United by Hope: Victims Lead the Way on the Eighth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
On 21 August 2025, the United Nations commemorated the eighth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism under the theme "United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism." The event brought together victims, survivors, Member States, and UN officials to honour those affected by terrorism while showcasing how solidarity can transform pain into purpose.
Established in January 2018 by General Assembly resolution 72/165, the International Day serves to honour victims of terrorism, stand in solidarity with survivors, and promote their human rights and fundamental freedoms. This year's theme, proposed by the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), reflects how victims unite across communities to lead meaningful change.
A Message of Global Solidarity
Opening the commemoration, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the transformative power of solidarity among victims of terrorism: "Around the world, victims and their associations are turning solidarity into action, supporting one another, raising their voices, and championing the rights of all victims." He praised VoTAN as "a landmark UN initiative that reflects the spirit of 'United by Hope' – a platform built on collective action to connect victim-led organizations across the globe."
The Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, praised the leadership of victims: "Victims are transforming pain into purpose. Their courage, resilience and determination continue to inspire us all. Victim support should not be a privilege; it is a right. And international solidarity must be matched by action."
Representing the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, co-chaired by the Republic of Iraq and Spain, H.E. Mr. Lukman Al Faily, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations, underscored the global responsibility to act, noting that collective action in support of victims of terrorism is the responsibility "of the entire international community."
The high-level segment was moderated by H.E. Ms. Ana Jiménez de la Hoz, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Spain to the United Nations.
Voices of Resilience and Leadership
A panel of five survivors delivered powerful testimonies demonstrating how shared experiences can create strength and drive positive change.
Khalifa Mwarangi from Kenya conveyed a clear message about agency: "Victims don't want pity, we want participation. VoTAN allows us to be more than survivors; it helps us become agents of peace."
Chérifa Kheddar from Algeria emphasized the power of unity: "Only when victims work together, across borders and differences, can we make institutions truly see and understand what justice means."
Cath Hill from the United Kingdom spoke to the transformative nature of connection: "Hope grows when survivors connect, support one another and help shape the systems that once excluded them."
Nanda Olivia Daniel from Indonesia focused on the forward-looking aspect of sharing experiences: "Sharing our stories is not about looking back, but about opening paths to peace and prevention."
Daniel Pomerantz from Argentina concluded with a message of collective strength: "By standing together, we honour the past and build the future."
Honouring Memory, Building Hope
A global minute of silence united participants worldwide in remembrance. A screening of the showcased the network's impact and highlighted how survivors have transformed experiences into advocacy for others.
The event concluded with a musical tribute by the UN Chamber Music Society, offering a moment of remembrance and solidarity that honoured victims around the world while celebrating the resilience of survivors.
Moving Forward Together
The eighth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism reaffirmed that the voices and leadership of victims remain central to building a world where solidarity triumphs over division, and where hope guides collective action toward a more peaceful future. The United Nations stands firmly alongside all victims in the pursuit of a world free from terrorism.