Statement by H.E. Ambassador OSUGA Takeshi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Plenary Meeting on the Seventh UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review

Mr. President,
 
Let me start by expressing my gratitude to you for convening today's plenary meeting on the seventh Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) Review. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Ambassador Agustín Santos Maraver and Ambassador Mohamed Al-Hassan for their leadership as well as the permanent missions of Spain and Oman for their dedication throughout the process that led to the adoption by consensus of the resolution on the GCTS review.
 
Back in March in this Hall, I introduced Japan's four priority areas for this review: cyberspace, maritime security, institution-building and root causes. It was our strong view that adding or reinforcing these elements would bring greater value to the GCTS reviews we have undertaken since 2006. I feel encouraged that these areas have garnered due attention from the membership and are reflected in the resolution just adopted. I also welcome the reference to the Kyoto Declaration, adopted by consensus at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in March this year.
 
Taking this opportunity, please allow me to further elaborate on Japan's perspective on two important domains, namely cyberspace and maritime security, in the context of counter-terrorism.
 
First, cyberspace. Our growing dependence on ICTs during the pandemic has invigorated the online activities of terrorists and propelled terrorist narratives. Two years ago, in June 2019, the G20 Leaders gathered in Osaka and issued the "G20 Osaka Leaders' Statement on Preventing Exploitation of the Internet for Terrorism and Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism (VECT)." Japan will remain at the forefront of international efforts to promote multi-stakeholder approaches to confront this serious challenge. Furthermore, in the areas of counter-terrorism investigations and terrorist financing through the dark web and crypto assets, Japan sees great need for enhancing Member States' capacities to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and open source information. In this regard, we have supported a global programme led by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and provided capacity-building support to countries in Southeast and South Asia. Japan strongly hopes that this initiative, including the recently-launched report on the use of AI in online CT efforts, will assist many Member States in navigating this emerging field, in full compliance with human rights and the rule of law.
 
Second, maritime security. As an island nation, Japan can never stress enough the importance of peace and stability at sea for the entire world. In this spirit, Japan welcomes the insertion of OP64 in the resolution and appreciates the wide support among Member States for this paragraph. Japan has contributed about 13 million USD for the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance the capacities of maritime law enforcement, including counter-terrorism measures, in Asia and Africa. Japan would like to encourage other Member States to make similar efforts for maritime safety and security. 
 
Mr. President,
 
Only by steadily implementing this strategy, can we prove the strength of our determination and solidarity to fight terrorism. Japan remains committed in this global effort, together with the UN, Member States and other stakeholders.
 
Thank you.