Representatives from over 60 countries have successfully concluded negotiations on a revised set of United Nations (UN) guiding principles for national and regional counter-terrorism strategies.
The discussions, held in Malta, led to the launch of the Valletta Principles, marking a significant step in global counter-terrorism efforts.
The United Nations Conference on National and Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategies took place in St Julian’s on Wednesday and Thursday.
Organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism in collaboration with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the event was opened by Malta’s President, Myriam Spiteri Debono, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg.
The Valletta Principles build upon the Bogotá Principles established in 2013, ensuring that counter-terrorism strategies remain effective, adaptable, and rights-based.
The revised principles focus on capacity-building, countering terrorist financing, human rights protection, victim support, and border security. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg will present the principles to both the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly.
President Spiteri Debono emphasised Malta’s ongoing role in promoting global peace and security, stating that terrorism “transcends borders and leaves lasting scars on communities.”
Dr Borg reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to global counter-terrorism efforts, stressing the importance of international cooperation in tackling evolving threats.
Additionally, Malta continues to play a key role in multilateral security efforts, having chaired the UN Security Council’s 1267 Committee on counter-terrorism sanctions. Recently, as OSCE Chair for 2024, Malta hosted a conference addressing racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr Borg also held discussions with Natalia Gherman, Executive Director of CTED, reinforcing Malta’s engagement in global counter-terrorism initiatives.
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