The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS annual summit will be held in the fall of 2025. The Coalition includes 89 member countries and 5 institutions. The fight against ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) remains a global priority to address its enduring threat. The meeting brings hope for renewed cooperation to tackle ISIS’s resilience, but recent events highlight significant ISIS challenges. From ongoing attacks to global radicalization, the path forward requires unity and innovative strategies. Despite these hurdles, the summit offers a chance to strengthen efforts and build a safer future.
A Persistent and Evolving Threat
ISIS no longer holds vast territories, but its shift to insurgency tactics keeps it dangerous. In Iraq and Syria, small cells launch attacks from remote areas, exploiting weak governance. For instance, a surge in attacks in Syria during 2024, with nearly 700 incidents, shows ISIS’s ability to adapt. The summit must address how to counter this decentralized threat while supporting local forces like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). With coordinated action, nations can disrupt these cells and prevent a full resurgence.
Tackling Global Radicalization
ISIS’s online propaganda continues to inspire lone actors worldwide, as seen in the January 2025 New Orleans attack. Encrypted platforms make it tough to stop recruitment, posing risks far beyond the Middle East. The summit offers a chance to boost international efforts to counter extremist content online and address root causes like poverty and political unrest. By sharing tech and intelligence, countries can weaken ISIS’s global reach and protect vulnerable communities.
Addressing Humanitarian and Legal Needs
The human toll of ISIS’s actions, especially on groups like the Yazidis, demands urgent attention. A recent rescue of a Yazidi woman from Gaza after a decade in captivity underscores the need for ongoing humanitarian efforts. Additionally, legal accountability for ISIS crimes remains critical, with thousands of fighters detained in Syrian camps. The summit can push for faster repatriation of detainees and support for survivors, ensuring justice and healing. Collaborative action can turn these challenges into opportunities for progress.
Navigating Regional Instability
ISIS thrives in unstable regions, fueling conflict in Iraq, Syria, and beyond. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has created new risks, as seen in attempted prison breaks by ISIS fighters. The summit must focus on stabilizing these areas through aid and governance support. By strengthening local institutions and addressing displacement, nations can reduce the chaos that ISIS exploits, fostering hope for lasting peace.
Overcoming Counter-Terrorism Fatigue
Global attention on ISIS risks are fading as other crises compete for focus. Yet, the summit signals a commitment to sustained action. Coordinating across nations to share resources and intelligence can counter ISIS’s decentralized structure. For example, the Global Coalition against Daesh has pledged $597 million for stabilization in Iraq and Syria. By renewing political will, the summit can ensure the world stays vigilant, keeping ISIS at bay.
A Unified Path Forward
ISIS challenges 2025 summit offers a beacon of hope to address multiple concerns. By tackling insurgency, radicalization, humanitarian needs, and regional instability, leaders can chart a course for progress. With unified efforts, the world can weaken ISIS’s grip, support affected communities, and prevent its ideology from spreading. A Summit is a step toward a brighter, more secure future. ISIS challenges are daunting, but can be overcome by a focused concentrated effort by world leaders.
