(Opening & Plenary) High-level Meeting on International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons - General Assembly, 80th session

Good morning again, Heads of State and Government, Mr. Chef de Cabinet of the Office of the Secretary General, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I warmly welcome all of you to this high level meeting. Members will recall that by its resolution 68/32 of December 5th, 2013, the Assembly declared 26 September as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. In its resolution 79/47 of December 2nd, 2024, the General Assembly reiterated its request for the organization on September 26th every year a one-day high-level plenary meeting of the Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Today, that meeting is being held. In addition, as delegations were informed in my letter dated September 16, 2025, in keeping with the spirit of General Assembly resolution 72/251, I have invited civil society representatives to make contributions to the meeting. It is my intention to invite these representatives to speak at the end of the afternoon meeting. The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is devoted to furthering the objective of mobilizing international efforts towards achieving the common goal of a nuclear weapon free world. including through enhancing public awareness and education about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination. Allow me now to make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Dear Excellencies, We did not create the United Nations 80 years ago because peace was a neutral state of humanity. From the moment we learned to fashion spears and blades, humanity turned tools into weapons. As those weapons grew more sophisticated, our wars grew more brutal, culminating into the total destruction of the last century. At Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in two blinding instance, humanity confronted a horrifying truth. We had acquired the ability to erase civilization itself. That is why we needed, this is why we built this organization, our United Nations. not only for the aspirations of multilateralism and cooperation, but as a guardrail against our most destructive instincts, a North Star to guide us away from the health of our own making. Yet, 80 years later, the scourge of war has not been eradicated. Besides all treaties, since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, more states have acquired nuclear weapons, while those that already possess them have expanded their arsenals. In theory, the world accepts that a nuclear war must never be fought and can never be won. Yet, that has not stopped some from building even larger arsenals. or even from repeatedly coming to the brink of using them. During the Cold War, false alarms, misread signals, and reckless standoffs nearly unleashed catastrophe, most famously during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Now the danger is more complex. What if terrorists acquire these weapons? What if artificial intelligence accelerates decision-making, leaving no room for human restraint? The risk of miscalculation today may be greater than at any point since 1945. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, managing these risks, especially in areas of disagreement, is precisely one of the tasks for which the United Nations was created. And as I said in my opening speech, it's not because we do not know our compass, it's not because our compass does not work, we do have effective frameworks for reducing nuclear dangers shaped by this organization. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaties. These are concrete guardrails. They build habits of restraint and keep doors open to deeper reductions. But as I also said on the opening speech, treaties alone are not enough. Member States, each Member State has to line up to them, has to live up to them. especially those who possess these monstrous weapons. The most simple thing would be to commit to policies of no first use. And rather than pouring resources into new arsenals, we should invest in the biggest security threat for all humankind of this century, the climate crisis. Just imagine if you would use all that money invested into nuclear weapons today for fighting exactly this, the climate crisis, the injustice of social divide. And we should also think about the potential of newer forms from this technology directed to serve humanity constructively and safely. Used wisely and under regulation, nuclear technology can, for example, diagnose and treat cancer, monitor oceans and the atmosphere. But also these civil technologies must be kept safe because civilian facilities, reactors, laboratories, universities, hospitals could also be turned into targets of war. again with dramatic consequences. And therefore we have to join forces to protect them wherever, whenever, to be better and safer together. Excellencies, we do not live in heaven. We live in the world we are living in. Therefore we must be pragmatic. Nuclear weapons exist. Indeed, tens of thousands of nuclear weapons exist. And whether we like it or not, deterrence and balance still feature in delicate security architectures. But they are not ends in themselves. While we cannot be naive about the world as it is, neither can we give up on the world as it should be. It's in our hands. And as I underlined in the opening of the general debate, To give up because we have tried and failed would be to let evil prevail. Our efforts must preserve not because of any certainty that we will win, but because we know it's the right thing to do. And we know that it's the right thing to do to disarm, to reduce the risk of likelihood of nuclear weapons ever being used. Durable security rests not in ever-growing arsenals, but in disarmament, in non-proliferation, and, one day, in abolition. Excellencies, two weeks ago, when together with the Secretary-General and the Japanese representatives, I rang the peace bell for the International Day of Peace, I recalled my visit to Nagasaki. Back there, I met schoolgirls. who told me why they are fighting for a nuclear weapon free world. Because they didn't experience the horrors of bombing themselves, but they inherited them through generations from their grandparents who, some of them were killed by the nuclear bombs and others had to live with the consequences for life. Those great-granddaughters of the victims have become fierce advocates for peace. They know with unsentimental clarity that humanity holds the power to erase civilization in a single reckless act. For their sake and for the memory of those reduced to shadows in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, let us resolve that their great-granddaughters and their great-grandsons will grow up one day in a world free of nuclear weapons. I thank you. I now give the floor to Mr. Courtney Vretray, Chief of Cabinet, who is representing Secretary General of the United Nations. Sir, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to join you today. I will share a message from the United Nations Secretary-General to mark this important occasion. Excellencies, we gather under a shadow that should have been lifted long ago, a threat born of human design and prolonged by human folly. Nuclear weapons continue to menace our world. And despite decades of promises, we see this threat accelerating and evolving. Last month, the world marked 80 years since the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Every day since then, the hibakusha, the survivors, turned their suffering into a call for peace. They were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and have stirred the global conscience. And yet, every day, we see newer and even more dangerous weapons. Nuclear testing threats returning, norms eroding, dialogue fading, and the nuclear saber rattling louder than in past decades. Hard-won progress, reductions in arsenals, the cessation of testing, these are being undone before our eyes. We are sleepwalking into a new nuclear arms race, more complex, more unpredictable, and even more dangerous. New technologies and new domains of conflict have erased the margins for error. From cyberspace to outer space, from hypersonic missiles to deep sea drones, the risks of escalation and miscalculation are multiplying. This is not just a crisis of weapons, it is a crisis of memory, responsibility, and courage. That is why I have appointed an independent scientific panel to assess the effects of nuclear war. The panel has a mandate to ensure that our collective response to nuclear risk is grounded in rigorous scientific evidence. Excellencies, we must reject the myth that disarmament depends on the so-called right conditions. Article 6 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty makes no such exception. Disarmament is not the reward for peace. It is the foundation of peace. We know the total elimination of nuclear weapons will not happen overnight. But it will never happen if we keep waiting for perfect conditions. So no more excuses. No more delays. No more ignoring legal obligations. No more abandoning future generations. States that possess nuclear weapons must return to dialogue. They must adopt and implement transparency and confidence-building measures to prevent catastrophic miscalculation. They must also ensure that humans always retain full responsibility and accountability for any decisions to use nuclear weapons. State parties must also honor their commitments under the NPT. I call on every state to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, ending once and for all and for all the dark legacy of nuclear tests. And every state must support the victims of nuclear use and testing and confront the enduring harm, poisoned lands, chronic illness, and lasting trauma. I urge the United States and the Russian Federation to negotiate further arsenal reductions. These steps alone will not build a world without nuclear weapons, but without them, we surrender our future to fear and silence the promise of peace. If we fall to now, we condemn future generations to live forever under the shadow of our mistakes. On this International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, let us make long needed progress to forge a world free of these weapons of extinction. Let us build that world together with courage, conviction and concrete action. I thank you.

I thank the Chief of Cabinet of the Office of the UN Secretary General for his strong statement. I understand that he has to leave the meeting now. I thank you for your presence, sir, and I count on your understanding that I also have to leave quite soon. But before that, the high-level meeting will now hear statements from member states. Before giving the floor to the first speaker, I would like to remind delegations that there is a long list of speakers and to enable everyone to be able to speak at this meeting, I would strongly encourage you to observe the three-minute time limit for statements made in the national capacity and five-minute time limit for statements made on behalf of the group. The time limit for statements will be strictly enforced, including through microphone cut-off. Having said this, I would appeal to all speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to facilitate interpretation into the six official languages of the General Assembly. I now have the honour to give the floor to Her Excellency Hilda Nae from the Marshall Islands, President of the Marshall Islands. Please, Madam President, the floor is yours.

Madam President, Excellencies, good morning. I have the responsibility to share the experiences of the Marshallese people, which informs the reality that nuclear weapons are an abomination and their very existence is a violation of human rights because they represent the utmost disregard for humanity. Between 1946 and 1958, 67 known nuclear weapons were tested on the Marshall Islands by the United States of America. The most infamous of these was the Castle Bravo test of March 1, 1954. At that time, we were under a UN trusteeship, administered by the United States and the UN Trusteeship Council allowed for these tests to take place. The Bravo shot caused the darkest day in the history of my people. Our human rights were so grossly violated on that day, and its consequences have carried through over the generations. Following the Castle Bravo test, the Marshallese people on neighboring atolls were exposed to nuclear fallouts and began to experience radiation sickness. Without their consent, they were subjected to a top secret experiment called Project 4.1 to study the effects of their exposure. We became sick with cancers, infertility, stillbirths, and the birth of jellyfish babies. a term used to describe children born without a skeletal structure and with translucence skin only to die shortly after. Our atolls became poisoned and even today there are Marshallese people that are displaced and unable to return to their ancestral lands due to the remaining radioactive contamination, undermining their right to self-determination. We continue to suffer the health effects of their nuclear legacy with high rates of cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Our right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment has been compromised, made worse by the nuclear waste dump left on Runit Island with the radioactive waste seeping into our lagoon due to climate change-induced sea level rise. For the Marshall Islands, the connection between nuclear disarmament and the protection and enjoyment of human rights is undeniable as we have lived experience that informs this understanding. We are testament to the reality that nuclear weapons cause human rights violations, as we have lived through those violations in the past. We are continuing to grapple with the challenges that persists to this day and we know that these will continue in the future. For the sake of humanity, we must unite on their complete elimination. I thank you.

I thank the President of Marshall Islands for her statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia.

Madam President, in August this year, eight years ago, two atomic bombs were detonated over the city of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. instantly ending the lives of over 200,000 people, with thousands more dying or maimed in the aftermath. The most benefiting way to honoring their lives is to ensure that this human tragedy is never again repeated. Hence, the adoption of the UN first resolution on nuclear disarmament in 1946 was very important. The adoption of this resolution was followed by other global initiatives and arms control treaties, which include MPT, CTBC, and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. In addition, five nuclear-free zones were established, including Africa, with the Pelindaba Treaty that declared Africa nuclear-weapon-free zone. As we mark this year's International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, we therefore also welcome the impact that those initiatives have made in preventing the further use of nuclear weapons to date. The adoption of the Pact for the Future also reaffirmed our commitment to the goals of total elimination of nuclear power. However, the modernization of nuclear weapons is still a major threat, a matter that should be of world concern. While the final objective of the efforts of all states should continue to be general and complete disarmament, under effective international control, the immediate goal is to the elimination of the danger of nuclear war and the implementation of measures to avoid any arms race and clear the path towards lasting peace. To underline this objective, Namibia is seeking membership to the Nuclear Supply Group, will seek to ensure the peaceful nature of nuclear trade while further contributing to the strengthening of our non-proliferation regime. Madam President, for the sake of our future generation, we must continue to speak out loudly against nuclear weapons and their use. We must continue to strongly support all nuclear disarmament treaties and related efforts. On the other hand, we We must in equal measures double down on our efforts to promote a peaceful use of atomic energy. Namibia largely remains energy dependent on our intention to make use of our resources as part of our energy mix. Our decision is based on the inalienable right of countries to develop, research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Namibia calls for the accountable use of nuclear energy.

I thank Madam -- Thank you very much.

For your kind attention.

I thank Madam President, Netumbo Naitwala, President of the Republic of Namibia, for her statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Steveni Ligamamada Rabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji.

Thank you, sir. Madam President, Excellencies, the UN charter is very clear. We must maintain international peace and security and uphold international law. As we commemorate this day, We must remember the truth. Nuclear weapons, even if victorious, would leave a barren, broken world, devastating the environment and our life. There is no victory, only victims. States that possess nuclear weapons have greater responsibility. We strongly urge Member States to engage in dialogue and genuinely commit to reducing arsenals. Madam President, the truth is we cannot address the total elimination of nuclear weapons if the global community cannot resolve the current atmosphere of distrust. We must applaud those who have relinquished their nuclear arsenals for global peace and security. Unfortunately, some states now vulnerable and under attack face exploitation. Transparent international safeguards should protect them. All states should collaborate with nuclear-armed states and the IAEA at the International Atomic Energy Agency to reach a common ground. For over four decades, Fiji has contributed peacekeeping troops to United Nations missions, prioritizing global peace and security through the ratification of regional and international nuclear weapons treaties. Madam President, this year, the Pacific Forum leaders endorsed the Ocean of Peace Declaration, recognizing the Blue Pacific's invaluable contribution to peace and global order. Like the Pacific Way, it is owned and shaped by Pacific people, rooted in the fundamental values of mutual respect, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. The Pacific's dark nuclear history and legacy should neither be overemphasized nor repeated. We reject nuclear competition and embrace the Ocean of Peace Declaration and the peaceful -- and the Pacific -- peaceful -- As we commemorate this very significant day, thank you all very much.

I thank His Excellency the Prime Minister of Fiji for his statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Tuilupe Maioleite Pomulinu'u Onisemo, Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa.

Mr. President, Excellencies, as we observe the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons today, Samoa reaffirms its unwavering commitment to global nuclear disarmament.

The total elimination of nuclear weapons is necessary and urgent to safeguard the future of.

Humanity and the planet we share.

A nuclear-free world remains one of the oldest and the most enduring priorities of the United Nations.

Yet since the first use of these weapons decades ago, the threat they pose has not diminished.

On the contrary, nuclear arsenals continue to modernize and the risk of intentional or accidental use remains alarmingly real. Genuine security cannot be built on weapons capable of mass destruction, but on mutual trust.

Cooperation, sustainable development, and the protection of human dignity. As a small island developing state in Pacific, Samoa has neither the capacity nor the means to shield itself from the threats of nuclear weapons. Indeed, no nation can, regardless of wealth or might.

Our only true protection lies in the.

Rule of law, adherence to multilateral treaties, and in collective resolve of the global community to prevent catastrophe. The only guarantee that nuclear weapons will never be used again is their complete prohibition and total elimination. For Samoa and the Pacific region, the scars of nuclear testing remains etched in our ocean floors and our lands, our waters and our people, living legacy of environmental destruction, health crisis, and cultural trauma.

They continue to reshape our lives today and far into the future.

Samoa proudly stands as a state party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We urge all states not yet party to the treaty to join this instrument to reject these weapons once and for all.

We further call on the international community to strengthen disarmament frameworks, enhance transparency and accountability in nuclear policies, and invest.

In peace-building conflict preventions. Let us commit to actions and invest in peace, not in the tools of mass destruction. Let us renew our determination to act collectively to consign nuclear weapons to history and not.

As a threat to our future. Thank you.

I thank the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, JJ Odongo Abubakar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Thank you, Chair, for this opportunity. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement. at this high level meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. At the outset, we would like to express our appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for convening this meeting and to the Secretary-General for his participation. The Non-Aligned Movement welcomes the commemoration of 26 September as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, designated through United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/32. The movement considers the annual observation of this international day as an effective means of drawing the attention of the international public to the unacceptable dangers of nuclear weapons the concomitant necessity for their total elimination and the advantages of nuclear disarmament for development as well as for international peace and security. During the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held in January 24 in Kampala, member states reaffirmed the principal position that nuclear disarmament has been and remains the highest priority for the movement. the heads of state and government stressed that progress in nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation in all its aspects is essential to strengthen international peace and security. They also stressed the importance of ensuring that efforts aimed at nuclear non-proliferation are parallel to efforts aimed at nuclear disarmament. In this regard, we emphasize that the convening of the United Nations high-level International Conference on Nuclear Disarmament, as mandated by the relevant General Assembly resolutions, would provide an important opportunity to review progress made in nuclear disarmament and to further promote this noble objective. The NPT reaffirmed the importance of implementing the three pillars in a balanced manner. The slow progress towards nuclear disarmament and the nuclear weapons states' lack of progress towards accomplishing the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals in accordance with their relevant multilateral legal obligations and commitments remain issues of deep concern to the Dalai Lama movement. We affirm the need for urgent and concrete actions aimed at achieving this goal of nuclear disarmament. non state parties to the treaty reiterate the urgent need for accountability of the nuclear weapon states for their disarmament obligations under the ntp through benchmarks concrete, measurable, and time-bound actions on nuclear disarmament with established deadlines and reporting their implementation on these obligations to the review council until the goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons is achieved. The non-aligned movement further reiterates its concern that qualitative and quantitative improvements in existing nuclear weapons and the development of new types of nuclear weapons and provided for in the military doctrines of some nuclear weapon states, contravene the commitments made to diminish the role of nuclear weapons in their military and security policies, as well as the negative security assurances provided by the nuclear weapon states. The movement stresses once again that these improvements, as well as the development of new types of such weapons, violate also the commitments undertaken by the nuclear treaty states at the time of the conclusion of the Comprehensive Nuclear Treaty Ban and the NTP review conferences. The member states of the movement reaffirm the importance of the Conference on Disarmament as the single multilateral negotiating body on disarmament and call for the urgent commencement of their negotiations therein on further effective nuclear disarmament measures to achieve the total elimination of nuclear weapons including in particular on a comprehensive convention on nuclear weapons. We further call for urgent compliance with legal obligations and the fulfillment of commitments undertaken with regard to nuclear disarmament. To conclude, NAM welcomes the UN meetings and activities for the commemoration of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on this day, and we appreciate the participation of all delegations in this important event. We strongly encourage Member States, the UN system and civil society, including non-governmental organizations, academia, parliamentarians, the mass media and individuals to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons through all means of educational and public awareness-raising activities. I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity.

I thank you, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, right? I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency General Amara Camara, Minister Secretary General of the Presidency of Guinea, on behalf of the African Group.

Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the African Group. The Group associates itself with the statement of the Non Aligned Movement. The African Group reaffirms that the total elimination of nuclear weapons remains the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use. The continuation of these weapons is a serious threat to world peace and an essential danger for all of humankind. Confidence building measures and risk reduction measures cannot replace a true nuclear disarmament. We express our deep concern over the lack of progress by the nuclear weapons states to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals in accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the various relevant agreed outcomes of the NPT Review Conference. Nuclear disarmament must remain the absolute priority of the United Nations. Africa is resolutely in favor of a total nuclear disarmament, which is verifiable and irreversible. Ladies and gentlemen, the African Group recalls the historic entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which supports the Vienna Plan of Action, as well as the conclusion of its third meeting of the States Parties. we await with great interest the upcoming review conference which will be chaired by south africa in two thousand and twenty six and we call upon nuclear weapon states and those under the nuclear umbrella to adhere to the treaty without delay. the african group also stresses the importance of a nuclear weapon free zone, namely the Treaty of N'Djamena, which reaffirms the commitment of Africa to remain a continent which is free of nuclear weapons. The group remains deeply concerned by the lack of progress when it comes to the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone and a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. We call upon all states to play a constructive role in the UN conference underway, namely the sixth session, which will take place this year under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Morocco. We firmly condemn the repeated nuclear threats against the Palestinian people in Gaza. We reiterate our regret, given the subsequent failure of the review conference of the NPT, which undermines the credibility of the treaty. The modernization of nuclear arsenals, the use of the nuclear doctrine, as well as nuclear sharing agreements violate the spirit of the NPT. The group underscores the inalienable right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the vital role of the International Atomic Energy Agency when it comes to promoting science and nuclear technology for the service of socioeconomic development. The African Group recalls the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of a nuclear weapon and calls for their immediate dismantling. We underscore the importance of achieving a universal accession to the Treaty on the Complete Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and we urge the States under Article 2 to sign the Treaty and to ratify it. We also recall at the disarmament conference and call upon the conference to emerge from the standstill in which it finds itself and to resume its substantive work. Lastly, the group underscores the commemoration of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons to recall our collective responsibility to achieve a world which is free of nuclear weapons. Thank you very much for your kind attention.

I thank the Minister Secretary General of the Presidency of Guinea on behalf of the African group. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Sugiono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

Thank you, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, The danger posed by nuclear weapons is a danger to all humanity. Their continued existence remains one of the gravest threats of our time. Yet, serious actions to achieve a world free from nuclear weapons remain absent. More than 12,000 nuclear warheads are still retained by a handful of states, including some outside the NPT. Instead of reducing, reliance is increasing. alongside modernization and expansion program. Nuclear rhetoric has also risen in areas of conflict, making the world more unsafe. Against this bleak backdrop, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons stands as a beacon of hope. But we cannot allow this treaty remain symbolic. Indonesia calls on nuclear-armed states to take immediate steps to reduce and eliminate their arsenals without preconditions and without delay. Transparency in this regard is crucial. Expansion and modernization must stop. Reliance on nuclear weapons as instruments of policy must come to an end. At the same time, we must also revitalize disarmament institutions. Article 6 of the NPT must be upheld. The Conference on Disarmament must resume its role as a negotiating body. The CTBT must enter into force, and all States should join the TPNW, showing genuine commitment to a safer future. Finally, we must restore political will. We must recognize that the danger of nuclear weapons goes beyond nuclear war. The rise of cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and terrorism make these weapons even more unmanageable. The risk cannot be controlled. The only solution is their complete elimination. The upcoming 2026 NPT Review Conference is a chance we cannot afford to waste. Let us work together with urgency to eliminate nuclear weapons and save humanity from catastrophe. I thank you.

I thank His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency El-Taher Salem El-Bawar, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Libya.

In the name of

God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, good morning, Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. It's a great honor for me to attend this highly important meeting, which shows the commitment of the international community to the elimination of nuclear weapons. We express our gratitude to the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations Secretariat for having organized this meeting. which is highly significant in human terms, Libya has made the choice of peace based on our conviction. We have abandoned all programs related to weapons of mass destruction. This decision is linked to our faith in the fact that international security cannot be based on mass destruction weapons. It should be based on international cooperation, on the principles of the United Nations Charter. On this occasion today, we must reaffirm that peace and security around the world are linked to sustainable development, justice and prosperity. When resources devoted to arms are cut back, we release funds to promote the development of culture, social work, the economy. A world free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction is something we must all aspire after, which means making NPT universal as the cornerstone of the disarmament regime. We must move forward in a balanced and reasonable manner. States must also ratify the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty and CTBT to make sure it enters into force and thus strengthens the international disarmament. regime. Next, we see the experience of other countries, specifically in Africa and Middle East, in proclaiming zones free of weapons of mass destruction. Next, a zone free of weapons of mass destruction should be established in the Middle East. It's a strategic objective, highly sought by the nations of the world to promote stability in the region and the world. This reflects the common position of Arab states.

The ongoing constructive cooperation with all member states and international partners within the framework of the spirit of dialogue and mutual understanding, leading to the achievement of the noble goal represented in the complete elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and the construction

of a world based on security.

and I thank the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Libya for his statement I now have the honor to give the floor to his Excellency leonana Minister of Foreign Affairs and international relations of

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, allow me to begin by expressing Lesotho's deep gratitude to you for convening this important meeting as we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This milestone is both a celebration of multilateralism and a reminder of the enduring threats the UN was created to confront. It is sobering that this year also marks eight decades since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, events that claimed countless lives, inflicted generational suffering, and revealed the catastrophic power of nuclear weapons. This legacy reminds us of the urgency of preventing such devastation from ever recurring. The destructive impact of nuclear weapons and testing has never been confined to one region. Radioactive contamination poisons soils, rivers and oceans, with consequences that cross borders and generations. This shared vulnerability underscores the truly global nature of the threat. Mr President, Lesotho therefore stresses the urgent need to protect life on land and below waters. Rigorous monitoring of nuclear facilities and elimination of underwater testing are essential to safeguarding ecosystems that sustain humanity. Yet today's nuclear weapons are exponentially more powerful than those used in Hiroshima. Their continued existence poses an existential threat to peace and security. Instead of building trust, The stockpiling of arms amidst rising tensions only deepens mistrust and obstructs progress towards disarmament. The fragile environment risks reversing hard-won gains and undermines efforts to advance the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. At the same time, vast resources are diverted to nuclear arsenals while urgent global priorities Poverty, inequality, and climate change remain underfunded. Nevertheless, the ATS present an opportunity to transform this destructive legacy into a constructive force. Peaceful application of nuclear energy in medicine, agriculture, food security, and clean power can accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals. But this opportunity comes with new risks. The integration of artificial intelligence into nuclear weapons systems raises grave concerns.

Lesotho insists on meaningful human control over nuclear command and rejects the delegation of such authority to machines.

At the same time, we recognize the potential of AI when responsibly applied to strengthen verification, transparency, and risk reduction. I thank you, Chair.

I thank you, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Tuafafa Latasi, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Tuvalu.

Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Tuvalu is honored to join the international community in commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. For Tuvalu and the Pacific Island States, nuclear weapons represent an existential threat. The world has witnessed the horrific devastation caused by nuclear bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where lives were taken indiscriminately. This esteemed institution was founded in recognition of the appalling consequences of war, including the use of nuclear weapons, with the purpose of preventing such atrocities from ever happening again. Some of these tests took place in our neighbouring Pacific Island countries, imposed upon them by external powers. The consequences are still with us today, especially severe in the islands where the tests were carried out. They have inflicted lasting human health complications, causing concerns and chronic illness. The unborn have unfairly inherited life-threatening conditions, a cruel legacy of decisions they had no part in. Our environment, our ocean, our soils, our air has been irreversibly contaminated. Its effect transcends borders and reverberates across generations. That is what makes it so profoundly dangerous. As leaders, we have an ethical obligation to protect life and the planet, but not endanger it. Recently, the Pacific Island Forum leaders have upheld their commitment to the Rarotonga Treaty, a pivotal nuclear-free zone agreement that protects the blue continent from the catastrophic ramification of nuclear weapons. Tuvalu stands firm in the belief that the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable under any circumstances. We call for progress towards universal ratification and implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We urge nuclear-armed states to take bold steps towards disarmament and to respect the right of the nations to live free from the threat of annihilation. Let this commemoration day remind and reaffirm our shared responsibility to build a world grounded in peace, mutual respect, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. I thank you.

I thank you, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Tuvalu, for his statements. I now have the honor to call, to give the floor to His Excellency, or Her Excellency, Batsetseg Batmunkh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

Madam President, Mr. Secretary General, Her Excellencies, Mongolia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and I wish to share a few remarks from our national perspective. Excellencies, for nearly eight decades, the existence of nuclear weapons has cast a long shadow over humanity's future. Their very presence is a reminder that the survival of humankind cannot rest on doctrines of deterrence and the only absolute guarantee against the use of threat of use lies in their complete elimination. Mongolia has long pursued a foreign policy rooted in peace, independence and balanced engagement. For Mongolia, the vision of a world free of nuclear weapons is not an abstract principle but a practical policy choice. More than three decades ago, we took the unprecedented step of declaring our entire territory a nuclear weapon free zone. That decision was born of conviction that genuine security cannot be built on fear or destructive power, but on trust, cooperation, and respect for international law. At a time when international peace and security face mounting challenges, it is imperative that we recommit to multilateralism. Instruments such as the treaty on the NPT and TPNW and the growing network of nuclear weapon free zones demonstrate that collective progress is possible when political will, converges with moral responsibility. In this regard, Mongolia looks forward to the forthcoming 2026 review conference of the NPT, which will provide a critical opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the credibility of the NPT as the cornerstone of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. We encourage all States Parties to approach the review conference with determination, flexibility and the spirit of compromise so that it may deliver tangible outcomes. Excellencies, the International Day we mark today is not merely symbolic. It is a call to action, a reminder that words must translate into deeds. In closing, I wish to once again reaffirm Mongolia's unfavouring commitment and continued support in advancing our noble pursuit to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia for her statement. I now have the honour to give the floor to His Excellency, Peter Agavaka Chanel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands.

President, Excellency, all protocols observed, Solomon Islands welcome the high-level event to commemorate the total elimination of nuclear weapons. It is timely reminder of our United Nations charter obligation to maintain international peace and security. Excellency, I am mindful that the UN was created out of the ashes of World War II and the catastrophic nuclear bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima 80 years ago. The scars of this impact on health, life, and ecology surrounding continue to haunt us today. It is frightening to note that there are more than 12,241 nuclear weapons around today. The risks to our shared future cannot be overstated, nor justified by the presence of weapons of mass destruction. We call on nuclear-armed states to eliminate all nuclear weapons and withdraw from any nuclear military projects. Our collective action is needed to protect multilateralism, currently undermined by the unilateral actions and militarization across the globe. This year, the Pacific celebrates 40 years since the adoption of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. Despite being victims of 350 nuclear weapon tests, we seek to continue a path of peace, and we are looking Uh, to over and modernize the treaty and call on all partners to sign and ratify the 1985 treaty. The Pacific was also used, used. for more nuclear waste and in recent years experienced the discharge of treated nuclear water into our pristine ocean. The lack of scientific capacity to understand IAEA's report or monitor the health of the ocean is worrying and we call for international support on this matter. Solomon Islands has ratified the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Prohibition on Placement of Nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Seabed and Ocean Floor. In closing, Solomon Islands reaffirm the central role of the United Nations in freeing the world from fear, and want and to live in dignity. We remain committed in working with everyone in eliminating nuclear weapons and create a better world for our children and children.

And I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands. I now have the honour to give the floor to His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tugade, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

Madam President, Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I commend you, Madam President, for convening this important meeting and assure you of Nigeria's full support. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Group. today's commemoration is a solemn reminder of our Collective duty to free Humanity from the existential threat of nuclear weapons 8 years after the first use the world still lives under the shadow of these apocalyptic arsenals their continued existence and the slow pace of disarmament remains sources of deep concern the enormous Financial resources devoted to maintaining nuclear arsenals are unconscionable when measured against the urgent developmental needs of

the people on the planet.

Nigeria remains deeply concerned by the persistent reluctance of nuclear weapons states to fulfill their legal obligations under Article IV of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and successive review conference outcomes. We urge them to demonstrate genuine political will by halting modernization programs, ceasing further development and testing, and taking concrete steps towards the verifiable and irreversible dismantling of these arsenals. Nothing short of total elimination of nuclear weapons can guarantee their non-use. The adoption of the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons marks a historic milestone in reinforcing the objectives of the NPT. Nigeria is proud to have actively participated in the negotiation and to be among the first signatories. We commend the states that have ratified the treaty and call on those yet to do so to accede without delay. Nigeria equally stresses the urgency to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty into force and the need to strengthen IAEA safeguards to ensure confidence, compliance, and transparency. Africa has long demonstrated its commitment through the Pelindaba Treaty declaring the continent a nuclear-free, weapons-free zone. We encourage other regions to emulate this commitment as a step toward global security. Furthermore, Nigeria recognizes the value of nuclear science and technology when applied for peaceful purposes. In Nigeria, nuclear techniques are advancing agriculture, health, energy, and water resources management. To safeguard these benefits, we call for comprehensive safeguards agreements with the IAEA. IAEA, stricter controls on radioactive materials and the expedited conversion of research reactors from highly enriched to low enriched uranium. I thank you very much.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Mark Aute, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu.

Thank you, Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished guests. On behalf of the government and people of Vanuatu, I wish to express our deepest appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for convening this vital high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day of the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Reflecting on the devastating impact of nuclear weapons since the first use in 1946, humanity has shown remarkable resilience and a sheer resolve to forge a safer future. The establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission exemplify our collective effort to address such crisis, emphasizing that even in times of great peril, the human spirit and prevail through composition and unity. compassion, and unity. Within our blue Pacific region, we have borne the immense and enduring consequences of nuclear testing, which have severely impacted our communities' health, environment, and development. This painful experience reinforces our unwavering commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons and to securing a peaceful, secure future for all nations. We recognize that nuclear arsenals threaten the very existence of humanity and the planet, undermining international security and contravening principles of peace, human rights, and sustainable development. It is imperative that the international community redoubles its efforts to eliminate this weapon and uphold the values that promote global stability. Vanuatu actively participate in international disarmament treaty, including ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the Treaty of Rarotonga, the CTBT and the NPT. We call on nuclear armed states to fulfill the disarm commitment to complete and safe arm limitation in the arsenal achievement. A world free of nuclear weapons requires collective action, transparency, and political will. As a nation committed to peace, Vanuatu urges all countries to join this vital endeavor, emphasizing that humanity's future depends on our united effort to eliminate this destructive weapon and build a safer, more just world for generations to come. I thank you.

I thank you, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu, for his statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia. The floor is yours, sir.

Mr. President, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to address This Assembly, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, at this high level commemoration of International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Zambia aligns itself with the statements delivered by the African Group. and the Non-Aligned Movement, and reaffirms our enduring commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. Mr. President, Zambia's defense and security posture is firmly rooted in non-aggression, non-alignment, and peaceful coexistence. Our national doctrine prioritizes regional stability, human security, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Zambia's Constitution enshrines peace as a national value and we view nuclear weapons as fundamentally incompatible with the vision. The continued existence and potential use of nuclear weapons remains a threat to the security of all states. including non-nuclear ones and as ours. We therefore reiterate our position that the total verifiable and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons is the only path to preventing their catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Zambia -- Mr. President, Zambia is proud to be part of the nuclear weapons-free continent under the Treaty of Parandaba Africa has consistently championed global nuclear disarmament as a matter of survival, not only strategy. As a member of SADC, Zambia continues to support regional peace initiatives that promote disarmament and non proliferation. including border security and arm control cooperation, participation in UN and AU peace support operations, advocacy for full implementation of the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty. We commend the African Commission on Nuclear Energy for its role in upholding self-guarding and compliancy, and we call for increased international support to boost its capacity. Mr. President, Zambia remains deeply concerned by the slow peace for nuclear disarmament and increased investment in nuclear modernization by certain states. This undermines global trust and runs counter to both treaty and non-proliferation and nuclear weapons and the spirit of the UN charter. Zambia is a state party to the treaty. party to the NPT, we support universal adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and call for its entry into force without further delay. Mr. President, we affirm that global peace can be achieved through nuclear deterrence. True peace is built on dialogue, disarmament, trust, and collective security. Zimbabwe believes that the enormous financial technical resources currently allocated to nuclear and estimated over 80 billion could be redirected towards addressing global needs, combating climate change, strengthening health systems and advancing, you say, sustainability development goals as a country that has actively participated in post conflict reconstruction, mediation and peacekeeping within the region and beyond. Zambia understands security comes not from weapons of mass destruction, but from cooperation and government. Mr. President, let us honor the memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, not just with words, but with action. Let us choose courage over complacency, disarmament over doctrine, and humanity over society. Japan stands ready to work with all member states, regional organizations, and civil society to revitalize the global disarmament architecture, Together we can build a world where peace is not held hostage by fear, but sustained by justice, solidarity and mutual

respect. Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Health of Zambia. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Luca Beccari, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Political Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Digital Transition of San Marino.

Madam President, Excellencies, the Republic of San Marino welcome this opportunity to gather here today to celebrate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons and wish to reaffirm its full support for a world free of nuclear weapons. Excellencies, The ongoing conflict in different parts of the world depict a very complex uncertain future for all of us. Moreover, the aggressive nuclear rhetoric and threat that we re-emerge bring us back to the darkest time of our history. San Marino condemns in the strongest term any nuclear threat, implicit or explicit, and irrespective of circumstances. Furthermore, nowadays nuclear risks seem to be accelerating. The military and nuclear confrontation is growing. Qualitative and quantitative expansion of nuclear arsenal is advancing. The use of new technology, including artificial intelligence, create new threat and concern, while the risk of cyber attacks and manipulation on nuclear arsenal cannot be underestimated. Regrettably, against this background, we are witnessing a deterioration of our multilateral disarmament architecture. We must reverse this course. San Marino believes that in such challenging and complex time, it's urgent and critical that we all firmly recommitted to advance our nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation agenda. San Marino continues being firmly committed to the implementation of the NPT, the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

In 2021, the entry into

force of the TPNW has been an historical milestone in pursuit of international peace and security. This treaty, which complements and strengthens the disarmament regime, is an important step in our path toward a nuclear-free world. San Marino promptly signed and ratified this treaty showing an unwavering support for a total ban of nuclear weapon. We urge all countries to accede to this important instrument. Excellencies, the horrific devastation that we have seen in Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated and the only guarantee to avoid such destruction and suffering is the total elimination of nuclear weapon. San Marino has always stood against any weapon of mass destruction, which would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences for all of us and the future generation. We should therefore spare no effort toward our final and shared goal. San Marino stands ready to do its part.

Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of San Marino for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to his Excellency Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana.

President, almost 80 years have passed since the elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction from national arsenals, was enshrined in the very first resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. Yet, humanity continues to live under the ominous shadow of nuclear weapons. Rather than progress on the non-proliferation disarmament agenda, we are confronted with alarming setbacks. The expansion and modernization of nuclear arsenals, increasingly aggressive rhetoric from nuclear weapons states, the integration of artificial intelligence in military applications, such as lethal autonomous weapons systems, and the looming threat of the placement of nuclear weapons in outer space. These troubling developments underscore the urgent need for renewal of global action. Nuclear weapons remain the most dangerous weapons on Earth. A single detonation can annihilate an entire city, killing millions and leaving catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences for generations to come. The dangers from these weapons arise not only from their possible use, but from their very existence. No effective humanitarian response exists to a nuclear detonation. The only guarantee against the use of threat of use of weapons, nuclear weapons, is through their complete, verifiable, and irreversible elimination. President, it is deeply troubling that today, more than 12,000 nuclear warheads still exist worldwide, while more than 2,000 nuclear tests have scarred our planet. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons runs counter to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, violates international law, and undermines peace and security. It is profoundly unjust and unacceptable that non-nuclear weapon states continue to uphold strict international safeguards and live in constant fear of an accidental or intentional use of nuclear weapons, while nuclear weapons states shirk their moral and legal obligations. The exorbitant costs of developing and maintaining nuclear arsenals further highlight this injustice. In conclusion, as a non-nuclear weapons state, membership of the first nuclear weapons free zone established through the treaty of the lock. The other remains fully committed to this goal, to this goal, survival of humanity and the safeguarding of future generations depend on our collective resolve to eliminate nuclear weapons once and for all.

I thank you.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Mohamed Nasser, Minister, Principal Secretary to the President on Foreign Relations.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Nuclear weapons do not guarantee security. Real security only come from the courage to eliminate them. The world has lived too long under the illusion of safety through deterrence. Yet what has this illusion given us? Tensions higher than in decades, arsenals being modernized, and billions poured into perfecting weapons that can never be used without destroying us all. None of this has made the world safer. if only made disaster more likely. And the danger is not abstract. We see it every day in Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza. When restraint collapses, when law is ignored, when power is exercised without accountability, the result, as we are witnessing right now, is genocide. The Maldives condemns unequivocally the atrocities Israelis committing against the Palestinian people. If violence on this scale can unfold in one corner of the world, what would happen when nuclear weapons are added to such instability? That is why Gaza must sharpen our resolve, not dull it, to rid the world of these weapons and reclaim our common humanity. True security is not built on bigger stockpiles or rising military budgets. It comes from cooperation, from trust, from the norms we hold each other to. Nuclear weapons are not compatible with peace, humanity, dignity or collective security. The Maldives chosen a different path. Since 2019, we have been a party to the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons and the convention on cluster munitions. And just recently, we were approved for membership of the International Atomic Energy Agency. But commitments must be met with action. Only then we can move from the full comfort of deterrence to real protection for all people. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the Minister, Principal Secretary to the President on Foreign Relations of Maldives for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Fozul Kabir Khan, Advisor, Minister, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh. The floor is yours, sir.

Madam President, Bangladesh aligns with the statement of the non-aligned movement and delivers this in our national capacity. We came from one of the -- we come from one of the most densely populated regions of the world where nuclear-armed states exist side by side. With raising rising tensions and frequent skirmishes, the elimination of nuclear weapons is not an abstract aspiration for us; it is an existential imperative. Bangladesh's principled position is clear: nuclear disarmament, alongside non-proliferation, remains our highest priority. We are -- we were the first South Asian country to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in 2000, and we continue to call for its early entry into force. In 2019, we were among the first 50 states to ratify the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and we urge its universalization, including by nuclear weapons states. Likewise, we call on all states outside NPT to accede without delay. Disarmament has stagnated. The indefinite retention of nuclear arsenal is incompatible with a nuclear proliferation treaty -- non-proliferation treaty. And nuclear weapons states must fulfill their obligations under Article IV. Bangladesh firmly believes that any use or threat of nuclear weapons is a breach of international law. The only credible guarantee is that total elimination. Pending that, we must expand nuclear-weapon-free zones, especially in the Middle East and South Asia, and provide credible and unconditional security assurances to all non-nuclear states. We stress the need to revitalize the disarmament machinery, including the UN Disarmament Commission and a conference on disarmament. Progress at this year's substantive session of the Disarmament Commission offers a basis for consensus in 2026. Bangladesh also underscores the non-discriminatory implementation of Article 4 of the NPT. Peaceful uses of nuclear technology contribute to clean energy, food security, and healthcare. Recently at IAEA in Vienna, Bangladesh acceded to the Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. As we prepare to operationalize our first nuclear power plant, nuclear safety and security must enhance, not restrict, state's right to rise to peaceful.

Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Power, Energy, Mineral Resources of Bangladesh for his statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Badr Abdelati, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Let me start by thanking the President of the General Assembly and the Secretariat of the United Nations for their decision to hold this commemoration of the Day on the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, an opportunity for us to reaffirm our concern in view of the danger posed by nuclear weapons. Egypt aligns itself with the statements of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Arab Group, and in our national capacity, let me say that we must all work together to put an end to this global threat. The threat of using nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We must also mention the highly irresponsible statements coming out of Israel, threats of using nuclear weapons, in addition to the inhumane activities against the civilian population, which are without precedent in international history, and go against international law. Our country is committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but we are deeply concerned to see the escalation in recent years. We are fully committed to the concept of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. the resolution of the conference on the nuclear weapons free zone and the expansion and universalization of NPT and TPNW. We reiterate here that The responsible and the moral and legal choice is for all countries to respect non-proliferation and not to insist that nuclear powers should be able to retain their nuclear weapons. Nuclear powers must demonstrate their commitment to taking specific disarmament measures and particularly reaffirm those commitments at the time of the NPT review conference. Thank you.

Of Egypt. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of Gambia. Sorry. Thank you. Of Tunisia. Tunisia. Tunisia. Tunisia. I'm sorry.

Thank you, President.

Thank you, Madam President. We are meeting today in order to celebrate this International Day for the Elimination total elimination of nuclear weapons in a very delicate situation where the world is witnessing an escalation of the threat of the use of these weapons, as well as an unprecedented acceleration of the arms race. This UN commemoration, which is a yearly milestone in order to examine our progress towards nuclear disarmament, to reiterate the commitment of states in that area, has become unfortunately a occasion where we have to observe the repeated violations, uh, of, and the increase in risk and threats, and therefore we have to be, um, up to our collective approach, and we have to… condemn. We have to go from condemnations to concrete action and applicable resolutions. We are convinced that the UN success in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation will only be achieved if there is a serious and responsible commitment on the part of all states and with a collective political will, which is genuine and which would put an end to the arms race, giving value to the principle of international law and the legitimacy of the United Nations. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone. We call upon nuclear-weapon states to be up to their historic and moral responsibility to give up their nuclear deterrence policies, to give up the logic of terror, and to engage sincerely in a process of trust and the effective and elimination of that danger, we believe that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East cannot be a political choice. It is a necessity to protect the people of the region from the principles of nuclear blackmail and nuclear force. The barbaric war continues in Gaza, and this is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. And it shows once again the double standard when we are talking about issues of peace and security and highlights international silence in the light of the threats for the entire region and could lead us towards an unprecedented catastrophe. So we reiterated that the end of the occupation, the right of the Palestinian people to their inalienable right to self-determination, and the fact that the Middle East could become a nuclear weapon free zone, these are elements that we can't separate from each other in order to achieve global peace and security. Tunisia welcomes the essential role played by the IAEA as the main mechanism.

The joint work and constructive coordination with all member states to push for the path of nuclear disarmament and enhance collective security, peace and stability in the world. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank you, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Sirin Madon Jie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad.

Excellency Chair, Excellencies, all protocols observed. It is indeed a great pleasure and privilege for me to stand before you on this special occasion of the 88th United Nations General Assembly as we commemorate September 26 as the day for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. I wish to add the voice of the government of the Republic of Gambia and its people about the total elimination of nuclear weapons. The danger from such weapons arises from their very own existence, although nuclear weapons have only been used twice in warfare, in the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Nuclear weapons produce ionizing radiations, which kills or sickens those exposed, contaminates the environment and has a long term health consequences, including cancer and genetic damage. Their widespread use in atmospheric testing has caused great long term consequences. excellencies, the Gambia is among the countries in West Africa to ratify or accede to the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons and also ratify the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. This shows our total commitment against all types of weapons of mass destruction. Since then, we have continued our call upon all states to sign, ratify, or accede to the treaty. The Gambia will continue to promote universal adherence to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons by co-sponsoring and consistently voting in favor of an annual U.N. General Assembly resolution. The total elimination of the nuclear weapons is unfortunately yet to be achieved. We must, as global community, improve on the level of cooperation and friendship between countries. With improved cooperation, there will be less incentive for keeping huge stockpile of nuclear or biological weapons. As a country, it is our fervent wish that one day we will live in a world where all these weapons of mass destruction will cease to exist so that humanity will not be threatened. Excellencies, in conclusion, as we celebrate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, We must not lose sight of those that are victims as a result of nuclear weapons. We share their pain and grief. I wish you all a very happy celebration with sober and realistic resolution to achieve a total elimination of nuclear weapons. I thank you.

I thank you, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, for his statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkina Abroad of Burkina Faso.

Thank you, Mr. President. Burkina Faso welcomes the holding of this commemoration of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. We thank the Secretary-General for his constant attention to this matter. We align ourselves with the statements of the Non-Aligned Group and the African Group. Nuclear weapons are an essential threat to the entire humankind. Any type of use or accident can have irreversible consequences. We have three pillars that offer a well-balanced and pragmatic approach. The treaty to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons. We call on the universalization and entry into force of CTBT. We believe that The threat of nuclear confrontation, the erosion of multilateral disarmament regimes is a fundamental threat to the survival of humanity and also a huge distraction from fighting poverty and creating the conditions for sustainable development in areas such as the Sahel that depend on it for their survival. The existing zones free of nuclear weapons are a model for all regions of the world to follow. We believe that nuclear technology and the enormous budgets devoted to it should be turned to supporting the socioeconomic progress of nations. Mr. President, mankind must not have to live with the constant sword of Damocles, the threat hanging over it. We must all work together to save our future, to get rid of this threat. Thank you very much.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkina Faso Abroad of Burkina Faso for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor To His Excellency Samuel Okudzeto Ablakawo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana. The floor is yours, sir.

I'm grateful to you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, today we gather to renew our commitment to a world without nuclear weapons. We in Ghana believe that that world is not an utopian dream. It is possible to achieve. And I am delighted that I am from a country where our nation's founder, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, led the charge against a world that proliferates nuclear weapons. In 1962, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah convened the world without the bomb conference in Accra. And he championed a continent that will be declared a nuclear-free continent. And I am glad that the continent of Africa, as we speak, the only country that had nuclear weapons has fully disarmed. And if Africa can be a continent without nuclear weapons, other continents can follow the example of Africa. So this is a quest that is attainable, and we all must renew our efforts in this direction. Eighty years since the dawn of the atomic age, the observance of this International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is a reminder that where the compass of global caution is broken and the enduring pledge of never again is overlooked, The horrors of the past would not remain in the past, it will creep upon us into our present reality. While the NPT remains the cornerstone of our disarmament architecture, each failed review conference chips away at the fragile trust on which the treaty rests. The credibility of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is being undermined by the lack of its full implementation, especially of the disarmament undertakings from the 1995, 2000, and 2010 review conferences. On this occasion, therefore, I remind nuclear weapon states of their obligation to pursue disarmament and call upon all of us to prevent nuclear proliferation and promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Ghana demands an end to impunity. The situation where some nuclear powers determine that they can keep theirs, but others cannot have it, is untenable and must not be allowed to continue. While other disarmament instruments such as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons reinforce the shared objective of nuclear elimination, Their promise is weakened when compliance lacks. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to note that this is a historic day for Ghana because today Ghana will be depositing our instrument of ratification following the signing of the TPNW in 2017, and the full ratification of our parliament in July this year. In concluding, let me do so with the voice of those who witnessed the first use of atomic bombs. Their window of time may be closing and their pain voices hushing out, but their voices still carry the urgency and moral clarity we need today to galvanize us to fulfill our shared promise, not in some distant future, but with concrete action now. Thank you very much.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of

Cuba.

President Fidel Castro, expressed, and I quote, "Peoples have a duty to demand of their political leaders their right to live. When the life of their species, the people and their most beloved loved ones incur a similar risk, no one has the luxury of being indifferent, nor can they waste one minute in demanding respect for this right. Tomorrow will be too late." End of quote. The need and the urgency of nuclear disarmament are unquestionable. Eighty years since the criminal atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there is still the philosophy of war. and the philosophy of looting, as well as the risk of the very existence of nuclear weapons. Israeli attacks, with the complicity and support of the government of the United States, against peaceful nuclear facilities in Iran on the 13th of June flagrantly violated the United Nations Charter and international law. including international humanitarian law, as well as the IAEA safeguard regime, and endanger regional and international stability. Cuba vigorously condemns those attacks, and we extend our solidarity to the government and people of Iran. US military spending in 2024 was $997 billion, which would cover a quarter of the annual deficit of $4 trillion, which is needed to advance towards compliance with the sustainable development goals. Cuba firmly supports the universalization of the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and the path towards complete, verifiable, irreversible and transparent nuclear disarmament within mutually agreed timelines. Latin America and the Caribbean is still the region with the largest number of member states in this international instrument. We are fully committed to nuclear disarmament, being the first nuclear weapon free zone in a densely populated area and with the proclamation of the region as a zone of peace in 2014. Thank you very much.

I thank Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba for his statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency Hanna Liko, Vice Minister for Political Affairs of Austria. The floor is yours, madam.

Thank you, Mr. President. We gather today amid a shared sense of urgency and responsibility to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. The disarmament and non-proliferation regime is under unprecedented strain. Nuclear threats have escalated in recent years. Arsenals are being modernised, upgraded and expanded. Existing instruments are faltering and we are faced with the spectre of a new global arms race. The SG's report, The Security We Need, underlined once again that nuclear weapons bring catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences. Recent scientific research underscores that the effects of a nuclear detonation would be even more devastating than previously understood. as are the risks associated with nuclear weapons. We cannot stand idly by in light of these scientific facts. It is our duty and responsibility to act. Austria has consistently advocated for ensuring that our work be informed by the best available scientific knowledge. We highly value the increasing dialogue between policymakers and the scientific community. In fact, we have tried to do our part to bridge these communities for some time, commissioning a compendium of the latest scientific knowledge, as well as proposing the establishment of the scientific advisory group for the TPNW. Just as important is ensuring that we are informed by the voices of survivors. 80 years after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Their testimonies remind us more than ever that nuclear weapons are not theoretical threats. As a dedicated advocate of the humanitarian initiative and the TPNW, Austria places special significance on this day. The TPNW is more than a symbol. It represents a concrete step forward. demonstrating the resolve of the non nuclear majority to build a future free from nuclear weapons. Austria welcomes the ongoing efforts by states from every region to join the TPNW. With Ghana and Kyrgyzstan joining the Treaty, the global majority has now signed or ratified the TPNW. The international consensus for a world free of nuclear weapons is growing stronger each year, advancing towards a safer future for all of us. Thank you.

I thank you, the Vice Minister for Political Affairs of Austria, for her statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Levent Kumhurcu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. The floor is yours, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellencies, we welcome this annual meeting on the occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This year, of course, holds a special significance as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the impacts of which, unfortunately, still lingers on. So while commending Japan for the organization of the very sobering ceremonies in that regard, we believe it is our collective duty to honor the victims and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated. Turkey is fully committed to the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons, while at the same time recognizing that there is no easy path to a nuclear weapon-free world. But we cannot give up or relent on this goal. In our mind, continued efforts toward a systematic, step-by-step, verifiable, and irreversible disarmament progress is not only a necessity, but it is our obligation. Turkey will continue to support all efforts in this regard, including the dialogue among the P5 countries. At the same time, it is becoming ever more critical to work on risk reduction efforts as well. Of course, this is not an alternative to efforts towards nuclear disarmament, but we have to ensure that nuclear weapons will never be used again, even while they exist. It is, of course, also critical to prevent further proliferation, which would make our common goal of a world without nuclear weapons even harder to attain. So we again underscore the fundamental importance of that Treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which after 55 years remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, while recognizing the inalienable right of all state parties to enjoy peaceful use of nuclear energy. That said, Excellencies, the most recent attacks by a non-NPT state on nuclear facilities in an NPT state entailed many negative and dangerous ramifications, including on the implementation of NPT safeguards. So it is more urgent than ever to uphold our shared commitments and preserve the centrality and integrity of the NPT, which has no viable alternative. Looking towards the treaty's 11th review conference in 2026, it is the obligation of all states to ensure that the treaty remains intact, to strive for its universalization, and to fully implement their obligations, including, of course, Article VI. This is also in line with NATO's goal to forge a safer world for all and to create the security environment for a world while also, of course, underlining that as long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. Excellencies, in conclusion, that reiterates once again our commitment to achieve the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons.

Thank you so much. I thank you, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, for the statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency Ruth Cross Kwan Sing, Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs of Kiribati. It's yours, Madam.

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies and esteemed colleagues, I am honored to represent Kiribati as we gather to renew our call and re-energize our solidarity working towards a world free of nuclear weapons with like-minded member states and communities to pursue a nuclear-free world and a future free from wars and violence. On April 28, 1958, Operation Grapple, the largest thermal nuclear test at the time, was conducted near Kiribati's Mas Island. The residents still suffer the consequences of nuclear testing. Excellencies, as a state affected by nuclear testing, Kiribati has been spearheading initiatives on nuclear justice with Kazakhstan. We are pleased an overwhelming majority of nations supported our joint resolution on addressing the legacy of nuclear weapons, which calls for the Secretary General to convene a one day meeting on victim assistance and environmental remediation. As this year's General Assembly, we intend to present an updated version of the joint resolution with additional details about the historic meeting, including the involvement of affected communities, academia, scientists, and relevant UN agencies. We strongly urge the user states which conducted the nuclear tests to attend and engage in deliberations with affected states on how to help affected communities. Kiribati recognises the significance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in advancing justice for the victims of nuclear weapons. We jointly coordinate efforts on the establishment of the International Trust Fund with Kazakhstan and firmly believe such a fund will support a radiological assessment and study of Christmas Island. It is vital for us to understand the full extent of ionising radiation on our population, especially women and children. In addition, Kiribati is examining the possibility of building a nuclear justice center on Kiritimata Island. We invite interested states to support this important endeavor. Excellencies, Kiribati believes that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons complements the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The TPNW strengthens the NPT by banning nuclear weapons. The TPNW further reinforces nuclear weapon free zones, including the South Pacific, as well as the Comprehensive Nuclear Testing Ban Treaty. The TPNW reflects the will of the vast majority of states that seek a total elimination of nuclear weapons and gives voice to the survivors of use testing and production of nuclear weapons. GDPS calls on all leaders and people of the world to renew commitments fostering greater cooperation and collaboration for a nuclear-free world, free of wars and rich in human fraternity, respect, trust, peace, harmony, and happiness as envisioned by the framers of the United Nations. Let's put our trust in the mechanisms of specific settlements of dispute. Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs of Kiribati for her statement. I now have the honour to give the floor to His Excellency Akan Rahmetulin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Thank you, Chair. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, Kazakhstan is honored to address this assembly on a day that embodies our shared determination to eliminate the gravest threat to humanity, nuclear weapons. I commend her Excellency Anna Lena Berbrock, the President of the 80th session of the GA, for convening this important meeting. This international day is built on the United Nations very first resolution in 1946, which called for the elimination of atomic weapons. Global awareness has also been strengthened through the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29th of August initiated by Kazakhstan, which underscores the devastating human and environmental consequences of nuclear explosions. Yet today, more than 12,000 nuclear warheads remain, many on high alert, while arms control frameworks that once provided stability are under severe strain. This day, therefore, is not only commemorative, but also a solemn call to urgent collective action. Kazakhstan's unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament is based on a tragic legacy of more than 450 nuclear tests conducted at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. In response, we became the first nation to close such a site and voluntarily renounce the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal. That decision was an act of principle, transforming tragedy into responsibility. It defines our national identity and our role as committed advocates of peace. We have since translated this principle into action. The Central Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone created jointly by the five countries of the region in 2006 will mark its 20th anniversary next year and prove that even a region bordering nuclear powers can choose mutual trust and cooperation. Last month in Astana, we convened this dedicated meeting on strengthening negative security assurances for all existing nuclear weapon free zones looking ahead the 2026 NPT review conference. Earlier this year, Kazakhstan presided over the third meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, where together with Kiribati, we actively promote victim assistance and environmental remediation, affirming that disarmament must also serve justice and humanity. Yet the dangers before us are worsening. The modernization of nuclear arsenals and the integration of artificial intelligence into the military domain introduce unprecedented risk of miscalculation and catastrophic escalation. Humanity must not allow technological innovation to become a source of even greater existential insecurity. The path forward is clear. Nuclear armed states, at the bare minimum, must reduce the role of these weapons in their doctrines, lower their operational readiness, cease any further buildup, and return to the fullest fulfillment of their disarmament obligations. the CTBT must finally enter into force. The NPT, the cornerstone of the global disarmament and non-proliferation.

I thank you, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, for the statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency, Madam Helen de la Vega, Under Secretary for Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines.

Mr. President, the Philippines aligns itself fully with the statement delivered by Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN. Commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons reminds us how, eight decades ago, the world witnessed unspeakable horrors of man's genius and folly. The intergenerational harm to communities and irreversible damage to ecosystems caused by nuclear weapons use and testing leave us with only one responsible course, the total and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons. A dangerous nuclear arms race is now underway. Nuclear weapons states continue to modernize arsenals, expand delivery systems, and lower thresholds for use, fundamentally eroding longstanding norms and commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The integration of advanced technologies, including AI and hypersonic capabilities, introduces unprecedented risks and increases the probability of miscalculation and cataclysmic misjudgment. The persistent inability of recent NPT review conferences to achieve consensus has deepened distrust between nuclear weapon and non-nuclear weapon states. We call upon all NPT states parties to fully implement their obligations and for nuclear weapons states to undertake meaningful and measurable disarmament actions as we affirmed in the 2024 Pact for the Future. As a proud state party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the Philippines underscores its conviction that nuclear weapons have no place in national or collective security doctrines. The TPNW, together with the NPT and nuclear weapons free zones, especially the Southeast Asian nuclear weapons free zone, strengthen the global normative framework delegitimizing nuclear weapons. In this spirit, we support establishing new nuclear weapons free zones, including in the Middle East, and urge universal adherence to these pillars of common security. Excellencies, we urge nuclear weapons states to reduce and eliminate their arsenals with full transparency, diminish the role of nuclear weapons in military and provide legally binding, unconditional and irrevocable negative security assurances to all non-nuclear weapon states. We call for negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty without delay and the prompt entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Pending this, all states must uphold moratoria on nuclear test explosions. The United Nations remains the one indispensable platform for multilateral efforts toward disarmament, regarded by the Secretary-General's new agenda for peace and the 2024 Pact for the Future, both of which place disarmament and non-proliferation at the heart of a renewed vision for collective security and sustainable development. Mr. President, nuclear weapons are an unacceptable risk to all humanity and to our strategic planet. No security doctrine, political rationale, or strategic calculation can ever justify their continued existence. It is our moral duty to secure a safer world for present and future generations.

I thank the Under Secretary for Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Philippines. I now have the honor to give the floor His Excellency Alejandro Solano Ortiz, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship.

Thank you, President. Costa Rica thanks you for convening this annual commemoration and wishes to highlight three key points. First of all, the figures reveal a profound distortion of our priorities. The nine nuclear weapon states spent $100 billion on nuclear armaments in 2024 alone, an amount equivalent to 28 times the annual budget of the United Nations. While millions of people suffer the consequences of the climate crisis, lack access to basic humanitarian assistance, and remain excluded from the digital revolution, these astronomical resources are directed towards perfecting our annihilation. Costa Rica urges the international community to prioritize human security and sustainable development as the true foundations of peace. We are deeply concerned by how nuclear modernization programs are producing more precise, lower-yield weapons that lower the threshold for their use and blur the line between conventional and nuclear arms. Next year's NPT review conference is an unprecedented opportunity to reverse this trend through binding timelines and concrete targets toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Thirdly, the verifiable elimination of nuclear weapons is technically feasible. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons provides the legal framework for elimination, while the IAEA has the technical capacity to verify that fissile material from dismantled weapons is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. Costa Rica therefore calls for the effective implementation of these existing instruments and the development of additional tools to advance towards the verifiable and irreversible elimination of nuclear arsenals under strict multilateral oversight. President, when the consequences of nuclear weapons are so devastating that they call into question our very survival, the risk must be eliminated completely and without delay. I thank you.

I thank the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Worship of Costa Rica. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Osman Sahle, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea. The floor is yours, sir.

Mr. President, let me first congratulate you for convening this important high-level meeting on a matter of critical significance to the maintenance of international peace and security. I associate my intervention with the statements delivered by the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Guinea on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and African Group respectively.

This year's International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

It is prudent to see the opportunity for a serious reckoning.

And reflection of the international peace and security.

Architecture, which has been gravely undermined by the continued threats posed by the existence of nuclear weapons. While saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war remains one of the core purposes of the United Nations, the continued existence of nuclear weapons and their possible use or threat of use.

Erodes the maintenance of international peace and security.

Such threats are only be compounded with the raging conflicts and geopolitical tensions across various regions, deteriorating the global security architecture. It is further alarming that with the advent of new technologies, there is an increase in the quantity and quality of new types of nuclear weapons as provided in the military doctrines of some of nuclear power status. As disturbing as it is, the risk of nuclear proliferation is also a sobering manifestation associated with the existence of nuclear weapons. Regrettably, these alarming developments have been witnessed against the existing disarmament regime as set out in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, NPT, comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and other relevant international obligations and commitments. Article 6 of the NTP specifically obliges nuclear weapons states to pursue negotiations in good faith for nuclear disarmament and to establish a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective control. However, absent of the requisite political goodwill and the failure of the nuclear weapon states to fulfill their legal obligations, the aim of total elimination of nuclear weapons remains far-fetched and hence humanity continues to be gravely threatened.

The lack of consensus in the past review conferences of the NPT further reveals a dwindling hope to achieve.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea for the statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Zinbek Gulubayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic of Kyrgyzstan.

Dear Mr. President, It is a great honor for me to participate in this high-level meeting dedicated to the total elimination of nuclear weapons, one of the most pressing issues of the survival, dignity, and security of humanity. Since the establishment of the United Nations, disarmament and arms control have played a vital role in preventing and ending crises of armed conflicts. The use of weapons of mass destruction remain a grave threat of international peace, security, and sustainable development. For this reason, nuclear disarmament has been always stood and will continue to stand at the heart of my country's foreign policy. Excellencies, from the first days of our independence, Kyrgyzstan has chosen to the path of peace and disarmament. Today, I am pleased to announce that the Kyrgyz Republic has completed all domestic procedures and will sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This is a continuation of our strong and consistent policy for a world free of nuclear weapons. This step represents a natural continuation of our principled commitment to a nuclear weapon free world, as well as a reformation of the choice we made when together with our neighbors we established a nuclear weapon free zone in Central Asia, the first such zone created in the northern hemisphere. I would like to highlight that Central Asian services is a clear example of how a nuclear weapon-free zone can make a valuable contribution to strengthen regional and global nuclear security, as well as to advancing to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Our commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation has also found strong multilateral recognition. in two thousand and twenty two the united nations general assembly unanimously supported the initiative of the kyrgyz republic to proclaim five march as the international day of disarmament and non proliferation awareness. Each year, my country holds events to mark this day, raising awareness among governments, civil society, youth, and academia. Kyrgyzstan will continue to actively promote this initiative and will call on member states and stakeholders to join us to strengthen and popularize this important observance. Our determination is also reflected in our broader multilateral engagement. The Kyrgyz Republic has put forward its candidacy for the United Nations Security Council for the period 27-28 in entrusted with the responsibility to place nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation high in our agenda and work to amplify the voices of states seeking a nuclear weapons free world. Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kyrgyzstan for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Mohammad Hassan Nejad, Director General for International Peace and Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The floor is yours, sir.

Mr. President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement. This International Day serves as a solemn reminder that all nuclear weapon states have yet to discharge their promises for nuclear disarmament towards a world free of nuclear weapons. As you recall, a comprehensive and non-selective implementation of NPT pillars was the common understanding behind its indefinite extension in 1995. Nuclear weapon states have squarely failed to honor their share of the deal. Three decades later, as we mark this day, the trend is rather alarming. Instead of elimination, it is moving toward renovation and modernization. The U.S. and others are heading for more usable nuclear weapons, lowering the threshold for the Armageddon. NATO nuclear weapon states continue to uphold a first-use doctrine. fueling a new nuclear arms race. By applying arrangements such as extended nuclear deterrence and nuclear -- nuclear sharing, NPT obligations for disarmament are being utterly bypassed. Mr. President, the unprovoked and premeditated war of aggression of June 2025 against Iran committed by the Israeli regime, a non-party to the NPT, in possession of nuclear arsenal, with direct involvement of the U.S., a permanent member of the Security Council and the depository of NPT, was yet another shocking development. The barbaric attacks resulted in murdering of more than 1,000 Iranians, many of them women and children, further undermined the credibility and integrity of the international non-proliferation regime, to say the least. The prevalence of notions such as peace through strength, especially being heard from rogue possessors of nuclear weapons, are both disturbing and dangerous. Bearing in mind that similar notions in recent history cost humanity millions of lives and unspeakable catastrophes. Particularly Israeli regime in its short but dark history exhibited no respect for any legal or moral boundaries. A character that certain nuclear weapon states choose to ignore. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the total and verifiable elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide. Iran further reiterates its call and advocacy for establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. Such zone will be possible should the U.S. hold Israel to account through making it accede to the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon party and putting all its facilities under the IAEA safeguard and verification regime. I thank you very much, Mr. President.

I thank the Director General for International Peace and Security of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Enrique Ochoa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico.

Ochoa.

Thank you very much. Eighty years since the beginning of the nuclear era, it's just concerning to see that we don't see progress in dismantling nuclear warheads. On the contrary, countries with these weapons are modernizing their arsenals and are increasingly ready to use them. And some non-nuclear weapon states are even questioning the possibility of developing their own arms or stockpiling nuclear weapons that belong to others in a clear breach of their international legal obligations. The SG's report, The Security That We Need, describes an inconceivable picture. In 2023, investment in nuclear weapons reached roughly $1 billion. And what would the world look like if this quantity was invested in supporting humanitarian activities in Gaza, Syria, Sudan, or Haiti? We need an urgent change of, and pragmatic change of course, for all of our peoples, less investment of war, more investment in people. President Sheinbaum, within the framework of the G20 summit, proposed that 1% of military spending be devoted to financing projects to be able to tackle climate change and in favor of sustainable development. As long as we continue to have nuclear weapons and we continue to witness these immoral economic distortions, Mexico will continue to demand the destruction of every one of these 12,000 nuclear bombs which continue to threaten the survival of humankind. The NPT and the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons indicate a clear roadmap to achieve this objective. We thank Ghana and Kyrgyzstan for the progress made. My country has taken note of statements made by a nuclear weapons state on the importance of reducing, drastically reducing the two largest nuclear arsenals. These declarations are welcome if it does lead to the renewal of negotiations between nuclear weapon possessors and tangible disarmament. In 2025, we are facing a reality which was unimaginable before. Artificial intelligence could take decisions on the use of nuclear weapons and the loss of human control over these terrible instruments of war. Given this risk and the catastrophic consequences that would result from this, Mexico proposes that the General Assembly urgently address the risks of integrating artificial intelligence in the command and control systems of nuclear arms. It's an existential matter which could not be relegated to the will of a few. We have to say it very directly. We have to see progress in nuclear disarmament and enough excuses. We have to put an end to these arms. Thank you.

I thank the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to his Excellency Ruben Molina, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela would like to thank you for convening this high-level meeting. And we support the statements made by the delegation, by the declaration of Uganda on behalf of the non-aligned countries. President, international peace and security is an ongoing, is being threatened by a few nuclear weapon states who show great contempt for the fundamental norms of international law and the principles of the UN Charter and are threatening to use nuclear weapons regardless of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that this would bring about. The 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedy do not seem to bring up any remorse. The proliferation of nuclear weapons represents a threat to the survival of humankind and it go against the… desires of the countries of the United Nations. Their complete elimination is the only option given the risk of the extinction of life on this planet through war. In this respect, Venezuela supports the initiative towards a world free of nuclear weapons and we condemn its production, stockpiling and the threat use or the threat of the use of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. So we vigorously condemn the development and production and stockpiling of nuclear weapons. Likewise, we ratify the right of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and we reiterate our support for new nuclear weapon free zones, especially in the Middle East. Venezuela takes advantage of this opportunity to announce a great threat to its people, as well as the stability of the Latin American and Caribbean region resulting from the policy adopted by the United States of against our country and with the deployment of military force in the Caribbean close to the Venezuelan coast, this aggressive policy, threatening to use force. could lead to worse consequences. And this is a risk for the peace and the violation of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, a treaty which established the denuclearization of our region and requires the United States of America under protocols one and two as a party to respect the declaration of Latin America as a zone of peace. are ready to work actively and constructively with members of the international community to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. We reiterate our commitment to peace and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Thank you.

I thank you, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for his statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency Monica Renata Bolanos Perez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala.

We're meeting today to commemorate and promote the elimination of nuclear weapons at a time of deep concern for the international community. Uh, the, uh, global order is, uh, facing a growing, um, political tensions, wars underway, an increase in military spending, and an alarming erosion of the, uh, the framework of collective security. In this, uh, unstable scenario, the, uh, continuation of nuclear arsenals and the lack of progress, uh, towards its elimination, uh, represents, uh, an existential threat, uh, to humankind and a serious, uh, setback in, uh, multilateral efforts to preserve, uh, international peace and security. Uh, this opportunity makes us think about, uh, one of the, uh, greatest, uh, challenges to humankind and to reaffirm our, uh, collective commitment to, uh, to a world which is free of nuclear weapons, and that these, uh, arms continue to represent an existential threat to, to humankind and to our planet. and its very existence is incompatible with the fundamental principles of international law and international humanitarian law and with the ultimate objective of guaranteeing security and survival of present and future generations. Guatemala, as a state party to the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, reiterates that the only absolute guarantee for the use or the threat of the use of nuclear weapons is its total elimination. both verifiable, irreversible and universal. We are deeply concerned that instead of progress, we see setbacks in the disarmament agenda, the modernization of arsenals, the lack of progress in complying with the Article 6 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, as well as the growing international tensions endanger the pillars of the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation regime. President, the international community should not allow that inertia or the lack of political will continue to be perpetuated in a nuclear danger. We call upon nuclear weapons states to comply with the commitments and to move towards substantive negotiations which would lead to their total elimination. We recall that the true security is not achieved through nuclear deterrence, but rather through respect for international law and multilateral cooperation, mutual and the quest for peace in this session of Guatemala reaffirms its conviction that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is not an option, but rather a moral, legal and humanitarian need. And we renew our collective commitment today. Let us work with a determination so that future generations can live free from the shadow of nuclear annihilation. Thank you. Thank you.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala for her statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to his Excellency Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Mr. President, I fully agree. with the need to promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. However, we really have nothing to celebrate today. The world has come back to the point from which the nuclear threat is visible. The Doomsday Clock is showing less than a minute and a half to midnight, which is, of course, nuclear apocalypse. This is the closest to midnight in the entire history of the Doomsday Clock, and it's more than just a symbol. It makes us think how close mankind has come to the point of no return. A new paradigm of international relations was based on guarantees for security, safeguards, principle of cooperation, non-expansion of NATO to the east, the creation of OSCE and the Budapest Memorandum which guaranteed countries such as Belarus who have renounced nuclear weapons safeguards that the threat of force is not going to be used against them or economic coercion today all of the guarantees and principles are trampled underfoot while in the USS in the first years of our Independence we were disarming withdrawing nuclear weapons disposing of conventional weapons and mines the West quietly started rearming and today They're doing that right on our borders. The legitimate concerns with regard to the security of other countries, such as Belarus, were ignored. As a result, today we see an unprecedented level of opposition, including in our region, Europe. And we're left with no choice. Belarus was compelled to deploy Russia's tactical nuclear weapons on our territory to guarantee our security. For the same purpose, Belarus will deploy Russia's Oreshnik ballistic missiles. Last year, Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on security guarantees as part of the union states, envisaging the possibility of using any weapons, including nuclear weapons, for defense. We're not becoming involved in the mad arms race. We're not provoking confrontation. Our response is asymmetrical, purely defensive, in strict compliance with international law and the non-proliferation treaty. Why today more and more countries are talking about the increasing nuclear factor and its role in the world? Because when states do not have reliable guarantees of security or trust-building measures, nuclear weapons becomes the last resort. Even without being used, it can deter a potential aggressor. We see that it works. Nuclear weapons has monstrous destructive power. There is going to be no winner. in this war. Even the American physicist Oppenheimer, one of the fathers of the nuclear bomb, said in 1945, "I have become death, the destroyer of worlds." He was right.

And in order to prevent further nuclear escalation, it is very simple. We just need to work in a purposeful way to choose reliable guarantees of safety for everyone, without exception, and simply comply with them.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus for his statement. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Denis Moncada Collindres, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua.

President, Nicaragua, as a nation that loves peace and development, we reiterate the importance of moving towards general and complete disarmament, prioritizing the total elimination of nuclear weapons. It's unjustifiable that developed countries continue to increase the arms race, devoting immense amounts of resources to develop, modernize, and test nuclear arsenals, endangering the very existence of humanity and our species, which runs counter to their obligations under Article 6 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. And that being the main objective of Agenda 2030, eradicating poverty and hunger, guaranteeing protection and sustainability of our Mother Earth. ecosystems and natural resources, we reiterate that these economic and financial resources that are used in expanding military alliances in… aggression and destabilization of our countries, developing countries, they should be used in the implementation of the SDGs and peace, achieving a greater human development in a more equitable fashion for all peoples. We will continue to say that there is no plan B to save Mother Earth from a nuclear disaster. And the only guarantee to prevent the use or the threat of using weapons of mass destruction and their non-proliferation is the total and absolute elimination of nuclear weapons. President Nicaragua calls for a multipolar order where life triumphs over death and cooperation replaces confrontation. We highlight the crucial role of the nuclear weapon free zones such as the local treaty to strengthen international peace and security. We regret the noncompliance with the resolution for a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East and we call for its urgent implementation. All countries have to adopt concrete, tangible measures which would promote consensus and understanding. Only cooperation based on between states, whether they have nuclear weapons or not. Only this will help us to achieve the objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation, to achieve what we have proposed for ourselves, having a world which is free of weapons of mass destruction, a world that lives in peace. Thank you.

Gracias, Sr. Ministro. I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Juan Navarro, Undersecretary for Foreign Policy of Argentina.

President, with a view to the review conference of the NPT, Argentina calls for a full and balanced implementation of its three pillars, disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Likewise, we've reiterated the need for all states to honor their commitments within that treaty, and that nuclear weapon states must behind the central importance that this type of weapon still has in their security doctrines and policies. We urge that we adopt concrete measures to reduce nuclear risk, which would contribute to the total elimination of these weapons. President, our region, Latin America and the Caribbean, was the first densely populated area of the world to declare itself a nuclear weapon free zone through the local treaty. laying a historical precedent which continues to inspire the international community. Within this framework, the work of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean was consolidated as a concrete example of the effective implementation of the commitments that were undertaken. Likewise, I'd like to underscore the essential function of the International Atomic Energy Agency. which guarantees both access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, as well as compliance with the non proliferation obligations through its safeguards regime. Our country is convinced that international peace and security can only be achieved when nuclear weapons stop having any place in the relations between states. Argentina will continue to work with all the members of the United Nations to make the total elimination of nuclear weapons a tangible reality. Thank you.

I thank the Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Lukman Al-Fayli, Permanent Representative of Iraq on behalf of the Arab Group.

In the name of God, the Most Merciful and the Most Gracious, I would like to give this statement on behalf of the Arab Group as the President of the Arab Group for this month. Mr. Chair, we would like to express our alignment with the statement of the Non-Aligned Movement, and we would like to add that this International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is a chance to renew international commitment to the elimination of these weapons and their existential threat to humanity and their threat to international peace and security, not to mention their catastrophic humanitarian and environmental impacts. Not to mention also the fact that they deplete a lot of resources that could otherwise be directed to sustainable development. Today we have geopolitical tensions and erosions in arms control agreements. Around $100 billion are now being directed towards bolstering nuclear arsenals. And today, more than any time before, we need to commit to disarmament, specifically nuclear disarmament, as a priority determined by the international community in the first session of the General Assembly of the UN. We welcome that the Pact of the Future has included a renewed commitment to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. We hope that what the world leaders have jointly adopted will be implemented. We reaffirm that Addressing nuclear weapons must come from a holistic approach that aims towards the total elimination of these weapons along with other complementary efforts such as the nuclear test ban and getting rid of fissile materials that can be used in nuclear weapons along with implementing policies of not starting with the use of nuclear weapons and not initiating the use of nuclear weapons. and not using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. Nuclear weapons elimination must be implemented in a verifiable and irreversible manner in accordance with clear timelines, and this is the only manner to rid the world of this threat that has been looming over it for over 80 years now. This must come through nuclear states' application of their commitments, including under Article 6 of the NPT, along with implementing the commitments agreed upon in previous review conferences, including commitments related to achieving the universality of the treaty, which is considered the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime globally. We also completely reject all pretexts that claim that nuclear weapons are needed for strategic stability and deterrence. We reject the claims that states are not conducive, the circumstances are not conducive to states implementing their commitments. We need confidence building measures and efforts to reduce nuclear threats, risks. However, this is not an alternative to the elimination of nuclear weapons. We must have a clear legal framework, a framework that we begin negotiating upon as soon as possible. We also warn against the risks of integrating AI into nuclear weapons. We emphasize that nuclear weapons must be completely under human control until such a day that they are completely eliminated. Mr. Chair, the Arab Group renews its full commitment to the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime. We emphasize the importance of the right to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. And we regret to see that the two past review conferences have failed. And we hope that in April of 2026, the review conference to come will be successful. The treaty and its effectiveness must be maintained by achieving universality, along with nuclear states showing true political will to implement legal and political obligations. The Arab Group has participated effectively and constructively in the past three preparatory rounds for the review conference, and we emphasize that the NPT which we have participated in negotiating is particularly important and therefore we have followed the meetings of states parties, including the meeting held in New York in March. These meetings put these weapons into perspective. Microphone has been cut off.

I thank the permanent representative of Iraq on behalf of the Arab group. I now have the honor to give the floor To His Excellency Salem Said Al-Jaber, Assistant Minister for Security and Military Affairs of United Arab Emirates.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, the United Arab Emirates emphasizes on this occasion its commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. This is the only true guarantee that these weapons will not be used. and that there will be no threats of their use. The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons reminds us all of our joint responsibilities to rid the world of these destructive weapons, as well as our commitment to building a world of more prosperity and development for humanity at large. We believe that progress in the field of nuclear disarmament is still limited despite the fact that more than 80 years have passed since the first use of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the threats of nuclear proliferation increase. We are party to the NPT and as such we emphasize the importance of this treaty. We emphasize the importance of the full and balanced implementation of its three pillars. We also urge nuclear weapons possessing states to uphold their responsibilities under the treaty and move forward with verifiable steps, tangible steps to the total and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons and accountability in this regard must be maintained. We also emphasize the important role played by the IAEA in the nuclear global regime, especially through the implementation of the comprehensive safeguards as a mechanism of guaranteeing that nuclear programs are peaceful. The UAE also emphasizes the importance of upholding all obligations under non-proliferation treaties as a key factor to increase trust among countries and reduce the risks of prohibited behaviors. And we urge all countries that have not joined the safeguards agreement and the additional protocol to do so without delay. We also are keen on a number of treaties, including the comprehensive nuclear ban Nuclear Test Ban Treaty as a key step towards a world free of nuclear weapons. And we are also fully supportive of creating a nuclear weapons and WMD-free zone in the Middle East. And we call upon all countries in the region, without exception, to engage constructively with efforts aiming to achieve this critical goal. Mr. Chair, we have chosen the path of transparency and responsibility and cooperation in developing our peaceful nuclear energy program. The microphone has been cut off.

I thank the Assistant Minister for Security and Military Affairs of United Arab Emirates. I have now the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Zaher Laher. Chief Director of the Department of International Relations and Corporations of Minister -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Africa.

Thank you, Chair. Chair, as we meet today, 80 years after the first use of nuclear weapons, we are reminded of an unfulfilled promise and commitment first declared in the very first resolution adopted by the U.N. General Assembly, which called for the elimination. Unfortunately, nuclear weapons continue to feature prominently in the military and security doctrines of some states. It must be categorically stated that it is inconceivable that the use of nuclear weapons could ever, under any circumstances, be consistent with international law, particularly international humanitarian law. The false narrative of nuclear deterrence cannot be allowed to obscure the catastrophic consequences of any use of nuclear weapons. The concerns about the impact of nuclear weapons were the motivating factor for the establishment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the NPT, and it remains crucial that all of its provisions are fully implemented. Similarly, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the TPNW, is premised on the fundamental principle of humanity and the ethical imperatives for nuclear disarmament. The steady advance of the TPNW should provide additional impetus for progress on other key elements of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. This includes the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the CTBT, and the nuclear weapons free zones. We commend countries that have ratified the TPNW and call on states yet to accede to the treaty to do so without further delay. Joining the TPNW is a significant engagement and expression of support for the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and complements the core purposes of the NPT. It is high time for those states that possess or rely on nuclear weapons for their security to take tangible action towards nuclear disarmament. This should be done through the setting out of clear, transparent and measurable plans with defined timelines and concrete benchmarks to measure progress and allow for accountability on how these states will fulfil their disarmament obligations and commitments. Additionally, we have yet to to confront the issue of those states that possess nuclear weapons yet remain outside the NPT. These states have to be engaged on to eliminate their nuclear weapons programs and come into the fold of the NPT and the TPNW. Furthermore, the establishment of nuclear weapons free zones also constitutes an important disarmament and non-proliferation measure, and we support the establishment in the Middle East as well as for other regions such as Europe. Furthermore, we urge all nuclear weapons states to sign and ratify the protocols of these zones without reservations and interpretive declarations. In conclusion, South Africa, as a country that voluntarily gave up its nuclear weapons, reiterates that the only guarantee against the use or threat or use posed by nuclear weapons is their total elimination in a verifiable, irreversible and transparent manner and legally binding assurances that they will never be produced.

I thank the Chief Director of Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Sovann Khe, Under Secretary of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. At outset, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this high-level plenary meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. These days serve as a solemn reminder not only to reflect on the lessons of our shared history, but also to reaffirm our collective responsibility to realize a world free of nuclear weapons. This remains the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations, dating back to its very first resolution in 1946. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, an occasion that reminds us of the enduring importance of multilateralism in the pursuit of global peace. Despite decades of progress, nearly 12,000 nuclear weapons still threaten humanity. Modernized arsenals, AI integration, weakening arms control, and enduring deterrent doctrines increase risk and undermine global security and human dignity. Mr. President, allow me to share several key reflections as follows. First, Cambodia affirms that the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT, remains the cornerstone of effort to advance nuclear disarmament. We must reinforce our commitment to this treaty and act with urgency to achieve the elimination of nuclear weapons. Second, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, TPNW, builds upon the foundation of the NPT and reflects our aspiration for a world free of nuclear arms. Cambodia strongly encourages all states to join the TPNW. This time, to act is now and so that we do not leave the threat of nuclear weapons as a burden for future generations. Third, Cambodia reaffirms its strong support for a nuclear-weapon-free world in line with Article 25 of the Pact for the Future. Our immediate priority is that eliminating threat of nuclear war is essential for lasting global peace and security. Four, Cambodia remain committed to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. Treaty and join ASEAN member states in promoting its full implementation. We urge all nuclear weapons states to support our effort by signing the treaty protocol, ensuring that the region stays free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. In conclusion, together and with the Agency, we must turn our vision into reality. I thank you.

I thank the Under Secretary of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Carlos Francisco Guevara Mann, Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Republic of Panama in commemorating this International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, which gives us an opportunity to recognize and to strengthen our collective commitment to the efforts to promote nuclear disarmament. As a country of Latin America, the first region in the world which was free of nuclear weapons, We responsibly assume our commitment under the historic Treaty of Tlatelolco of 1968. Our country recognizes that the proliferation of nuclear weapons, which are weapons of mass destruction, is a threat which affects all states, an enormous obstacle to peace and a danger for global stability. In this context, we firmly believe that multilateralism is the only way to find effective strategies towards non-proliferation, including a call to offer guarantees to those states that maintain nuclear weapons. Panama recognizes the urgency of the entry into force of the CTBT, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and urges states under Annex II of the treaty to accelerate the process to sign and ratify this important international instrument. In the two years while we were with Norway co-presidents of the Conference of Article 14 of the CTBT, we undertook actions, concrete actions, with a view to reactivate the political push towards the implementation of the treaty. in terms of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Panama since, Panama in the course of 2025 is the chair of the 1540 committee of the UN Security Council. Panama abides by the standards of international law recognized in the provisions of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation, the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and Resolution 1540 of 2014 of the UN Security Council. All these represent legally binding multilateral instruments in the area of non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. For Panama, the use and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons is a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, as well as the United Nations Charter. As a result, the only guarantee against its use is its total elimination from the international stage as well as its prohibition. I'd like to recall renewed today. The microphone has been cut off.

I thank the Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation of Panama for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, C.B. George, Vice Minister, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Please, sir.

Mr. President, India welcomes the convening of the high-level plenary meeting to commemorate the International Day for Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. We are cognizant of the fact that any use of nuclear weapons will have catastrophic consequences for humanity. India is firmly committed to universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable nuclear disarmament. We believe that this goal can be achieved through a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed global and non-discriminatory multilateral framework. India's working paper presented to the conference on disarmament in 2007, CD1816, precisely encapsulates this approach and calls for the negotiation of a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention in the CD. Without prejudice to the priority that we attach to disarmament, India calls for the immediate commencement of negotiations in the CD on a fissile material cut-off treaty on the basis of CD-1299 and the mandate contained therein, which remains the most suitable basis for negotiations. Mr. President, India is a responsible nuclear weapons state and is committed to maintain credible minimum deterrence, with the posture of no first use and non-use against non-nuclear weapon states. With a view to promoting expertise in disarmament and our commitment to advance disarmament education, India hosts a fully funded three-week annual disarmament and international security fellowship program covering an entire range of key disarmament and international security issues. India's annual resolution at the UNGA tabled since 1980 2022 on a convention on the prohibition of the use of nuclear weapons request the CD to commence negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances through another annual GA resolution on reducing nuclear danger India has drawn Global attention to the hair trigger alert of nuclear weapons carrying unacceptable risks of unintentional or accidental use and recognizes the need for steps to reduce these risks, including through de-alerting and de-targeting of nuclear weapons. Mr. President, progress towards the goal of nuclear disarmament will require a climate of mutual confidence and consensus building to conclude universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable prohibitions on nuclear weapons, leading to their complete elimination. With this aim, India stands ready to work with all countries towards the objective of a world free of nuclear weapons. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, Minister of External Affairs, the Government of India, for his statements. I now have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency Sheikh Hanouf bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, let me start by aligning our country with the statement made by the Arab Group and the Non-Aligned Group. The presence of nuclear weapons creates a catastrophic threat. a challenge to our communities. It has been for decades. The total elimination of these weapons remains an imperative. The annual meeting held at the UN General Assembly on the occasion of the day for the total elimination of nuclear weapons demonstrates that it is absolutely indispensable that we rid the world of this danger. The presence of nuclear weapons, apart from being a major threat to survival, has great humanitarian consequences. A process must continue to discuss nuclear disarmament on a multilateral level. The state of Qatar reaffirms its commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We are going to work with all countries of the world in that regard. On the other hand, we support the movement to create nuclear weapons free and weapons of mass destruction free zones, particularly the creation of such a zone in the Middle East is an imperative, and it should be considered by all states as a great objective, particularly in view of the coming up NPT review conference. With regard to existing international situation. Some countries threaten to use nuclear weapons and other weapons to commit war crimes, crimes against humanity. This is something we strongly condemn, and we believe that civil Good neighborly relations among countries must be restored without delay. We are committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to work with all stakeholders in the global arena to get rid of nuclear weapons, to create.

Thank the Director of Department of International of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar for her statement. We have heard the last speaker for this meeting. This afternoon at 3:00 p.m., we shall continue to hear statements in this chamber. The meeting is adjourned.