to share current experience, but also to explore areas which could be further developed.
In this context, I wish fruitful discussions.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you very much, man.
You also took the words out of my mouth in terms of bringing this very interesting opening session to the next session on current and future engagements that our good colleague Navid will moderate.
So I turn over to you and Dam.
As it happens, I'm also the first speaker on the list.
But before I start with my presentation, I would like to quote here that it's needless to say that how important the work of UN in providing the security and safety to Central Asia is region, we had a very fruitful interaction with Mr.
Alexander Zev this morning where we discussed our future cooperation opportunities.
Just for the information of all of you, I would like to say that uh, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the University in 2000 2020, and since then and in 2023, end of 2023, we also signed the program, joint plan of action for 2024, 2026, and under which we have so far conducted four activities.
We have organized four activities.
Today's is the fifth one, but first time it is happening in New York, and we hope to continue this work.
Now, with this, I would turn on to the presentation, I We have already spoken about the cooperation between our two organizations.
I will take this opportunity to all those who are new to SEO Rat's area of expertise or setup.
I would just briefly explain to you what is SEO regional anti terrorism structure and about the threat landscape in our region.
Thank you.
Next.
This is the sequence I'll be following for my presentation.
I Next.
A little thing about the evolution of SEO.
It all started in 1996 with the Shanghai five.
It had initially five member states China, Kazaksan Kysan Russia, Tajikistan and with the involvement and joining of this organization by Uzbekistan in 2000, it was converted into Sugai Cooperation Organization in 2001, and then later on in 2002, the Head of States signed the charter of SEO.
As of today, as my friend Ahmad also explained, we are around 27 countries, ten are member countries, two observer, and 15 other dialogue partners.
Out of 17, one, Afghanistan is suspended or frozen for the time being.
Rest there we have active cooperation on all.
Next, These are the objectives and functions of SE RATs.
We develop proposal and recommendation to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, collect and analyze information provided by the competent authorities, create, maintain database of these organization, assist in preparation, conduct of joint activities, exercise, and training, participate in development of international legal instruments.
We also conduct conferences, seminars, et cetera, and establish and maintain contacts with the relevant international organizations.
Next.
This is the structure of SEO.
As you may be aware that SEO has two organs.
These are two independent organs.
One is Secretariat, which is based in Beijing, which is today represented by my friend, Deputy Secretary-General Ahmad, and the second is based in Tashkan.
We both have our own channels of reporting.
We also have our own council which approves the report, which is then presented to the Head of States.
So this is organogram.
It is headed by the director, which is from Kyrgyzstan.
Director is appointed for three years term.
Then we have six departments.
E is represented by a country and one of them is me.
I represent Pakistan International Cooperation Department.
Then we have India, Tajikistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan.
Next, So this is the form of cooperation with which basically we conduct our operations.
There are around six groups which meet on quarterly or half yearly basis.
These are legal experts, operational information exchange, universal border experts, joint working group, and technical experts.
Next rather this month already we are going to have this meeting in border group in Pakistan, where head of the Border Services of SEO region will participate next.
So these are basically the joint measures that we take.
I'll just be brief about it.
We identify block channels, counter the efforts of terrorists to penetrate in our region and to influence the population, ensure the regional security, prevent spread of radical ideology, terrorist suicide bombers, and use the threat of use of computer networks for terrorist separatism and extremist purposes.
We also have mechanisms to ensure the security of major international events.
Whenever there is an international event, we form a hotline connecting all the SU member countries.
Next, This is basically a simple chart showing our international cooperation with different countries.
As you can see that we have written the USC, UNODC UNCCT and others with whom we have active cooperation.
On the center, you can see the partner countries.
We organize conferences, seminars.
One of the major is the International Scientific practical Conference.
Deputy Secretary-General also mentioned about it and this year, it's going to be held in Belarus next.
With this brief introduction of our organization, now I'll shift to the threat assessment in SU region.
Next, you may ask why we are showing the map of Afghanistan because the threat radiates from Afghanistan.
If you notice that all the countries around Afghanistan with the exception of Turkmenistan are SU member states.
Next, you see that it shares around 2670 kilometer border with Pakistan.
Next, With Iran, it's 920 1 kilometer, next, Turkmnistan is eight to 4 kilometers, but it's not member of SEO next.
Uzbekistan is 144 kilometer, Tajikistan is 13 57 next.
Finally, we have China with 90 1 kilometer.
You can look at the demography of Afghanistan, it's around 48 million people approximately multilingual and Pashtu are the major languages.
Next, Next, please.
This is the current situation in Afghanistan.
It's an authoritarian regime.
So far, it's stable.
It has no challenger in sight, but the government is entirely made of TTA elements with the members from all ethnic groups.
It's resistance forces, as you may see, they continue to attack against IAG, but they are not posing any serious threat.
Uh, the interim Afghan government has increased its diplomatic outreach to the neighboring countries and that they have also increased their trade with all the countries in the region.
The next, please.
One of the main groups that remains active in Afghanistan is ISKP, Islamic State of Karasa Province.
They remain the primary fight in the region, so, For now, Afghan authorities are conducting operations against them.
They are mute for a while, but the threat has not gone away.
They continue to recruit people.
They have a lot of money, so they can buy Afghans who are in desperate need of financial assistance.
Then other group is TTP, which enjoys a complete freedom within Afghanistan, it moves across places.
They have the modern equipment.
And if you have noticed, they're also carrying out drone attacks and others.
For now, it's against Pakistan, but it definitely poses threat because there is no regimentation in these terrorist organizations and they move around.
Next.
So yeah, the small brief about Islamic state, as you can see, the leader is Saul Hafari or you can say Shahabu Muhjir' a native of Kabul province.
As I've already explained, so these are the areas where they're located.
It's in Jojgan Mazar Sherif Dakar Kandu, Saipul and Kabul.
For now, it appears that they are being controlled by the foreign authorities because they are not conducting any active operations outside Afghanistan.
Or the number is rather limited.
But it's for the time being, we assess that they are gathering more and more strength and they may play vital role, a destructive role in Afghanistan and surrounding areas.
Next.
Al Qaeda has also become active recently.
This is the leader, Sepal Adel.
He's of Egyptian descent.
They have recently opened a number of training camps in Afghanistan and they're importing trainings mainly in use of advanced technology like Broom, et, et cetera.
So it's another concern to all of us because they can drop.
Just yesterday we had a meeting with the monitoring group and with the 15 40 committee.
There's a concern that they may use these advanced technologies to use sophisticated weapons against the neighboring countries next.
So another major group is TTP.
The strength is around 5,000 to 6,000.
They are also in areas of Nuristan, Kun Host Patika Paka Zabul, Logar Kandar Helman, and Lahman.
This group enjoys the support of Afghanistan intern authorities.
They are moving around freely, and there are reports that recently they have started cooperating with al Qaeda operatives in Afghanistan also.
Next, So it's a brief overview, I will not take much of time.
These are a few of the organizations I would like to flag here.
This is the information about Islamic Jihad Union, which also works closely with Jamath and Salah and East Turkestan Islamic movement.
Their number is decreasing.
For now, they are also not very active because of current Afghan regime's operations, but the threat has not gone away.
Next.
Same is with the Islamic movement of Turkistan.
You can see on the map the location.
They have Badasha Thakur, Kunduz, Shanga and Sara and they basically pose a threat to Uzbekistan.
Next, this is one of Khatiba Bufari consider up 200 stationed in the province of Aab and Jagan near the Turkmen border.
The Central Asian country, especially Uzbekistan is on the radar for possible terrorist attacks.
Next, Jamatana again, basically it's a self explanatory flight.
You can look at it.
This group also poses a serious threat to Tajikistan.
Next, this is final on our list is East Turkistan Islamic movement.
They are, of course, active in the northern side with the border across China and they're also posing serious threat to Chinese interests.
Next.
With this, I conclude my presentation.
Thank you very much.
We remain open to cooperation with all the organizations working in the security field.
So if you have any questions, anything you can address to us and we'll be very happy to answer them.
Thank you very much with this, I'll finish my presentation.
I will now pass on the floor to my friend, Mr.
Hermans Pols, Human Rights and Political Affairs Office of UNRCCA Armand.
For two.
Thank you, Navid.
Also, we agreed with our UN OCD colleagues that before going to our joint initiatives, which we also mentioned in our introductory remarks, in addition, what already Navid said, I also described this security related environment in Central Asia.
Which we implementing these initiatives and why we implemented exactly those initiatives in order to respond to what is happening on the ground.
Overall, it was also mentioned here already that overall the security situation in Central Asia remains stable, not least to the improved regional coordination and cooperation and increase efficiency of state institutions.
However, a challenge to stability and security remain and of course, there are a number of external factors and actually, unfortunately, external factors which affect stability and security in Central Asia, they are on the rise.
I mean very unpredictable situation in the Middle East, which is in very vicinity of Central Asia, the war in Ukraine.
But of course, one of significant or probably most significant external factors is, of course, developments in Afghanistan and the In addition to what Navid has said already regarding terrorist groups, so I will just add a few things.
I mean, basically what we see is that I mean, these terrorist groups, not only they are based in Afghanistan, but actually what we see, we see the security incidents.
Usually the security incidents, they are not getting on the world media stage, but they are happening and according to Tajik official sources, for example, in 2025, there were ten terrorist related attacks originated from Afghanistan at the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
So basically what we have also information is that apart from terrorist groups, there is also deteriorating humanitarian situation which could impose further security risks, and of course, the situation with drugs.
So overall, I mean, it has been also admitted by the UN that there is a significant reduction in opium poppy cultivations in Afghanistan.
However, what is happening now is increase of synthetic drugs and even according to the Afghan Ministry of Interior, which reported that in 2025, authorities dismantled ten heroin production laboratories and 389 facilities involved in the production of synthetic narcotics.
Another challenge, what we have heard recently is basically there's increase in criminality and unfortunately also in corruption because the Taliban in the past has been always positioning themselves as the ones who are very, very efficient regarding fighting corruption.
Unfortunately, again, according to our sources from Central Asia, the corruption is growing, which could also lead to less security environment, but also in general economic cooperation because as we always say and we support Central Asians in this regard that long term stability in Afghanistan lies in a strong economic connectivity between Afghanistan and Central Asia and how Afghanistan is embedded in economic processes of the region.
At the same time, I would like to emphasize that how these external factors are affecting the situation in Central Asia depends also what is happening in Central Asia.
If there are no conditions conducive to being impacted by these external factors.
When I'm talking about internal situations, of course, there is always very important, this is efficiency of state institutions which are operating in a Central Asia and also, for example, it's always very important there is no socially marginalized groups, et cetera, which could create these conditions conducive.
Against this background, yes, we have this early warning network about which my colleagues from UNO CT are going to say, and of course, the very much focus of this early warning network is Afghanistan, but not only, as I said, there are other factors which impact security and stability in Central Asia and there are also important component is internal situations in Central Asian states, which should not be conducive to these external factors.
Over to my colleagues.
Miss Sanath, Jamaa Program Management Office of Central Asian University.
Thank you, colleagues and partners.
It is my privilege to present to you the progress and impact of the counterterrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia Initiative, as well as its new elements of this important initiative jointly implemented by our office, UN Office of Counter Terrorism, and our long term partners in the Central Asian region, the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
This very initiative embodies our collective commitment to enhancing peace security and resilience in Central Asia, a region facing complex and evolving terrorism related challenges.
If we may go to the next slide and then go back to this one.
Starting from the strategic context and geopolitical significance, Central Asia's geographic proximity to Afghanistan as it was mentioned by previous speakers, places it at the front line of emerging security threats including terrorism, violent extremism, illicit trafficking, and cross border instability.
Rapid political and security changes in Afghanistan have repeatedly underscored the urgent need for regional collaboration and robust early warning mechanisms.
The Early Warning Network Initiative was launched in June 2022 within the framework of the United Nations Global counterterrorism strategy and the joint plan of action phase four.
Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive and coordinated platform that enables Central Asian states to anticipate, assess, and respond effectively to terrorism related threats.
Next slide, please.
Let.
This very initiative is designed with clear actionable objectives.
We have established a network that brings together in whole of society and whole of government approach, law enforcement, government agencies, civil society, academia, and regional organizations.
This network facilitates timely information sharing and joint threat assessments, which are essential for coordinated responses.
The initiative emphasized capacity building.
Through trainings, workshops, and scenario based exercises, national authorities are equipped with modern tools and methodologies, including open source intelligence and artificial intelligence to analyze threats and develop early warning indicators.
CTEWN supports research and knowledge sharing to inform policy making.
Our analytical products focus on the situation in Afghanistan and simplifications for Central Asian states as well as online terrorist content in Central Asia.
Dedicated research studies were conducted on these topics by Central Asian experts.
Analyzing in the framework of the threat for platform, and of the CTEWN it is planned that through integrated inputs from government agencies, border communities, civil society, and AI enhanced tools, the network will identify early signals of radicalization, cross border threats, online extremist narratives, and terrorism related financial activity.
This will enable member states to anticipate evolving risks, contextualize developments linked to possible threats, and inform targeted, preventive and human rights compliant national responses.
Through its integrated library and AI assisted analytical tools, the threat Watch platform will consolidate practical guidance, case studies, and proven operational approaches shared by member states, UN partners, and regional organizations.
Users can quickly identify effective methodologies on information sharing, risk assessment, community engagement, and the responsible use of AI OSINT.
Going to the next slide on the achievements.
Throughout two phases of its implementation, the early warning network has made significant strides.
We have successfully operationalized the early warning network platform with full endorsement from the five Central Asian states, Kazakstan Kygsan Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
In 2025 alone, over 200 participants from governments, civil society, union agencies, and regional bodies have taken part in national consultations, trainings, regional conferences, and specialized trainings.
These events have fostered trust, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to collective security.
Two major research studies have been produced focusing on Afghanistan security situation and terrorist content online in Central Asia.
During phase one of the Early Warning Network Initiative, Central Asian states through scenario based exercises, identified key threats for instability in neighboring Afghanistan, including real radicalization via ideological recruitment, terrorist content online, targeting vulnerable groups, and the terrorism crime nexus through illicit drug trafficking.
To ensure sustainability, we have established a community of practice hosted on the UNOCT Connect and Learn platform, complemented by a telegram channel and regular newsletters.
This virtual space enables continuous knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Based on these achievements and with consideration of the requests from the Central Asian member states, we are planning to expand the initiative in the continuation of its current phase two with new elements introduced.
With this, I pass the floor to my colleague Karina to move on with the presentation.
Thank you, Sanat.
You excellent.
Thanks, colleagues and friends.
Building on the achievements just outlined, I would like to briefly present the planned activities for next two years subject to availability of funding.
This initiative represents a targeted expansion of CTEWN responding to an increasingly complex and interconnected threat environment.
Terrorist threats today evolve rapidly across borders and across the digital space, as mentioned by our colleagues.
They require earlier detection, stronger partnerships, and more agile mechanisms for information sharing and joint analysis.
Our objective is therefore not simply to continue existing activities, but to strengthen the network's ability to anticipate and respond to emerging threats before they escalate.
From its inception, CTEWN has been built as a collaborative initiative.
The close cooperation between the United Nations, ART, and S CIS ATC and other partners, including civil society organizations, has been one of its defining strengths, bringing together global expertise, regional knowledge, and operational experience.
I would like to highlight that the direction was defined together with the Central Asian states during recent CTEWN engagements in response to evolving regional dynamics.
It also responds to the recommendations of the latest independent evaluation report available online.
The cross regional movement of foreign terrorist fighters has raised new concerns about extremist networks reforming with the potential to destabilize the wider region.
Participating states from Central Asia called for a broader cooperation with the Shanghai cooperation Organization, its regional anti terrorist structure, Commonwealth of Independent states, and its anti terrorist center, and partners from the Middle East, making cross regional information sharing and joint early warning a regular practice.
They also requested a stronger engagement with private sector actors, religious leaders, and border communities, as well as advanced national training on different topics including artificial intelligence.
We therefore frame this project as an expansion in three interconnected dimensions.
First, technological expansion.
We continue to move from tools to capabilities to an expanded version of the CT EWN threat watch platform, integrating a custom artificial intelligence model designed for early warning purposes.
The objective is not to replace analysts, but to equip them with more advanced tools to address current challenges and threats.
Second, transgional expansion.
We are planning to expand cooperation beyond Central Asia.
The project will deepen structured engagement with regional organizations, including the partners present today while opening regular cooperation with selected Middle Eastern partners to address shared and interconnected threats.
Through joint roundtables, study visits, and expert exchanges, we aim to expand cross regional information sharing and joint analysis on the threat flows between Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
By connecting institutions that often analyze the same threats from different regional perspectives, the project will promote earlier identification of common risks and support more coordinated preventive responses.
Finally, third direction, national and community level expansion.
The project will continue to deploy early warning by working directly with border communities in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan through consultations, tailored trainings, and implementation of early warning network, standard operating procedures targeted to border communities.
So to conclude, the project will continue to be delivered through a strong partnership framework involving RCCA, UNAMA, the monitoring team, and other United Nations entities together with our long standing partners, Shanghai cooperation Organization, regional anti terrorist structure, as well as our colleagues from CIS ATC.
Since the launch of the CTEWN, both partners have played an active role in shaping this initiative, contributing regional expertise, operational experience, and extensive practitioner networks.
We look forward to continue this partnership with all of you and we'll be grateful for your continued support and feedback.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Thank you very much Raman, Saat and Karina, thank you very much for the information you touched on some very important aspects of it.
I think the corruption is a major part of it.
Everybody at least believe that with the arrival of this new interim setup probably since the champion on this elimination of corruption and the things will improve.
But however, the things are taking another turn.
It's going back to the old times and it's not a good indication.
Other thing is about developing the evidence based policies, of course, it is a very important one.
You have to see the results of whatever is happening and then tailor your program accordingly.
And finally, the interconnected threat environment is something that concerns all of us, and that's why we showed that why Afghanistan is a place of concern for all the countries neighboring it because it's not just now, but in the future, if things go wrong, where it would spill in shape of migrants and all, it will come to all of our countries.
Thank you very much with this, we move forward.
May I propose that before we go to the member states, we may listen the video message of Antone Aref so then we can probably later on move to the member countries.
Participants of the Swank, the SAS Anti terrim Center recognizes the leading role of the United Nations in coordinating multilateral efforts in countering terrorism.
Today, the regional plan of action to implement the UN Global counterpersm strategy developed with the support of the United Nations is being successfully carried out in Central Asia.
Under the auspices of the UN Office of Counterterrorism, joint measures are underway aimed to strengthen regional security and share best practices.
Significant support for these efforts is provided by regional organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent states.
The UN Security Council has repeatedly emphasized that regional actors with knowledge of the global landscape can complement the UN initiatives.
It is a guard and based on the memorandum signed in 2018, the SAS Anti Terrorism Center closely cooperates with the UN Office of Counterterrorism by participating in its events and projects.
In 2024, the SAS ADC assisted the UNIC in developing the technical guide on protecting critical energy infrastructure against terrorist attacks.
The center also actively participated in the counterterrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia.
We have repeatedly shared our knowledge at seminars held under that project, during which participants exchange assessments of terrorist threats and national best practices.
They are participants.
Central Asia is also a region where areas of responsibility of different international organizations overlap.
Building a regional security architecture is impossible without the involvement of all interested stakeholders.
Our principal LE and national partner in this effort is the SO regional Eories structure.
The joint efforts of our organizations contribute to enhancing security across greater duration.
By gradually deepening our cooperation, we reached this signing of a respective agreement.
The measures envisaged by that document are now being implemented in practice.
For example, in 2023, the Cop hosted for the first time joint anti terrorism exercises of the SEO and the SIS.
In 2024, our organizations combined efforts to hold a high level counter terism conference in Dash K, which proved to be in demand among competent authorities and broader expert community.
That event brought together delegations from countries representing more than 40% of the world's population.
2025, the Council of Heir for the States granted the SEO an observer status in the Commonwealth.
Accordingly, delegations from all members of the Shanghai family took part in the SS counterterrorism forum held in Tajikistan.
The participants, we view prospects for further collaperation with the UCT and the SCRSs very positively.
Already this year, they says ADC and SRS plan to broaden the scope of their cooperation by holding a joint counterterrorism forum in Belarus, which will combine two cascading events, a conference followed by joint antiterrorism exercise.
Our center continues with great interest to support initiatives of the Uni City.
Two important projects are currently underway, preventing and countering terrorism, national and regional practices, and strengthening capacity to disrupt the supply of weapons to terrorists in Central Asia.
The first project has already been presented today just before our meeting.
As for the second project, our center compiled and provided the UN OCT with information on the SAS practices impventing the terrorist use of small arms, like weapons, improvised explosive devices, and unmanned aerial systems.
This topic is particularly relevant for our region, especially in the context of terrorist groups use of modern technologies.
We also consider it important to continue supporting the UN OCT by offering our venues to launch initiatives aimed at counterterrorism and extremism.
This practice will successfully be lies on the sidelines of the last year's SAS counterterrorism Conference.
And thank you for your attention.
Supposed to be here, but because of the visa issues, he could not make it.
Maybe next year he will be here.
Now, since we follow the Russian alphabetical order in countries and we don't have any request from India.
I'll pass on the floor to Mr.
Mote Adil Moabakvch Deputy Director of the Terrorism Center of State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The floor is yours.
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Dear participants, ladies and gentlemen, let me translate to English.
Today, terrorism is one of the most serious problems in the world.
To respond to modern threats in time and in the right way, relevant authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic take measures to find, prevent, and stop crimes connected with terrorism and violent extremism.
This also includes international terrorist and extremist activities.
The fight against terrorism is difficult and has many levels.
Cooperation with the international organizations is especially important.
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Cooperation with international organizations is especially important.
It helps countries coordinate their work, share information, and best practices, and jointly create effective ways to prevent and stop terrorist threats.
Terrorism extremism.
The State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic is working closely with international organizations and foreign partners in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Tag, Pmsador Today, under international agreements, the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic maintains and develops partnerships with the United Nations United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Anti Terrorism Center of the member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Regional Anti Terrorist structure of the member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
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Since 2022, as part of the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 23 96, the State Committee is operating the Advanced Passenger Information Passenger name Record System, which is used to collect, process, and analyze passenger data.
Its purpose is to support border security and to fight terrorism and transnational crime.
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Within the API PNR project, in total, 50 people were identified persons of interest, and these persons were included in the consolidated sanctions list and in the register of especially dangerous criminals of the International Criminal Police Organization Interpol.
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These criminals were involved in international terrorist organizations and extremist organizations, terrorist acts using explosive devices, spreading materials and symbols of the terrorist organization, ISIS, murder, illegal drug trafficking, financial fraud, money laundering, cybercrimes, document forgery, especially large scale fraud, human trafficking, organization of illegal migration, rape of minors, and other serious crimes.
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State Committee also continues to strengthen cooperation with the anti terrorism center of the member states of the CIS countries.
It should be noted that there is a branch of the ATC open in Bishkek since 22.
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This branch is a permanent structural unit of the CIS Anti terrorism Center, and it helps coordinate the work of the competent authorities of the CIS members in the Central Asian region in the fight against international terrorism and other forms of violent extremism.
Together with the CIS Anti terrorism Center, about nine regional expert consultations were held, and they included representatives of security bodies, special services, law enforcement agencies of CIS member states.
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Our last speaker is Mr.
Java, the counselor from Pakistan P to the United States United Nations.
Javad, as brief as possible before.
M, I'll try to make it quick.
Pakistan appreciates the UN SERT, CIS, ATC, UN OCT and UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia for organizing this event.
The fact that this event brings together global and regional counterterrorism stakeholders reflects an important reality that today's security challenges require coordinated responses.
The evolving nature of the terrorist threat underscores the importance of closer cooperation between UN and regional organizations.
Effective responses to today's complex security challenges require contemporary strengths of both global and regional framework that possess valuable expertise, knowledge, and understanding of regional dynamics.
Commend the SEO RAS for promoting cooperation among SEO member states and strengthening collective efforts to counterterrorism separatism and extremism.
We also recognize the valuable contribution of CIS ATC in facilitating cooperation, information exchange, and capacity building amongst participating states.
There is considerable scope for further strengthening cooperation in areas such as capacity building, exchange of expertise, strategic assessments, border security, counterterrorist financing, and addressing the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
As a close regional partner of Central Asian countries, Park Ssan desires to actively contribute to strengthening efforts for furthering our common objectives in a comprehensive and inclusive manner, which is the only viable pathway to sustainable peace and stability in the region.
The evolving terrorist landscape in our region is shaped to a significant extent by the continued presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including TTP, BLA and Majeed Brigade,lQaeda and its affiliates, ETIM, ISKP, and other listed entities.
Adré this challenge requires sustained regional cooperation, enhanced information sharing, and a collective commitment to denying terrorist organizations the space to organize, recruit, and operate.
Terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan have acquired increasingly sophisticated capabilities through access to modern military equipment, much of which is believed to have originated from stockpiles abandoned following the collapse of the former Afghan security forces.
The proliferation of such weaponry has substantially enhanced the operational effectiveness of these groups.
Historically, Afghanistan has served as a bridge connecting Central and South Asia.
Regional connectivity can contribute to regional security and stabilization through shared prosperity.
But this cannot take place in a vacuum and in parallel with Afghanistan being a hard bet for terrorism affecting the entire region adversely.
Eradication of terrorism should remain central to all efforts for regional stability, Afghan soil must not be allowed for use by terrorist groups and proxies against neighboring countries.
Pakistan is committed to advancing the objectives of SEO RATs through constructive practical and results oriented cooperation and dialogue among member states.
We must also strengthen cooperation amongst the UN SEO RATs and CIS ATC, together with the UN RCCA to recognize that contemporary security challenges demand coordinated responses across global and regional frameworks.
As chair of SEO RATs for the term 25 26, Pakistan has sought to further strengthen the organization's contribution to the collective fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, the three evils.
We believe that stronger cooperation between global and regional mechanisms can generate important synergies and enhance the effectiveness of collective counterterrorism efforts.
Finally, Pakistan remains committed to working with all partners to advance collective approaches to counterterrorism and to contribute to regional and international peace and security.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Now, I give floor to Mr.
Nabmesh for the closing remarks.
Okay.
Thank you very much.
I'll be very short.
Thank you for a very informative discussion.
I will conclude with just three short sentences.
First, it is clear that the counterterrorism cooperation frameworks we have built together over the past decade have worked well.
Second, information sharing, and it was obvious in this session, remains an impactful area of cooperation.
Third, effective counterterrorism that relies on cooperation among organizations with different mandates and memberships needs to be firmly anchored in international law.
This includes international human rights law, the global counterterterrosm strategy, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
With that, I thank all participants for their engagement and in particular, our colleagues in CSO and CIS.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Neb.
And with this, our session is closed and just in time before they could send us out.
Thank you very much, everyone.
Have a good evening.
Thank you.