Director General/Executive Director
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to this timely event on the cooperation needed to combat international terrorism and extremism.
I congratulate the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on its efforts in the region, and its ability to enhance the strength of countries to shape a joint approach to many of the region's challenges.
The SCO is a powerful voice building regional mutual trust and confidence, while helping to promote the essential partnerships needed to address the interlinked threats of instability and insecurity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Illicit drugs flowing from Afghanistan, as well as the related issues of transnational organized crime, corruption and terrorism undermine the health of people and hinder sustainable development throughout the region.
New threats are adding to the problem. These include the spread of violent extremism, and the return of foreign terrorist fighters to their homelands.
Such threats require a comprehensive criminal justice response from Central Asian countries; one that strengthens counter-terrorism measures, but is consistent with the rule of law.
I welcome the commitment of both the SCO and the countries in Central Asia to confront these multifaceted challenges. In 2011, UNODC and SCO signed an MoU against threats to peace and security.
And we have strengthened our collaboration with the SCO's counterterrorism structure, and are working to address terrorist threats and violent extremism.
Our goal is to suppress the financing of terrorism, prevent the dissemination of extremist propaganda, and protect the rights of victims.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I welcome today's dialogue on combating international terrorism and extremism with the SCO and our many other partners in the region.
UNODC, once again, stands ready to assist, and I congratulate all of you on your diligence, your dedication and your determination to confront these numerous transnational challenges.
Thank you.