I am pleased to send greetings to all participants at the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum.  I thank the United States and Turkey, the co-chairs, as well as the GCTF member countries, for organizing this meeting.

I especially welcome the emphasis that the GCTF has placed on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.  The Strategy, along with the counter-terrorism resolutions of the UN Security Council, provides the framework that defines the work of the United Nations against this global menace.

The Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and its working groups have come a long way this year, proving that the international community can work productively on addressing this problem.  At the same time, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities have increased collaboration with each other and with international partners, expanding their operations and channelling greater resources toward capacity-building.

The important progress underscores how the international community can work as one against the spread of terrorism, and can expand this effort to parts of the world, such as the Sahel, where the threat is becoming more acute.

As I have stressed before, it is important to forge close collaboration between the GCTF and UN counter-terrorism entities.  Our activities will make a greater impact if they complement and support each other.

Today’s meeting carries great significance as it coincides with the launch of the Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism based in Abu Dhabi.  I thank the Government of the United Arab Emirates for supporting this initiative.  I am confident that the Centre and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force can develop a meaningful partnership in countering the appeal of terrorism and helping the victims.

The United Nations is fully committed to working with the GCTF to advance the fight against terrorism. In this spirit, I wish you a productive meeting.