General Assembly: 91st plenary meeting, 79th session

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining this meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we must also acknowledge a sobering parallel. 80 years since the first ever nuclear test explosion in New Mexico and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the UN's legacy remains indelibly linked to one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is a legacy we cannot disavow. But it is also a solemn reminder or one of our core missions to prevent the scourge of war and the threat of nuclear annihilation. While progress has been made, nuclear disarmament is not a task that ends. Your Excellencies, our efforts must remain continuous and resolute. If we want to rid the world of nuclear weapons, we must first halt nuclear testing. Nuclear testing not only has the potential to lead to a dangerous nuclear arms race, its consequences also have devastating impacts on people and planet. The International Day Against Nuclear Testing reflects these realities. Recognized each year on 29 August, the International Day commemorates the closing of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan nearly a quarter century ago. The closing of the site was one of many moments that put an end to a decades-long rush to build and expand nuclear arsenals. It reflected a deeper understanding and willingness to limit and work to halt nuclear testing. On this International Day, I call upon all Member States that have not yet signed and ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to do so without delay. In particular, I urge the remaining states that participated in the 1996 negotiations of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty at the Conference on Disarmament and that possessed nuclear power to research reactors at that time to move forward with ratification. This step is not only overdue, for the entry into force of this important treaty, it is essential for our collective security. Your Excellencies, between 1945 and 1996, more than 2,000 nuclear tests were conducted worldwide, leaving behind grave health consequences and enduring environmental contamination. This cannot be allowed to continue. The risks are far too great. The opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1996 proved effective. It led to a significant reduction in nuclear testing. Indeed, since 1996, fewer than a dozen nuclear tests have taken place. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is thus a great example of how diplomacy, together with science, can enhance global security. Here I commend the tireless efforts of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO. I also wish to commend the contributions of Member States to its international monitoring system, which continues to safeguard the world by detecting potential nuclear tests. Your Excellencies, we must overcome the syndrome under which we are always willing to pay for war, but not for peace. Let today be an opportunity to reject the drift toward rearmament and instead firmly commit to dialogue, diplomacy, and collective action. We made a promise last year in the Pact for the Future to achieve the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Let us continue on the path that we started in 1996 and renew our determination to prohibit nuclear testing as a first and important step towards nuclear disarmament. And let us do it by making sure that 30 years after its opening for signature, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty finally enters into force. Thank you. In accordance with Rule 70 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, I now give the floor to Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, who will deliver a statement on behalf of the Secretary-General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset, allow me to extend my sincere gratitude to the President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Philemon Young, for convening this important annual commemoration. I also want to thank Kazakhstan, for its leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring that the devastating legacy of nuclear tests is never forgotten. By initiating this day, Kazakhstan provided the world with not only a moment for remembrance, but also a platform for action. And I take this opportunity to commend the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization and its Provisional Technical Secretariat. Their tireless efforts to sustain the norm against nuclear testing through advancing the Treaty's universalization and in strengthening the verification regime are indispensable to our collective security. Excellencies, Today's commemoration takes place in a world overshadowed by conflict, mistrust, and the looming shadow of nuclear weapons. Trust between states continues to erode, while investments in nuclear weapons and their delivery systems increase. Against this backdrop, the prohibition of all nuclear explosive testing is not merely a technical or procedural matter. It is a moral and strategic necessity. The CTBT is one of the most widely supported instruments in the disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The expansion and proven reliability of the International Monitoring System, IMS, and the International Data Center, IDC, are remarkable achievements. Together, they have helped reassure the world of the absence of nuclear tests and detected those who have sought to violate this global norm. Yet, nearly three decades after its adoption, the CTBT has not yet entered into force, and the totality of its promise remains unrealized. This relay cannot continue. Let me be clear, the only path to abolishing nuclear tests is through a legally binding prohibition, respected, implemented, and above all, enforced. That is the promise of the CTBT. It is incumbent upon every state to bring that promise to life, but in particular those states whose ratification is still required for the treaty's entry into force. Their leadership will decide whether this treaty finally closes the door on the era of nuclear testing. In the meantime, the global moratorium on nuclear testing must hold. It embodies our shared commitment to the norm against nuclear tests. Nuclear testing can never be permitted, not as a tool of deterrence, not as a display of political influence, not under the guise of science. The consequences of nuclear tests are indiscriminate and enduring. They have left behind wounds, human, environmental, and moral, that can never be fully healed. Survivors of nuclear testing remind us of the truth every day. Their suffering is not confined to history books. It continues in the present. Families and communities endure intergenerational harm, underscoring the cruelty of these weapons. Their voices obligate us to ensure that no community bears such burden ever again. The recent establishment of an independent scientific panel to study the effects of nuclear war is a clear acknowledgement by the international community of the enduring humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. It reflects a growing recognition that human, environmental and health impacts of nuclear explosions, whether in war or in testing, must be properly scrutinized through the lens of dispassionate science. Distinguished delegates, as the Secretary-General has said, the world must speak with one voice to end nuclear testing once and for all. Nuclear tests have haunted our past. They scar our present. They must not define our future. From the steps of Semipalatinsk to the atolls of the Pacific, the earth still carries the burden of nuclear testing. But the measure of our commitment will not be found in the words we speak today. It will be found in the choices we make tomorrow. That choice is ours, and it must be to end nuclear testing forever. I thank you very much for your attention.

I thank the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. Before proceeding further, and as indicated in my letter dated 26 August 2025, I should like to consult Members with a view to inviting the following speakers to deliver keynote addresses at this commemorative meeting. Mr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. Ms. Vivian Okeke, Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency Liaison Office in New York, on behalf of Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the Agency. Ms. Uemva Johnson, Youth Representative from Kiribati. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly, without setting a precedent, to invite these speakers to make statements at this commemorative meeting? It is so decided. I give the floor to Mr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Mr. President, thank you for convening this session and for inviting me to address this General Assembly on this important day. My thanks also to Izumi Nakamitsu. Izumi is the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and she's presented a wonderful opening remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General. Thank you. We've all just marked the somber 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test and the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. I joined the commemoration events in Japan just last month. Standing on a mountain on the 8th of August, the eve of the commemoration, I looked down on the city of Nagasaki. That spot was about 500 meters from the original target location for the nuclear bomb. But it was a cloudy morning, and the pilot needed to have visual targeting on the ground. He could see three and a half kilometres further up the valley, and so he dropped the bomb there. Destruction reached out even to the original site. Seeing the city's lights twinkle, 80 years on, and thinking about the 70,000 people that had lost their lives by the end of that year made a strong impression on me. Eighty years is a long time. Eighty years from today goes into the next century to the 3rd of September of 2105. Since those first nuclear weapons were launched over Japan, in a full 80 years, the world has not seen even one nuclear weapon explode as an act of war. How to get through another 80 years to 2105 in the same way? Since 1945, after World War II ended, there were no more nuclear weapons exploding in war. That is true. But nuclear test explosions continued. Over the next 50 years, some 2,000 nuclear explosions. During the latter Cold War period, these massive nuclear test explosions averaged about one test every week. This had to stop. And it largely has stopped. Following the CTBT's opening for signature in 1996, fewer than a dozen tests have taken place. At the end of this month, we start celebrating the 30th anniversary year of this remarkable treaty and its opening for signature. It's been a triumph for science, for multilateralism, for our global environment, for humanity. Under the treaty, We've set up the international monitoring system, over 300 facilities around the planet, including stations and analytical laboratories. Just last month, a new station was certified in our network in the People's Republic of China. We're close to completing this powerful network. The system uses four different technology types. It listens to vibrations in the earth, in the sea, in the air and it sniffs the air for telltale radionuclides. Together, they will detect any suspected nuclear test and pinpoint its location to within a few kilometres. One key feature of this system, it can tell us with unchallengeable scientific precision that a nuclear explosion has taken place. It can also tell us with the same unchallengeable scientific precision that an event was not a nuclear explosion. This is all important for global security. We saw this just last year. Rumors and misinformation flew around the world following some earthquakes in northern Iran in October last year. Tensions and risks rose. The CTBTO soon showed beyond doubt that the events had been natural earthquakes and not a nuclear test. The misinformation, it stopped. And the tensions and the risks eased. This episode shows the immediate practical importance of the CTBT. Multilateralism delivering global benefits. The CTBTO delivering benefits. Under our national data centers for all initiative, more countries access the treaty's rich data streams and products. And this is to help detect nuclear tests for sure, but also for their own civil and scientific purposes. We invest in multilingualism, delivering training and other events around the world in different languages. We have a lively worldwide youth group, a mentoring program for young women in science, technology, engineering and maths disciplines from around the world. All this allows all states, bigger or smaller, to access the full benefits of treaty membership. Everyone can lend their voice to supporting a full and final ban on nuclear testing. But And as you all know, there is a significant but here. The CTBTO now has 187 signatories, 178 ratifications, a mighty international convergence of view. However, the treaty is still to enter into force. Under the treaty's annex two, 44 named states have to ratify the treaty. Nine are still yet to do so. We all know the international mood is much darker now. The solidarity and responsibility that saw the Treaty agreed in 1996 have given way to divisions, tensions, even threats. So as we enter the Treaty's 30th anniversary year, it's all the more important that all states stand firm on ending nuclear testing. Can we take two major policy steps. First, all nuclear-armed states maintain and reaffirm their respective moratoria on testing. And second, those states that have yet to sign and/or ratify the treaty think hard about the advantage of taking that all-important step towards universalising this treaty. the global goodwill and prestige, especially for those states that can bring us closer to entry into force. In July this year, 129 Nobel laureates, leading scientists and thinkers of the world, signed a declaration calling for these same two bold steps. At last year's commemoration of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, I pointed out that if we get to the mid of January next year, 2026, without a nuclear test, we'll set a new record, the longest period without any test since the first Trinity test in New Mexico in 1945. A year has passed, we're closing in on that record. It's only a few months away now. Soon we'll be talking about a few weeks rather than months. But delegates, having set that record, let's extend it. If all goes well, there'll be a further 80 years all the way to 2105 without any testing. To all the states represented here today, let's work together to make that happen. Thank you.

I thank the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. I give the floor to Ms. Vivian Okeke, Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency Liaison Office in New York, on behalf of Mr. Raphael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the Agency.

Mr. President, Secretary General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, on behalf of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, I would like to commend the President of United Nations General Assembly, His Excellency, Mr. Phil Mon Young, for convening this high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly in observance of the International Day against Nuclear Tests in 2025. I also thank USG and High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu and Professor Robert Floyd, Executive Director of CTBTO, for their statements. We commend the Government of Kazakhstan and other like-minded countries for their commitment over the years to the promotion of the observance of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, some having experienced firsthand the devastating effects of nuclear testing on their territories. Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, since its establishment, the IAEA has worked to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while making nuclear science and technology available for peaceful purposes, especially in low and middle income countries. Nuclear science and technology diagnose and cure diseases such as cancer, feeds the hungry, protects the environment, and provides clean energy that powers progress. In 2024, The IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme supported 151 countries and territories, 36 of them least developed, in tackling some of their most pressing challenges. As we mark the observance of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, the IAEA continues to assist States to characterize residual radioactivity in areas affected by nuclear weapons tests. to assess whether the safe use of such land is possible or if remedial actions are needed. The IAEA continues to implement a project focused on strengthening national capabilities to assess the feasibility of releasing parts of the Semipalatinsk test site to normal economic use. The work will continue in the years to come And serves as a strong reminder of the long term hazards, thus a first of nuclear weapon testing. Mr. President, Excellencies, since his assumption of office in December 2019, Director General Grossi has taken an invigorated and strategic approach to the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology to maximize impact by launching major initiatives, Rays of Hope, Zodiac, NUTEK Plastics, Atoms for Food, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Program, and the Liza Maitani Program. These initiatives are delivering tangible results for member states supported by growing international partnership and resource mobilization. Rays of Hope, for instance, is actively addressing the global gap in cancer care with more than 90 member states having requested assistance. Included in our wide-ranging work has been the provision of linear accelerators to Kenya, Malawi, and the Republic of Niger, and spec safety machines to the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Senegal. In July this year, Director General Grossi visited Ethiopia, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya and Liberia to engage with local leaders and make tangible contributions to their cancer strategies, as well as discussing other ways the IAEA can support their development and also in areas such as energy and food security. Through the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action, ZODIAC, launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAEA continues to support animal and human health for effective pandemic preparedness. By the end of last year, a total of 121 Member States had designated Zodiac National Coordinators and 129 member states had Zodiac National Laboratories. More than 50 Zodiac National Laboratories have received equipment and training and are now fully equipped for serology and molecular diagnosis or genetic sequencing. Meanwhile, the IAEA continues to support its member states in tackling plastic pollution through NUTEC Plastics. 104 member states now monitor microplastics, while 42 are developing radiation-based recycling. Our Atom for Food initiative, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization, is ramping up with 23 countries now participating. Atoms for Food has delivered laboratory equipment to sustain countries in Asia and the Pacific, and mobilized funds to address the re-emergence of the new world screwworm in Latin America. Mr. President, Excellencies, it is essential that nuclear technology is used safely and securely. While nuclear safety and security are national responsibilities, the IAEA serves as an international forum in which countries work together to develop safety standards and security guidelines. The IAEA helps Member States to fulfill their nuclear safety responsibility by developing safety standards that may be used as a basis for national regulation and by providing, upon request, A variety of services, including expert review missions. In 2024, IAEA conducted 56 peer review and advisory services. To better assist member states in preparing for security challenges posed by non-state actors, In October 2023, the IAEA inaugurated its Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Center as part of IAEA Laboratories Complex in Seibersdorf. It is the world's first international training center dedicated to enhancing global security. Through practical hands-on training in critical areas such as the physical protection of nuclear facilities, nuclear forensics, and cybersecurity, the center helps to strengthen member states' abilities to tackle nuclear terrorism and address unique challenges and implement complex projects on nuclear security. So far, the new center has held more than 70 training events with over 1,000 participants. Another core function of the IAEA is to verify that countries are not working to acquire nuclear weapons. Agency inspectors conduct verification in nuclear facilities all over the world. The number of states with safeguards agreements in force is now 191, and 144 of the states have additional protocols in force, giving the agency greater access to location and information. When the DG took office in 2029, then NPT non-nuclear weapons states parties had not yet brought comprehensive self-gas agreements into force, and now there are only three remaining. In line with relevant decisions of the IAEA Board of Governors and the General Conference, the Director General has also encouraged States without APs to conclude and bring into force APs and called upon States with small quantities protocols to amend or resign them as they are no longer adequate for the current safeguard system. We also support States in their effort to create and implement nuclear weapons free zones, which already cover vast regions of the world. Mr. President, Excellencies, as I conclude, let me reaffirm the IAEA's firm commitment to contribute to a world free of nuclear weapons and nuclear tests by exercising credible nuclear verification and by promoting effective nuclear safety and security and assisting states in the remediation of land areas damaged from hazardous effects of nuclear testing The IAEA is making a tangible contribution towards this end. I thank you.

I thank the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency Liaison Office in New York. I give the floor to Ms. Oemwa Johnson, Youth Representative from Kiribati.

President of the General Assembly, Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Zoema Johnson, a youth from the Republic of Kitts and Nevis. I am honored to speak on behalf of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and its youth initiative, Reverse the Trend. at the high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, an initiative spearheaded by Kazakhstan. I also stand here as a fourth-generation nuclear survivor from Christmas Island, a living embodiment of the long-lasting consequences of nuclear testing. My presence here underscores the urgent need for acknowledgement and action regarding the ongoing implications of these tests on our health, our environment, and our very existence. I speak today with urgency and hope on behalf of survivors and young people for a future free of nuclear weapons, a future that is both necessary and inevitable. Nuclear weapons use including nuclear weapon testing, left an indelible mark on affected communities, particularly on the people of Kiribati. The United Kingdom and the United States detonated nuclear bombs at Christmas Island, resulting in generations living with poisoned soil and cancers. President and distinguished delegates, When I speak of nuclear testing, I do not speak from history books. I carry the voices of my ancestors and the lived pain of my family. Between 1957 and 1962, as part of Operation Grebble, the United Kingdom and the United States conducted some of the most powerful thermonuclear detonations on Keesma. My great-grandfather, Pauro Tagatea, and my grandfather, Metua Pauro, who was only 14 when they lived through those bombings. They had no shelter, no real protection. Instead, they were given only a thin blanket to cover their eyes against the blinding flashes. The smallest tennis court on the island, which was used as a gathering space, was not large enough for everyone. Some villagers were sent away on boats to nearby islands to make room, while others remained exposed on Keshmas, forced to crouch under the sky as fireballs lit up the sky and shook the earth beneath their feet. Radiation exposure left my grandfather with lasting health issues, hearing loss, memory decline, and conditions never before seen in our family. Other nuclear survivors have also experienced the same conditions and even extreme health complications. The intergenerational effects are undeniable. Two of my father's older siblings were born prematurely and died shortly after birth. His older sister, the one born just before him, died at the age of 18 after suffering from an undiagnosed neurological illness and a known but severe headache. My father also suffers from chronic migraine, and I too have experienced chronic migraines and other unexplained health conditions. This is not the past, it is the present. It is my people's and my family's reality. And it is why I stand before you today to remind this assembly that nuclear weapons have poisoned our land, ocean, and bodies. They destroy lives across generations. My community should serve as a stark reminder that nuclear weapons can never be justified as abstract security tools. The Pacific Islands did not choose to become a laboratory of destruction, and the suffering imposed by colonial powers detonating their radioactive bombs is inseparable from histories of domination and disregard for human dignity. President and distinguished delegates, in this struggle for the total and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons, The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons emerged as a landmark of nuclear disarmament and is one of the only disarmament treaties in which affected communities and civil society are meaningfully included. Articles 6 and 7 of the treaty also reframe nuclear disarmament as both a humanitarian and environmental imperative, adding urgency for all states to join the treaty without delay. Furthermore, we view environmental remediation as central to nuclear disarmament, as we cannot speak of disarmament without addressing the poisoned waters and irradiated lands, all of which left behind an intergenerational health crisis. Nuclear justice means cleanup. reparations and victim assistance in addition to the total and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons. In this regard, I am grateful to both Kazakhstan and my state, Kyrgyzstan, for spearheading efforts on establishing an international trust fund for the victims of nuclear weapons. An international trust fund is urgently needed to help victims. It must be established as soon as possible. We, the victims, cannot wait for more negotiations. President and distinguished delegates, we must also reconcile the gendered impacts of nuclear weapons use and testing. Feminist approach insists that human security must guide our policy, not militarized power, as women are disproportionately affected by radiation exposure. Women in Kismes and other affected Pacific islands, such as the Marshall Islands and French Polynesia, as well as in impacted regions in Algeria, Kazakhstan and North America bore disproportionate burdens, miscarriages, birth defects, and long-term reproductive health complications. The abolition of nuclear weapons protects the principles of gender equality and dismantles systems of domination over care. The fallout struck most deeply to mothers and children. At the same time, women are historically excluded from decision-making, yet they emerged as some of the strongest advocates for truth, care, and nuclear disarmament. Their leadership demonstrates that a feminist approach to disarmament is essential, one that centers human security, equality and care, not militarized power. President and distinguished delegates, the abolition of nuclear weapons, in the words of former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, is no longer a dream. It is the unfinished business of decolonization. We are not prepared to inherit a legacy of complacency, nor can we continue to live in the shadow of these weapons. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Johnson. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guinea, who will speak on behalf of the African States.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the African Group. The African Group expresses appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for convening this meeting and to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his message and valuable support towards nuclear disarmament. The fact that this year marks eight years since the first nuclear weapons were tested and the first nuclear detonation occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a stark reminder of the existential threat posed by the use and testing of nuclear weapons, not only to humanity, but international peace and security. The group is concerned that nuclear tests have continued and that more than 2,000 tests have been conducted worldwide. As we convene here today, we shall reaffirm our determination to raising awareness and preventing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use and testing of nuclear weapons. An end to nuclear tests is a necessary measure pending the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Mr. President, the total elimination of nuclear weapons remains the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use. In this context, the Group reiterates that the humanitarian consequences and risks associated with nuclear weapons underpin the moral and ethical imperatives for nuclear disarmament and the urgency of achieving and maintaining a nuclear weapon free world. The group wishes to emphasize humanitarian consideration in the context of all deliberation on nuclear weapons, particularly its serious concern over the catastrophic consequences of the use or detonation of nuclear weapons, either by accident or as a deliberate action. We call on all States, particularly nuclear-armed States, to take into consideration the humanitarian consequences of the use and testing of nuclear weapons on human health, the environment and vital economic resources, among others, and to take necessary measures aimed at dismantling and renouncing these weapons. The group supports the principle of complete nuclear disarmament as the utmost prerequisite for maintaining international peace and security. It is in this spirit that we recall the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT, as well as the entry into force of the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapon, TPNW, which seeks to advance nuclear disarmament and to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons tests. In this regard, the group wishes to urge nuclear-armed states and those under the so-called nuclear umbrella to seize the opportunity to sign and ratify the TPNW at an early date, as well as pursue the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world. The group expresses deep concern about the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, and the associated risk of automatic decision-making processes related to nuclear testing, which could lead to irreversible decisions. Mr. President, the African group supports the goals of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, CTBT, which seeks a comprehensive ban on nuclear tests with all their attendant humanitarian and environmental ramifications, as well as to cease all vertical and horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Group takes note of the Conference on Facilitating Entry into Force of the CTBT during the high-level week of the 78th session of the General Assembly, and looks forward to the upcoming conference to be held later this month in New York. The group wishes to reiterate the importance of achieving universal adherence to the CTBT, taking into consideration the special responsibilities of armed states, and calls upon Annex II states to sign and ratify without further delay and without preconditions. The group believes that the CTBT offers hope of halting further development of -- or proliferation of nuclear weapons, thereby contributing to the goal of nuclear disarmament. In conclusion, Mr. President, the African Group once again calls on all states to work persistently to facilitate the expeditious entry into force of the CTBT to fulfill the goals and objectives of a nuclear weapons free world, taking into account the special responsibility of the nuclear armed states.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Guinea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia, who will speak on behalf of the community of Latin American and Caribbean states.

Mr. President, I have the honor to address this high-level plenary meeting on behalf of the 33 member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC. CELAC recalls resolution 64/35 of December 2009, and resolution 72/51 of December 2017, both adopted by the General Assembly, by which 29th of August was declared the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting education on the effects of nuclear weapons test explosions or any other nuclear explosions, and on the need for their cessation as one of the means to achieve the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. CELEAC reiterates its firm support for the commemoration of the International Day against Nuclear Tests and upholds all international initiatives against nuclear testing. since we understand that nuclear explosions of all kinds, as well as other non-explosive nuclear tests aimed at developing and improving weapon capabilities, endanger human life, have disastrous long-term environmental consequences, and exacerbate geopolitical tensions. thereby threatening international peace and security. The states that make up CELAC agree that the mere existence of nuclear weapons represents a threat to humanity and that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons constitutes a crime against humanity and a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. We therefore issue a strong appeal for States to refrain from conducting nuclear tests, as well as other nuclear explosions or any related experimental testing anywhere in the world. including subcritical tests and those carried out through simulations intended to develop and enhance nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. This contravenes the spirit and purpose of the Treaty of Non-Proliferation as well as the purpose and the provisions contained in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. CELAC expresses its appreciation to the 187 States that have signed and the 178 that have ratified the CTBT. And in this regard, we welcome the fact that Latin America and the Caribbean is the only region in the world in which all states have ratified this instrument, thereby reinforcing the region's support for nuclear disarmament and the international non-proliferation regime. Celec reiterates the importance and urgency of the treaty's entry into force and urges those states that have not yet signed or ratified it, particularly those whose ratification is indispensable for its entry into force, to do so without further delay. Our region promotes respect for the sovereignty of all states. and in advocating for non-proliferation policies, our region reaffirms that such policies must not undermine states' rights to develop nuclear science and technology for safe and peaceful purposes. In this regard, CELAC highlights the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA as well as that of its Director General, Latin American Rafael Grossi, in promoting the development of nuclear capacities for CELAC members in the areas of health, food security, and agriculture, radiological technology, education, radiation protection and safety, environmental applications, energy, and other areas of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. We're committed to strengthening existing regional capacities, in particular through the regional cooperative agreement for the promotion of nuclear science and technology in Latin America and the Caribbean, ARCAL. with a view to providing concrete responses to the challenges of its application in the fields of health, agriculture, food security, the environment and energy, among others. Mr. President, no state must ever employ nuclear weapons under any circumstances, and we reiterate that the use or the threat of use of such armaments as we have already underscored, constitutes a crime against humanity and an abhorrent violation of international law. States must respect and fully comply with the obligations and provisions contained in the various instruments that make up the disarmament and non-proliferation regime, including the NPT, the TPNW, and the CTBT, which has been and continues to be a fundamental component in the efforts to achieve complete nuclear disarmament and has received overwhelming support from the international community. Furthermore, the states of CELAC are parties to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Treaty of Tlatelolco of 1967, which established the first nuclear weapons free zone, NWFZ, in a densely populated region of the world. We wish to pause briefly at this point to acknowledge Ambassador Flavio Roberto Bonzanini, who will conclude his mandate as Secretary General of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, OPANAL, at the end of 2025. His work has been of great importance for the consolidation of the Agency and the implementation of the Treaty of Tlatelolco. It is important to recall that our region was proclaimed a zone of peace on the basis of respect for the principles and norms of international law through the declaration we adopted in Havana in 2014. CELAC likewise reiterates the continuing validity of the declarations on nuclear disarmament adopted by the community on the 20th of August of 2013 in Buenos Aires Argentina 29th of January 2014 in Havana Cuba 29th of January 2015 in Belen Costa Rica to the 27th of January 2016 in Quito Ecuador 25th of January 2017 in Punta Cana Dominican Republic on the 24th of January 2023 in Buenos Aires Argentina and on the 1st of March 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica. We take note of the third meeting of states parties of the TPNW held from the 3rd to the 7th of March 2025 in New York. We encourage those states that have not yet ratified the treaty to do so without delay, thereby contributing to international peace and security. Mr. President, We urge nuclear weapon states to fulfill their unequivocal commitment to eliminate their nuclear arsenals under Article VI of the NPT, as well as their obligations arising from that treaty. We also express our disappointment at the consecutive failure of the ninth and tenth NPT review conferences to adopt a consensual final document. And we underscore that this should serve as an incentive to work with greater determination towards achieving nuclear disarmament and attaining tangible results at the 11th review conference to be held in New York in 2026. We reaffirm our firm commitment to this objective and to our constructive engagement to secure meaningful outcomes at the 11th NPT Review Conference in 2026. Mr. President, the effective prohibition of nuclear testing must remain an absolute priority on the agenda of the international community, without which we will not achieve a safer world free of nuclear weapons. Celac reaffirms the commitment of its region as a nuclear weapons free zone and reiterates its determination expressed in the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace to continue advancing nuclear disarmament as a priority objective and to contribute to general and complete disarmament with a view to fostering greater trust among nations. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia, who will speak on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN. Solidarity in our efforts to achieve the total elimination of nuclear weapons is essential. ASEAN remains concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and the unacceptable risks posed by their continued existence. The total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only way to guarantee against their use and threat of use. ASEAN reaffirms its collective position against nuclear tests, and we stress the importance of achieving universal adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, CTBT, without delay. All ASEAN member states have ratified the CTBT. We urge the remaining Annex II States to sign and ratify the CTBT as soon as possible to realise its entry into force. President, ASEAN reaffirms its recognition of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT, as the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy. In this regard, ASEAN looks forward to the upcoming 2026 NPT Review Conference. We note with appreciation that Vietnam, an ASEAN Member State, has been nominated to serve as the President of the Conference. We call upon all States Parties to engage in the Conference constructively and in good faith, and to extend their full support to the President with a view to ensuring a successful and substantive outcome. Additionally, ASEAN reiterates that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, TPNW, is a historic agreement which contributes towards global nuclear disarmament and complements other existing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation instruments. President, this year, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone, SEANWFZ, or the Bangkok Treaty, we reiterate the importance of regional nuclear weapon free zones. We reaffirm our commitment to preserving the Southeast Asian region as a nuclear weapon free zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction. We remain committed to continuously engaging all NWS, including those with reservations, and to intensifying the efforts of all parties to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the TPNW. We look forward to the upcoming ASEAN-sponsored biennial resolution on the Bangkok Treaty at the 80th session of the General Assembly. We are also committed to enhancing the profile of the Bangkok Treaty globally, including through engaging other nuclear weapon-free zones, and WFZs and the UNGA resolution 79/24 comprehensive study of the question of nuclear weapon free zones in all its aspects. President, ASEAN remains gravely concerned over the recent surge in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile testing and ballistic missile launches. and the increased tension in the Korean Peninsula. We call on DPRK to comply fully with all relevant UNSC resolutions and call for peaceful dialogue among the concerned parties towards the realization of lasting peace and stability in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. We call for the full implementation of all relevant UNSC resolutions and note international efforts to bring about the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. President, we must ensure that the horrors of nuclear testing remain a relic of the past. Let us work together to foster a safer and more secure future for all and to realize the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative from Malaysia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of the Arab Group.

Mr. President, It is my pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of the Arab Group on the occasion of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests declared by the UN in line with resolution 64/35. This year it coincides with the 80th anniversary for the first test of a nuclear weapon explosion on the 16th of July, 1945, in the desert of New Mexico. This represents an important opportunity to highlight nuclear tests with all what they cause in terms of terrorizing for the humanity, grave damages to environment and public health. The fact that they obstructed the objective of total elimination of nuclear weapons that are growing in risk and capacities to threaten international peace and security, particularly in view of geopolitical tensions and political escalation. We value the statements delivered by the President of the General Assembly and the High Representative of the UN for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, and the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, and all the other speakers. They all had one focus in common, namely to reiterate the urgent need for a comprehensive nuclear test ban within the framework of the noble goal to completely eliminate nuclear weapons that are undoubtedly the weapons that contradict the most humanitarian principles and the international law, including international humanitarian law. In this context, The group expresses grave concern over the continued existence of nuclear weapons that should be eliminated in a comprehensive, verifiable and irreversible manner in line with the NPT. This would be a real guarantee, a sustainable guarantee and the most effective one against the use or the threat of use of nuclear weapons. The group regrets the failure of two successive NPT review conferences in reaching to conclude an outcome document and the fact that three sessions of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 conference were unable to adopt consensual recommendations. We call for supporting the NPT at the international level and to work genuinely towards important and substantive and successful outcome of the 11th session to be scheduled next April. This will preserve the credibility of this historic and landmark treaty. The group reiterates the need to confront the ongoing possession of nuclear weapons by nuclear states. And some of them are rather even modernizing and upgrading these weapons in line with their new military doctrines. This is connected also to carrying out nuclear tests, whereby there is a need for a commitment to fully implement a moratorium in a comprehensive, irreversible manner over nuclear tests. The resulting risks of these tests is a grave threat the international community needs to address seriously until and towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Mr. President, the Arab Group considers that the continued existence of nuclear weapons and the failure to implement Article 6 of the NPT and the relevant binding commitments that were endorsed over several sessions of the NPT review conference, including the realization of the universality of this treaty, constitute a real threat to international peace and security. We reject categorically all the pretexts about strategic deterrence, stability that argue that obtaining such weapons is necessary for international security, or that the international conditions are not conducive for fulfilling the commitments, or that some of the previous commitments are irrelevant or are not suitable for the current international scene, or even placing conditions on the implementation of previous commitments related to denuclearization. The Arab group calls again nuclear weapon states to fulfill their responsibility in implementing the goals and the commitments agreed upon and to fully eliminate their nuclear weapon arsenals according to a set timeline. This is the least that they can do to turn this page of terror and grave long-term damages as a result of thousands of nuclear tests that they have carried out in the past. Accordingly, the Arab group underlines the importance of the CTBT in bolstering nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and the special responsibility of nuclear weapons states and those countries that have not joined the NPT in strengthening the efforts to realize the universality of the CTBT and facilitate its entry into force. The Arab Group takes note of the fact that 187 countries have signed this treaty, the latest was the sisterly country of Somalia. We encourage all countries to join the CTBT, including those listed in Annex II, while underlining the special responsibility of nuclear states according to step 10 of the 2010 NPT Review Conference Action Plan. In addition to calling upon those States and parties that have not joined the NPT to do so, the Arab Group calls for continuing the international and regional efforts to facilitate the entry into force of the CTBT. This was open for signing more than 25 years ago, that treated that is, and we express grave concern over any potential negative developments in this regard and that over the possibility that any of the nuclear states would stop their voluntary moratorium over nuclear tests and working on developing new tests or simulations. Mr. President, despite the tensions and the instability in the Middle East, The Arab states have shown their good intentions and their sense of responsibility by joining the NPT. Arab countries fully complied with their commitments and engaged effectively in the negotiations towards concluding the CTBT and the NPT. Arab countries continue to support the activities of the Preparatory Committee for the CTBT organization within the framework of the objectives stipulated in the mandate of the committee, as well as Article 14 Conference on facilitating the entry to force of the CTBT, which is held once every two years in New York. We look forward towards the convening of its next session on the 26th of September, this September, and that it will conclude with a consensual declaration by those states that signed and ratified that treaty. The group underlies the importance of intensifying efforts to address the strategic deficiency in the Middle East. as well as reaffirm the important role of the IAEA in verifying in a professional and neutral manner, and call upon all countries to cooperate fully with the IAEA to ensure the peaceful nature of their nuclear programs by implementing the obligations that were agreed upon within the framework of international mechanisms for disarmament, and non-proliferation, including commitment to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. The group calls upon Israel, the only party in the region that have not joined the NPT, to join the treaty without any preconditions or further delays, and to subject all its nuclear facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. We express our grave concern regarding the possession by Israel of nuclear capabilities that continue to pose a threat, a serious threat and continuous threat to the security of neighboring Arab countries and other countries. We call for the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in line with the relevant resolution of the 1995 NPT review and extension conference and the 2010 action plan as well as Security Council resolutions 487 and 678 as well as subsequent relevant resolutions that were adopted by the General Assembly and the different conferences of the IAEA. In the same framework, in the same vein, the Arab Group reiterates the importance of the conference convened by the UN according to the GA decision to establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all weapons of mass destruction, and welcomes the success of the first five sessions of this conference, the latest of which was held in last November under the presidency of Mauritania. and all the important and constructive rich discussions that took place over these five conferences that we will build upon, including during the sixth upcoming session under the presidency of Morocco. The Arab Group urges all parties invited to this conference to participate in good faith. and to negotiate a binding treaty in this regard that contributes to strengthening international peace and security at the regional and international level, and to come up with conclusions and outcome documents that amount to the international ambition to establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands. We thank the president of the General Assembly for convening this meeting. 80 years have passed since the world witnessed the first nuclear test, and then the decades that followed, more than 2,000 tests took place. At the height of the Cold War, few would have believed it possible that in the 21st century, nations would come together to prevent another wave of testing. Yet we have. And today, looking back across those eight decades, we can say with confidence that the CTBT stands as one of the clearest demonstrations of what international cooperation can achieve. The CTBT is a core element of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The norm against nuclear testing is one of the most widely accepted and most effective contributions of the CTBT in countering nuclear proliferation, as well as in containing and reducing nuclear threats. Achieving a safer world without nuclear weapons begins with an effective universal and verifiable commitment to a world free of nuclear testing, a world where everyone can be reassured that moratoria on nuclear tests are being maintained. What makes the CTBT so successful is that it is not just a piece of paper. The CTBT is backed by the International Monitoring System, IMS, a truly global network reaching all the way to Antarctica that works every day quietly and efficiently to make sure no nuclear test explosion goes unnoticed. It is a transparent system where every participating country sees the same data. That openness builds trust and makes it far harder for anyone to conduct a secret nuclear test. In an age where misinformation spreads faster than facts, the IMS gives us hard evidence that everyone can rely on. It is worth noting that the monitoring system's technical assets also have diverse scientific and civil applications that benefit all states, including monitoring nuclear accidents and detecting volcanic activity, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The CTBT has been instrumental in creating and promoting the global norm against nuclear testing. Its verification regime has so far successfully detected every declared nuclear test. We recall our condemnation of the six nuclear tests conducted by the DPRK since 2006 and strongly urge the DPRK not to conduct further testing, fully comply with all the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and to take concrete actions towards the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons, ballistic missile, and related programs. We reiterate that any new DPRK nuclear test would be irresponsible, unacceptable, and in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. We reaffirm that the DPRK cannot and will never have the status of a nuclear weapon state in accordance with the NPT, nor any special status of any kind. We call on the DPRK to sign and ratify the CTBT as a matter of priority. Pending the entry into force of the treaty, we call upon all states to declare or maintain their existing national moratoria on nuclear weapon test explosions and any other nuclear explosions as an example of responsible international behavior that contributes to international peace and stability, and to refrain from any action that would undermine the treaty's objective and purpose. 80 years after the first nuclear test, it is worth remembering that we did not get here by chance. Maintaining the IMS has required steady commitment, resources, and consistent technical upkeep. If we allow it to degrade, we risk undoing decades of progress and may have to rebuild capabilities that took years to develop. Eight decades on, the choice is clear: keep the system strong, reliable, and ready to detect nuclear tests, thereby strengthening the norm against testing. It is crucial that efforts to preserve and sustain this key asset commence without delay. In this context, we stress the importance of individual States' financial commitments and contributions by States signatories to ensure the completion, maintenance and pending long-term sustainment of the IMS. We reaffirm our continued commitment for maintaining the long-term sustainability of all elements of the verification regime pending the entry into force of the treaty. We look forward to the integrated field exercise in Namibia in 2026 and thank our Namibian colleagues for their readiness to host the exercise. The IFE will further strengthen the CTBTO's on-site inspection capabilities as the ultimate verification measure once the treaty enters into force. We also applaud the persistent and impressive efforts of the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, Dr. Robert Floyd, and his team towards the universalization of the Treaty. Lastly, we would like to thank the Article 14 coordinators, Sweden and the Philippines, for their dedicated efforts. We look forward to the upcoming Article 14 Conference as an opportunity to advance our shared goal of bringing the treaty into force. The CTBT's value is unquestionable, and its successes are already visible. But we cannot take it for granted. We cannot take for granted the global norm against nuclear testing until it is legally binding. As such, we urge all states that have not already done so to sign and ratify the treaty, and particularly the now nine Annex II States, and encourage State signatories to support continued efforts to strengthen the Treaty and its verification regime and to achieve its entry into force as soon as possible. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway, also speaking on behalf of Panama.

Thanks to the president for convening today's meeting, and deep thanks to the honorable guest speakers who participates in today's meeting and for their powerful remarks. I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of Panama and my own country, Norway. President, distinguished delegates, during the past two years, Norway and Panama have jointly coordinated the process for the facilitation of the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the CTBT. On the occasion of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a world free from nuclear testing, and renew our determination to bring the CTBT into force. The negotiation of the CTBT represents a landmark achievement in global efforts to uphold peace and security and stability by banning all nuclear explosions. The treaty remains a cornerstone in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and reducing the risk of global instability. Over the years, we have collectively developed a robust and sophisticated verification regime capable of real-time monitoring of nuclear test activities anywhere in the world. This is a testament to the strength of effective international cooperation. However, President, the only way to ensure a lasting and verifiable ban on nuclear testing is through the treaty's entry into force and its universalization. Norway and Panama firmly believe that advancing these goals serves the national interests of all states. The time to complete the work we began decades ago is long overdue. President, we therefore reiterate our call on all states that have not yet signed or ratified the treaty, particularly those listed in Annex II, to do so without further delay. Annex II states bear a particular responsibility for the future of the treaty. In this regard, we express our deep regret over the Russian Federation's decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT. We urge Russia to uphold its commitment to the treaty, including continued participation in the international monitoring system and the sharing of data through the verification regime. We also wish to highlight the constructive spirit of cooperation that led to the successful outcome of the Article 14 conference, held here in New York back in September 2023. And we wish the Philippines and Sweden the best of luck as the next coordinators of the process for the facilitation of the entry into force of the CTBT. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Robert Floyd and his dedicated team at the Provisional Technical Secretariat for their invaluable support during the last two years. Norway and Panama reaffirm our strong dedication to the CTBT and encourage all states to maintain high-level political attention on this issue. Together, we can realize the treaty's full potential to end all nuclear explosions everywhere for all time. Finally, let us use this day to reflect on the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear detonations. We once again call on all states to uphold existing moratoria on nuclear weapon test explosions and any other nuclear explosions and to refrain from any actions that would undermine the treaty. I thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, speaking on behalf of the Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, It is an honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Secretary General of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, OPANAL, Ambassador Flavio Roberto Bonzanini, on the occasion of this high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. On this solemn occasion, OPANAL recalls the devastating humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear testing. These consequences have left deep scars on communities across the world, and underscore the urgent necessity to achieve the complete, verifiable, irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons. Latin America and the Caribbean, through the Treaty of Tlatelolco, was the first densely populated region in the world to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone. This commitment was ratified through the proclamation of our region as a zone of peace 11 years ago. In 2022, our region achieved the universalization of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, CTBT, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and nuclear testing. Therefore, OPANEL remains determined to continue working with the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO, the United Nations, and all relevant partners to ensure that the treaty enters into force without further delay. We must collectively continue strengthening the international norm against nuclear testing. This requires not only maintaining the moratorium on nuclear testing, but also ensuring that such a moratorium is translated into the adherence to legally binding commitments. We call upon all states that have not yet done so, particularly the nine remaining Annex II states, to sign and ratify the CTBT as a matter of urgency. Mr. President, OPANAL is equally committed to advancing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation education. Through initiatives such as the summer school on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and specialized training courses for diplomats from the region, OPANAL seeks to raise awareness of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear testing and to empower new generations to take the lead in strengthening disarmament and non-proliferation norms in order to achieve nuclear justice. Mr. President, the international community cannot accept the continued opacity of nuclear-armed states regarding nuclear testing. and its devastating impact on affected communities and regions. This lack of transparency remains a serious obstacle to effectively addressing the humanitarian and environmental consequences of such tests. OPANAL reaffirms its strong support for the International Day Against Nuclear Tests as a powerful reminder of the urgency of our collective task to achieve once and for all the total elimination of nuclear weapons and to ensure that no future generation endures the consequences of nuclear explosions. On behalf of the 33 States Parties to the Treaty of Tlatelolco, OPANAL reiterates its commitment to this cause and to working with all partners to ensure a safer, more secure, and nuclear-weapon-free world. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uzbekistan.

Dear Mr. Chairman, dear Vice President, dear participants, let me express my gratitude to the President of the General Assembly for the invitation to this traditional meeting dedicated to the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. In this regard, we thank Kazakhstan for consistently promoting this agenda and international platforms. Today's event and the proposed agenda demonstrate our common desire to expand relations of trust and good neighborliness, to increase practical cooperation among UN member states in order to strengthen the non-proliferation treaty regime and to unite international efforts to ensure peace and security. As the chair controls the treaty on nuclear weapon free zone in Central Asia, I would like to highlight the following. Today, stability and unity are strengthening in Central Asia. Thanks to the joint efforts of our states, we have made significant progress in addressing vital issues and have filled our cooperation with qualitatively new content. The signed and successfully implemented treaty on a nuclear weapon free zone in Central Asia is a striking example of successful regional cooperation and a demonstration of the region's commitment to international security obligations. It's not just legal document, but a symbol of our common desire for peace and security, reflecting the political will of the countries in the region to live in conditions free from threats of nuclear war and the arms race. One of the fundamental elements of our treaty is a negative security assurance. the commitment of nuclear powers not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against states in the nuclear weapon free zones. It is these assurances that serve us as a legal and a political basis for the region's countries' confidence in their security. In this regard, We call on the United States to ratify the protocol as soon as possible, which will enable the process of fully institutionalizing the zone to be completed and significantly increase mutual trust and security. We are convinced that this will be a significant joint contribution by the five Central Asian states and the five nuclear weapon free states partners to the NPT to strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. In this circumstance, we believe it's very important to expand our common engagement with other nuclear weapon free zones for the shake of our several world. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uzbekistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I'm sorry, to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Mr. President, thank you for giving me the floor and for convening today's important high-level commemorative plenary session. Austria aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity. 80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Austria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a world without nuclear weapons. The voices of the survivors remind humanity of the unique and unimaginable devastation caused by these weapons. At a time of heightened global tensions and rising nuclear threats, It's imperative that we take the strongest possible stand against the threat of nuclear weapons and all nuclear testing. The current danger of nuclear conflict is higher and more tangible than at any time since the Cold War. Russia's explicit and implicit nuclear threats, as well as destabilizing rhetoric and activities on the Korean peninsula, underscore this reality. Scientific findings highlight that the consequences of nuclear weapons both immediate and in the long term, are far more severe than previously understood. For Austria, the notion that deterrence based on weapons of mass destruction can form the basis for international security is fundamentally flawed. These weapons do not provide true security. Instead, they endanger our shared future. The risk is too high, and the consequences are simply catastrophic. Austria is convinced that a paradigm shift away from nuclear weapons is urgently necessary based on multilateral cooperation and scientific evidence. We stand ready to continue our work together with all partners who share the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and free from the shadow of nuclear tests. Austria is among the CTBT's strongest supporters, highlighted by early ratification, sustained financial and political contributions, and an active commitment to furthering its universal adherence. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996 and signed by 187 states, the CTBT is a cornerstone of the global disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation regime. Its verification system, which is based in Vienna, has proved its value not only for detecting nuclear tests, but also through multiple civilian applications and benefits. However, significant challenges remain, most notably the lack of entry into force due to outstanding Annex II ratifications and emerging funding gaps threatening the international monitoring system's operational integrity. Austria's dedication to the treaty's universalization, operational effectiveness, and enduring relevance in the global security architecture is unwavering. Mr. President, let us be frank. Political tensions and nuclear risks are higher than they have been in decades. A nuclear sword of Damocles still hangs above our heads, a risk increased by responsible and unacceptable nuclear rhetoric and behavior. As long as nuclear weapons exist, they remain an existential threat to every nation, every person. We reject any and all nuclear threats, whether explicit or implicit, and irrespective of the circumstances, the use, or threat of use of nuclear weapons is a grave breach of international law and the UN Charter. Most states want a world free from nuclear risk. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, TPNW, which Austria co-initiated and consistently champions, puts the humanitarian consequences and unacceptable risks of nuclear weapons at the forefront. Its entry into force is a milestone toward a nuclear-free world. We welcome the recent accessions to the TPNW and call on all states not yet party to engage constructively with its implementation. The TPNW also prohibits nuclear tests, which therefore strengthens the global norm against nuclear testing in full complementarity with the CTBT. We welcome the important progress made towards universalization of the CTBT and recognize the importance of the ratifications by Somalia, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka since the 2021 Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the CTBT. We congratulate the CTBTO's Executive Secretary, Dr Robert Floyd, and his team for the tireless and effective work to achieve more signatures and ratifications to the CTBT, and we pledge to continue to support you in these efforts. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica.

Costa Rica joins in commemorating the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, and in this regard allow me to highlight three key aspects. First, Costa Rica wishes to commend the outstanding work of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, its Executive Secretary, Dr. Robert Floyd, and all staff members who with unwavering dedication and exceptional commitment, continue strengthening the global verification regime and promoting a world free from nuclear testing. In particular, we recognize the achievements of the International Monitoring System, a unique global network with over 90 percent of its 337 facilities already operational. whose cutting-edge technology ensures that no nuclear test can escape detection. This technology also contributes to human security by providing data for early tsunami and earthquake warnings, which serves as a clear example of how science can serve disarmament while simultaneously supporting sustainable development. The science is clear, the infrastructure is ready. Even before its entry into force, the Treaty is fully verifiable. Costa Rica calls upon all States to continue supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. and to protect the substantial investment we have collectively made to establish this multilateral verification regime. Second, Costa Rica welcomes the fact that voluntary moratoria have contributed to consolidating the norm against nuclear testing and represent one of the most notable successes of international law. As the Security Council recognized in its resolution 2310 of 2016, these moratoria constitute an example of responsible international behavior that contributes to international peace and stability. In a time of rising geopolitical tensions, It is essential that states continue to abide by their voluntary moratoria. At the same time, the Council emphasized that such moratoria do not have the same permanent and legally binding effect as entry into force of the treaty. The transformation of these moratoria into permanent legal obligations through treaty ratification would represent a decisive step towards a world free from nuclear testing. Therefore, Costa Rica reiterates its constructive call to nuclear-armed States to take the historic step of transforming their voluntary commitments into irrevocable legal obligations through the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The ratifications of the eight Annex II States whose ratification would make this regime fully operational are particularly urgent and necessary. Third, we cannot forget that the prohibition of nuclear testing anchors the entire non-proliferation regime. The preamble of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons expressly recalls "the determination expressed by the Parties to the 1963 Treaty banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and underwater to achieve the discontinuance of all test explosions of nuclear weapons for all time." and Article 6 of the NPT commits all excuse me the commitment in Article 6 constitutes the fundamental foundation of the treaty and establishes the inseparable connection between non-proliferation and disarmament in this challenging context multilateral cooperation becomes even more essential the 11th review conference in 2026 represents a historic opportunity to renew and reinforce these fundamental commitments, to chart a constructive path towards genuine progress in nuclear disarmament, and demonstrate that the international community can unite in defense of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime that has served as a cornerstone of international peace and security for over five decades. Mr. President, Costa Rica reaffirms its unwavering conviction that a world free from nuclear testing is an achievable goal. We urge all States to seize this decisive moment to complete the work begun nearly three decades ago and make the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty a binding legal reality. To do so is a smart thing to do from a viewpoint of international security. It's also the right thing to do morally and would honor the legacy of the victims of and communities affected by nuclear testing to date. by providing a verifiable guarantee of non-recurrence of the harms they suffered. The time to act is now for international security, for nuclear disarmament, and for the 1.8 billion young people who not only believe in a world without nuclear weapons, but who mobilize, demonstrate, and demand from us with justified urgency that we transform their dreams of peace into tangible realities. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, President. Australia is pleased to align itself with the statement delivered by Germany on behalf of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Along with our Pacific neighbors, Australia has experienced firsthand the impact of nuclear weapons testing. This terrible legacy saw our region come together to create the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, also known as the Treaty of Rarotonga, now in its 40th year. We are determined to relegate nuclear testing to history by pursuing full ratification and implementation of the CTBT. And we do this because we know that the risks are intensifying. We are deeply concerned that the DPRK continues to advance its nuclear program and urge it to refrain from undertaking any further nuclear testing. And we deplore the Russian Federation's decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT and urge Russia to reverse this decision. President, the CTBT is our collective commitment to a permanent end to the dangerous and destructive legacy of explosive nuclear testing. Importantly, the CTBT is already amongst the most widely accepted and effective normative instruments to contain and reduce nuclear threats. But we cannot take this for granted. Securing full ratification and implementation of the treaty remains critical. The value of the CTBT's verification regime cannot be understated. It delivers tangible, practical benefits to all by providing a worldwide monitoring system that reinforces the global norm against nuclear testing. The system can and has detected nuclear explosive tests anywhere at any time. It supports regional stability by providing a reliable means to ensure compliance with the treaty's obligations. The civic and scientific value of this system is also critical in monitoring environmental changes and providing timely information for the early warning of natural disasters. Australia supports this important work by hosting the third largest number of stations globally. President, Australia continues to champion the CTBT and will co-lead the annual UNGA First Committee CTBT resolution this year. We are honoured to work once again with New Zealand and Mexico to continue building momentum towards the treaty's universal adoption. We encourage all member states to support this year's resolution. As co-chair, Australia convened the 11th meeting of the Friends of the CTTB last year, which brought together 50 states to reiterate their shared commitment to the treaty. 86 states and one observer associated with the joint ministerial statement of the CTTB friends, underlining the unquestionable value of the treaty and commending the continued efforts to bring it closer to universality. We look forward to supporting the adoption of the final declaration during the Article 14 Ministerial Conference on Facilitating Entry into Force of the CTBT under the co-presidency of the Philippines and Sweden. We thank them for their ongoing commitment and valuable work. The entry into force of the CTBT as a universal and verifiable ban on any nuclear explosions should be achieved without delay. Australia continues to urge all states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT without further delay or precondition, particularly the nine Annex II states required for its entry into force. Finally, Australia congratulates Dr Robert Floyd on his reappointment as Executive Secretary of the CTBT O's Preparatory Commission, which is a tribute to his determined and persistent efforts on behalf of the treaty. His efforts have been instrumental in upholding the global norm against nuclear testing. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Mr. President, Madam High Representative, Executive Secretary Floyd, Excellencies, today at the 15th commemoration of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, we gather not only to recall the past, but to accept responsibility for the future. For Kazakhstan, this day is part of our national conscience. It recalls the suffering of Semipalatinsk, where more than 450 nuclear explosions scarred our land and people. Most of all, it affirms the resolve that from such tragedy, a different path must be chosen. On 29th August, 1991, Kazakhstan closed the Semipalatinsk test site forever. With that sovereign act, we transformed the page of devastation into a page of hope and optimism. Soon after independence, we renounced the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal. The legacy continues to define who we are and our commitment to disarmament. President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has unequivocally stated that tragedy of Semipalatinsk must never be repeated, calling for lasting peace and the complete ban on nuclear testing for the sake of future generations.

Yet today, the global landscape is deteriorating.

More than 12,500 nuclear warheads remain, with nearly 2,000 of them on high alert. Arms control agreements are eroding. Arsenals are being modernized. Adding to those challenges is the intrusion of artificial intelligence into nuclear decision-making. Algorithms devoid of conscience must never be allowed to shape decisions of war and peace. Against this backdrop, last week in Astana, Kazakhstan, as one of the founding states of the Semipalatinsk Treaty, hosted a dialogue on negative security guarantees in the context of nuclear weapon-free zones, a reminder that remembrance must be matched by action. This day is about people. Survivors of Semipalatinsk and other test sites remind us constantly that human cost and pain endure across generations, as we heard it very clearly today from the survivor from Kiribati. Their testimony underscores that disarmament is not only a strategic requirement, but a moral imperative. Together with Kiribati, Kazakhstan continues to advocate for justice and support for affected communities. Together, we have proposed establishing the International Trust Fund for Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation. Distinguished delegates, the International Day Against Nuclear Tests is not only a moment of remembrance, it is a call to sustain moral responsibility. Kazakhstan remains committed to the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and to concrete steps that strengthen the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. For Kazakhstan, it is clear that the CTBT remains the only legally binding instrument to end nuclear testing, and its entry into force is more urgent than ever. And we thank Dr. Floyd for his active work in this respect. Our shared duty is to turn the lessons of history into measurable progress, reducing nuclear risks upholding international law, and deepening cooperation among states. The legacy we must leave is one of responsibility, accountability, and foresight. We must prove that lasting security depends on dialogue, confidence, and the complete and permanent prohibition of nuclear weapons, their use, and testing. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the People's Republic of China.

Mr. President, as the world grapples with a complex and profoundly evolving security landscape, as well as incessant regional flare-ups and geopolitical tensions, the nuclear disarmament process is under tremendous stress, raising the risks. of nuclear the risks, the international community must fully recognize the grave impact of nuclear weapons on the security of humankind and the environment and curb nuclear proliferation and prevent a nuclear war from the source with a view to laying a solid foundation for lasting peace and universal security. President Xi Jinping of China has put forward the Global Security Initiative advocating the principle of indivisible security and promoting a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. This initiative calls for the rejection of Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation and contributes fundamentally to improving security environment at the regional and international levels. President Xi pointed out that nuclear weapons are the sword of Damocles hanging above humanity and therefore should be comprehensively prohibited and ultimately eliminated for the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons. From the very first day China possessed nuclear weapons, it has undertaken never to be the first to use them at any time and under any circumstances. China unconditionally commits itself not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states or nuclear weapon free zones. China firmly upholds a nuclear strategy of self-defense. maintains its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security. China never participates in any form of arms race, does not provide nuclear umbrella to other countries, and does not deploy nuclear weapons on foreign soil. Regardless of how the international situation may evolve, China will remain steadfast in upholding these commitments.

Mr. President,

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. For decades, the international arms control and non-proliferation regime has been continuously bolstered, playing a vital role in safeguarding global security and peace. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty as a key pillar of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. has made the complete prohibition of nuclear testing an irreversible trend of our times, therefore bringing humanity closer to the goal of banning and eliminating nuclear weapons entirely. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the CTBT's opening for signature. The prohibition of nuclear testing has become a widely shared consensus of the international community. All countries should resolutely safeguard the Treaty's crucial role in containing a nuclear arms race and reducing the risk of nuclear war, and working together to build a world of lasting peace and security for all. Nuclear weapon states should maintain their moratoria. reduce the role and significance of nuclear weapons in their respective national security strategies, and make unequivocal pledges not to be the first to use nuclear weapons. China was among the earliest signatories of the CTBT and remains the nuclear weapon state with the fewest nuclear tests. China has consistently upheld the purposes and objectives of the CTBT, honored its moratorium commitment, and supported relevant GA resolutions as well as Security Council Resolution 2310. China has established a national institution responsible for CTBT compliance preparations, actively participates in the work of the Preparatory Commission and has attended all conferences on facilitating the CTBT's entry into force. As the Treaty's second largest financial contributor, China has been working closely with the Provisional Technical Secretariat and completed the construction of 10 out of the 11 IMS stations hosted by China, demonstrating our firm support for the Treaty. China remains committed to working with all parties to promote the early entry into force of the CTBT and making unremitting efforts toward the noble goal of comprehensively prohibiting and ultimately eliminating nuclear weapons. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the People's Republic of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Mr. President, honorable delegates, Mexico is grateful for the convening of this meeting and we'd like to align ourselves with the statements of Colombia on behalf of the community of Latin America and Colombian states and of Brazil, on behalf of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. We also thank Kazakhstan for its leadership in promoting this commemoration that reminds us of the urgent need to eliminate not only nuclear tests but in particular eliminate the totality of nuclear weapons which are the greatest existential threat facing humanity fortunately the territory of Latin America and the Caribbean have never been the scene of nuclear tests however the possibility of that happening was there for quite a long time. The countries of our region decided to demonstrate to the world that it was possible to take on the leadership in the area of disarmament by establishing the very first nuclear weapons free zone with the Treaty of Tlatelolco, of which Mexico is a proud depositary. The treaty has become a pillar of our permanent commitment to international peace and security. Now, the effects of nuclear tests on the planet are undeniable. The contamination of soil, of water-bearing strata, and of the atmosphere. These effects persist even today. The current global urgency to protect the planet in the face of environmental and climate crises that are unprecedented forces us or compels us to reiterate that a single nuclear test should never be allowed ever again. Now from a humanitarian perspective, nuclear tests had an impact on entire generations that were exposed to radiation and they were never warned of the terrible effects of that radiation. The scientific community has documented in a convincing fashion the differentiated impact of radiation on women and girls who confront greater medical and social risks to Recall these consequences of nuclear tests compels us as an international community to prevent their repetition. We'd like to underscore and reaffirm our conviction that nuclear tests should not be renewed for any reason and under any pretext. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty provides this guarantee through a legal framework and a global verification system. Mexico would like to make a firm appeal to all states that have not done so to sign and ratify the treaty without any further delays, preconditions or other conditionalities. The postponement of this ratification is unacceptable, as each year my country will present together with Australia and New Zealand the traditional resolution on that treaty, hoping to be able to count on the support of the entire membership of the UN for its adoption. We would also like to reaffirm the importance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons that seeks to denounce and eliminate once and for all these lethal weapons. Both instruments are complementary and are essential in order to advance towards a world free of nuclear weapons. In the face of the impacts of rapid, exponential, I would say, technological change and the realities of the 21st century, my country will submit this fall a resolution in the first committee regarding the risks of incorporating artificial intelligence into the command and control systems of nuclear weapons. Mexico. would like to insist that the use of science and emerging technologies in the nuclear sphere must be exclusively geared towards peaceful goals such as healthcare, free and clean energy and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, we consider it essential that initiatives are promoted on education and historical memory that make it possible to convey to new generations the consequences of nuclear tests and their impact on populations thus preserving the testimonies of victims so as to avoid that these tests are ever repeated. Lastly, Mexico would like to reiterate its commitment to continue working for a world free of nuclear tests and nuclear weapons, strengthening multilateralism and international law as pathways to ensure collective peace and security and the well-being of present and future generations. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala.

Guatemala would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. We also recognize the valuable speeches by Dr. Floyd. as well as Ms. Okeke and Ms. Wewa Johnson. All efforts are critical to remind everyone about the urgent need to move towards the complete definitive prohibition of these practices, which have caused so much harm to humanity and to our world. Guatemala has condemned and will continue to condemn all nuclear tests because they represent a grave threat to international peace and security, and they also harm people's health, the health of the environment and sustainable development. Our experience has shown that it is the most vulnerable who have borne the brunt of the consequences of nuclear tests. It is deeply concerning that, In spite of the clear evidence that exists and documented evidence about the deleterious effects of nuclear tests on people and the environment, nuclear weapons states have still not shouldered their full responsibilities, nor have they shown any willingness to recognize the impact of their tests. And there is a lack of effective accountability mechanisms and specific measures geared towards reparation and redress. This raises major questions about their commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and international responsibility. Our country has a peaceful tradition, and we are committed to general complete disarmament, and that is why we have consistently supported multilateral efforts geared towards getting rid of nuclear tests. In line with this, we have ratified the CTBT and also the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We are convinced that both instruments are fundamental steps towards achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. But we deeply regret the fact that More than 25 years on from the date when the CTBT was opened for signature, it still has not entered into force, and that is why we respectfully call on states who have not yet ratified it to do so without further delay, particularly those whose accession is critical. President, Nuclear tests are not matters of the past. As long as nuclear weapons continue to exist, the risk of new tests and a potential use, either accidental or deliberate, will continue to exist with potentially catastrophic consequences for humanity. That is why we reiterate our belief that the only way to guarantee international security is for nuclear weapons to be totally, verifiably and irreversibly eliminated. On this International Day, Guatemala joins the voices of the entire world who are clamoring for a future without nuclear weapons, guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter and by the inherent right of people to live in peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Guatemala. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

President, distinguished representatives of member states, ladies and gentlemen, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, as a peace-loving state, wishes to reaffirm before this assembly in line with our political constitution which prohibits the manufacture and use of chemical, biological, nuclear weapons, that we are against all of these weapons and any kind of nuclear tests. We are a territory free of nuclear weapons and we reject the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons because they quite simply are contrary to life and humanity and Mother Earth. Bolivia is a peace-loving state and that is why we wish to join those commemorating this International Day today to remind the world that the scars of nuclear tests are long-lasting and their impacts can spread like a shadow of death that continues to affect future generations. Since 1945, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have been carried out in the world. They have contaminated land, water and the atmosphere, and they have seriously affected the health of entire communities, particularly women and indigenous people. Nuclear tests simply violate our harmony with nature and Mother Earth. These tests have wounded our planet, and they have made entire parts of the world uninhabitable, such as the Runit area in the Marshall Islands or the Hanford site. That is why we are committed to achieving denuclearization throughout the world. Thanks to the Tlatelolco Treaty, our region became the first zone, the first densely populated area to be fully free of nuclear weapons. This remains proof today that multinational diplomacy can prevail over destruction and the culture of death. Bolivia reaffirms its commitment to these efforts in which we participated as a key pioneer and proponent. As a result of this tradition, Bolivia would like to raise its voice to honor the life of and defend the sacred rights of our Mother Earth. We condemn nuclear tests and the consequences of them and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace and harmony between humanity and nature. That is why we would like to come up with three concrete proposals. First, the universalization and immediate entry into force of the CTBT. This is a key priority. Secondly, we need to see the implementation of reparatory programs for regions that have previously been affected by nuclear tests and appropriate redress to all victims. Thirdly, we need to adopt a universal declaration that recognizes the rights of Mother Earth and prohibits any activity that causes ecocide as a new crime against life. President, today more than ever before we need to choose between the path of nuclear destruction or the path of life. Bolivia clearly chooses the latter. We need to protect our Pachamama, Mother Earth, for future generations so that they can live in peace and harmony with nature and without the scourge of war. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished Representative of the plurinational state of Bolivia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor to deliver a statement on the event dedicated on to the International Day against nuclear tests. We would like to thank the brotherly Kazakhstan for initiative to declare this international day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the humanitarian and environmental devastation caused by nuclear explosions. It also reaffirms our common duty to ensure that such tragedies never happen again. We were among the first states to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. We firmly believe that CTBT's early entry into the force is vital for strengthening the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime. At the regional level, Kyrgyzstan is proud to be part of the treaty on nuclear weapon free zone in Central Asia, signed in Semipalatinsk in 2006. This historical agreement represents a significant contribution to global security and trust building. There is a need to educate the broad masses of society about the existing security architecture in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation, and efforts made by the UN member states, civil society, and the NGOs to shape and maintain peace on the planet. Our commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation has also found a strong multilateral recognition. Back in 2022, the UNGA unanimously supported the initiative of Kyrgyzstan to proclaim 5th of March as the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness. We commemorate this day annually, raising awareness among the government, civil society, youth, and academia. Kyrgyzstan intends to support the contribution to increase the ability of future generations to live in a world free of nuclear weapons, annually observe the International Day, which promotes the significance of education in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation, encourage practical measures to implement the recommendations of the report of the UN Secretary General entitled United States Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education. Ladies and gentlemen, on this International Day Against Nuclear Tests, we gathered not only in remembrance, but in resolute commitment. My country will continue to work with all parties, states, and international organizations to achieve the goal of complete nuclear disarmament. We believe that only through joint efforts we build a world free from nuclear weapons. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Mr. President, thank you for your initiative in organizing this plenary meeting. Japan aligns itself with the statement delivered by Germany on behalf of the Friends of the CTBT. Let me also deliver a statement in our national capacity. This International Day against Nuclear Tests serves as a solemn reminder of the urgency to renounce nuclear tests across the globe and to take concrete and tangible measures toward a world without nuclear weapons. Our aspiration for that shared goal is stronger than ever, especially as we recently marked 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki last month. Today, the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime faces unprecedented challenges. In the Pact for the Future, our leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to eliminate nuclear weapons. and we must make every effort to bring that vision into reality. In this context, the early entry into force of the CTBT remains a priority for Japan. We urge all States, particularly the remaining States listed in Annex II, to sign and ratify the Treaty without further delay. Until that time, we urge all relevant states to declare or maintain existing moratoriums on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions. Mr. President, we cannot overstate the vital role of the CTBTO's international monitoring system, including 10 monitoring sites in Japan, which serves as an effective deterrent against nuclear testing. Its global network has the capacity to detect suspected nuclear explosions worldwide. Japan has long supported this system by providing capacity building assistance to developing countries every year for the past 30 years. We also commend the steadfast leadership by Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd, including his efforts to maintain and strengthen the IMS and promote the universalization of the CTBT. Mr. President, Japan expresses its serious concern over the advancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile development. and reaffirm its resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We urge North Korea not to conduct any destabilizing or provocative actions, including a nuclear test. Japan also urged North Korea to comply with its obligation under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to return to full compliance with the NPT, and to sign and ratify the CTBT at earliest possible date. Mr. President, let us build on the momentum created by our meeting today. The upcoming conference on facilitating entry into force of the CTBT scheduled for September 26 presents another opportunity to further advance the universalization of the treaty. Japan will continue its contribution to constructive discussions, including at this conference, in pursuit of a world without nuclear weapons and testing. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of my ambassador who had a prior engagement. Mr. President, Excellency, distinguished delegates, Cambodia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN and wishes to add the following in our national capacity. At the outset, I would like to express my appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this important high-level meeting. I also wish to thank Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN USG and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO. This commemoration to promote the International Day Against Nuclear Tests is timely as our world facing increased nuclear risk. The resurgence of geopolitical rivalry and concerning reports of potential nuclear testing show that the dangers of the past are still with us. Mr. President, this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test. As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reminded us, we must never forget the legacy of more than 2,000 nuclear weapon tests carried out over the last eight decades. These tests left lasting damage to human health, the environment, and international trust. The consequences that continue to echo today. Against this backdrop, Cambodia underscores the urgent need to advance the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, CTBT, as both a legal obligation and a moral duty to protect humanity. We commend the tireless efforts of Dr. Robia Foye and the CTBTO Secretariat in promoting universalization and strengthening the verification regime, as well as the commitment of the many States that have ratified the Treaty. Yet, we remain gravely concerned that the CTBT has not entered into force because of the lack of ratification by a few key States. Cameroon strongly urges all Member States, especially those listed in Annex II, to seize the next year, 30th anniversary of the CTBT, as a historical opportunity to bring this landmark treaty into force. Mr. President, Cameroon reaffirms its steadfast support for the CTBT universalization and effective implementation. We also share ASEAN's commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone under the Bangkok Treaty, reinforcing our regional and global efforts to advance disarmament and non-proliferation. In conclusion, Cambodia reaffirms its strong commitment to a world without nuclear weapons and testing. Let us unite with determination, solidarity, and shared responsibility to ensure nuclear testing become a thing of the past and never again threatening humanity's future. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of the Philippines.

Mr. President, the Philippines aligns itself with the statements of ASEAN and the group of friends of comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty as delivered by Malaysia and Germany. We join the international community in commemorating the international day against nuclear tests. We recognize the leadership of Kazakhstan in championing this initiative since 2010, building on the moral courage it demonstrated when it permanently closed the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and voluntarily renounced nuclear weapons. We reaffirm the Philippines' unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament. Nuclear weapons testing has left devastating humanitarian and environmental consequences. Entire communities continue to endure the intergenerational impact of radiation exposure, while fragile ecosystems remain scarred decades after testing has ceased. These enduring legacies remind us of our moral and legal responsibility to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used, tested, or developed again. In this regard, the Philippines recalls with support the adoption of the 2023 GA resolution titled Addressing the Legacy of Nuclear Weapons, co-sponsored by Kazakhstan and Kiribati. The resolution drew much needed international attention to the disproportionate humanitarian and environmental harm inflicted upon the world's most vulnerable populations. And it remains an important milestone in advancing a more just and human-centered discourse on nuclear disarmament. The Philippines continues to advocate for the universalization and early entry into force of the CTBT. Nearly three decades have passed since the treaty opened for signature, yet the treaty has yet to fulfill its promise due to the inaction of key states. We once again urge all remaining Annex II states to sign and ratify the CTBT without further delay. Until its entry into force, we call upon all states to maintain moratoria on nuclear test explosions. We also recognize the vital role of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization in developing and operating the world's most sophisticated nuclear test verification regime.

Through its global monitoring network.

The organization continues to build international confidence in compliance while demonstrating unequivocally that an effective, verifiable ban on nuclear testing is both technically feasible and operationally reliable. In this regard, we reaffirm our strong support for all the efforts of Dr. Robert Floyd and his team. Mr. President, Later this month, the Philippines is honored to co-preside together with Sweden the 14th Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the CTBT, or the Article 14 Conference. As co-presidents, the Philippines and Sweden are determined to foster renewed international momentum for the treaty's entry into force and to encourage meaningful engagement from all states, especially the remaining Annex II states. Working closely with Sweden, the Philippines is committed to upholding the integrity of the CPT and to supporting consensus on a robust and forward-looking final declaration that reflects the urgent needs of the global community. We therefore call on all delegations to seize this opportunity in September to reaffirm collective support for the CPT. and to work together in advancing practical actions that can bring the treaty into force and strengthen the global norm against nuclear testing. Mr. President, the Philippines firmly believes that a world free of nuclear weapons is not merely an aspiration. It is an existential imperative for humanity's survival and our planet's preservation. The complete cessation of nuclear weapons testing represents an essential and achievable step towards that ultimate goal. We therefore renew our urgent call for the immediate end of all nuclear weapons test explosions and for substantive, measurable progress in nuclear disarmament.

The international community cannot afford further delay or half measures.

Only through decisive action can we secure a more stable, sustainable, and peaceful world for current and future generations.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Mr. President, Vietnam aligns itself with the statement delivered by Malaysia on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Nearly three decades ago, the adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty reflected the international community's resolve that nuclear explosions must never be carried out again, a resolve born from the deep scars of more than 2,000 nuclear tests and the collective hope for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Yet, that hope remains unfulfilled.

Today's commemoration is a sobering reminder of the challenges that persist. While the CTBT has reinforced the global moratorium on nuclear testing, it has not yet entered into force as a

legally binding instrument. Our world is no further removed from the threat of a nuclear war than it was three decades ago.

And efforts to remedy the long-term humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapon use and testing remain inadequate.

Against this backdrop, Vietnam reiterates its call for renewed efforts towards the complete and total elimination of nuclear weapons.

We urge all states who have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay. We also welcome the most recent signatory of Somalia and ratification by Papua New Guinea of the CTBT. Vietnam recognizes the CTBT organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA,

for their work in raising global awareness of the dangers of nuclear testing,

monitoring and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy worldwide. Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful use of nuclear energy. We underscore the significance of the upcoming review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2026, whose success will require constructive engagement and recommitment to multilateralism and diplomacy.

Vietnam stands ready to work with all partners for the common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.

We also echo the calls of ASEAN member states for support for the upcoming ASEAN-sponsored biennial resolution on the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, and reaffirm our commitment to engage with all nuclear weapon states to resolve our outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of this treaty. Mr. President, Vietnam appreciates Kazakhstan's initiative to hold the International Day Against Nuclear Testing since it was first observed in 2010 and expresses solidarity to the victims and communities affected by the use and test of nuclear weapons. Their stories are reminders that our work is not about treaties alone, but also about protecting human lives and shared peace. The International Day Against Nuclear Testing is not just a commemoration,

It is a call to action to rekindle hope and fulfill our promise to a nuclear weapon free world.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.

Thank you very much, President. Uruguay is grateful for the convening of this meeting and we acknowledge Kazakhstan's role in promoting the commemoration of this international day. This day reminds us of the importance of eliminating nuclear weapons and tests without further delay. We also fully align ourselves with the statement delivered by Colombia. speaking on behalf of CELAC. Uruguay is staunchly committed to the non-proliferation disarmament regime and we always have striven to achieve the goal of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. That's why we've ratified all relevant instruments in this domain, particularly the CTBT. We adopted We signed the aforementioned convention in 1996 and we ratified it in 2001. We are concerned about the fact that it still has not entered into force as a result of some countries not ratifying it, and we urge those states to reverse their stance and to do so particularly in the current context. President, the only guarantee that there will be no more nuclear tests is to completely eliminate nuclear weapons. This has to be done in a transparent, irreversible, verifiable way within a clearly defined time frame. We welcome the efforts that have been made in the Pact for the Future which gives new momentum to commitments in the area of disarmament and promotes a world free of nuclear weapons. We hope this is reflected in the incorporation of more countries to the CTBT, and we hope that the co-chairs of the informal working group on universalization, together with Austria and New Zealand, will be able to move forward these efforts. Nevertheless, we think that states should have the right to peacefully use nuclear energy, particularly to boost areas such as health, food security and sustainable development within international security standards. We will continue to support all initiatives leading towards the complete elimination of nuclear weapons and to enhance the visibility of the regional organizations who have worked tirelessly towards achieving this goal. We have put forward the candidacy of Ambassador Juan Carlos Ojeda Villoni to be the Secretary General of OPANAL. Today more than ever we need to promote a climate of good faith and mutual respect based on the principles of the Charter and respect for international law. This requires serious commitments from the international community to achieve disarmament and global security. Lastly, on this International Day, we call on the entire international community to act responsibly. We cannot overlook the serious humanitarian consequences of nuclear tests, which particularly affect women, girls, vulnerable communities, and which jeopardize the well-being of future generations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Mr. President, on the occasion of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, Ukraine joins the international community in commemorating all victims of nuclear explosions and reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive legally binding prohibition of nuclear tests as a guarantee of strengthening international security. Ukraine believes that the CTBT is one of the key legal elements of the global security architecture in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and serves as an essential instrument to establish a global standard against nuclear testing. As a responsible member of the international community, Ukraine ratified the CTBT in 2001 and has actively contributed to advancing its universalization and entry into force. We call upon all states that have not yet done so, in particular the remaining Annex II states, to sign and ratify the CTBT without any preconditions or further delay. Furthermore, we stress the importance for all states to maintain existing moratorium on nuclear testing, including by refraining from actions that could create conditions for their resumption. Ukraine supports the further strengthening of the CTPD verification regime, including the international monitoring system, the international data center, and onsite inspections as a guarantee of effective monitoring of compliance.

We would

like to draw the attention of UN member states to the fact that Ukraine certified primary seismic station PS45 Malin delivered seismic data to the international and national data centers at a rate of 99.99%. 59%. This level of availability sustained amid an ongoing war of aggression by the Russian Federation, including repeated missile and drone attacks, grid instability and physical damage risks, was enabled by the professionalisms of the PS45 operators and stations teams, as well as the step-by-step installation of guaranteed backup power at the station. Despite the war, Ukraine remains committed to ensuring reliable transmission of data from the Ukrainian seismic station. Mr. President, as the country that voluntarily gave up the third world's largest arsenal of nuclear weapons, and knowing that nuclear devastation is not only the legacy of past wars, Ukraine condemns any steps that undermine the established nuclear test ban regime, including the withdrawal of ratification of the CDBT and practices incompatible with the object and purpose of the treaty. In this regard, we strongly denounce the nuclear tests conducted by the DPRK. Ukraine urges North Korea to fully comply with its obligations under multiple UN Security Council resolutions to refrain from testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. We also call upon Pyongyang to immediately return to compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements, as well as sign and ratify the Additional Protocol thereto, as well as the CTBT. We also cannot ignore Russia's withdrawal from the CTBT, a decision that further erodes the global disarmament regime. Unfortunately, today's reality demonstrates that nuclear arsenals are increasingly being used as instruments of coercion and intimidation against neighboring states that do not possess nuclear weapons. Such threats erode the core balance established by the NPT, the undertaking by non-nuclear weapon states to abstain from acquiring nuclear weapons, in exchange for the gradual reduction of nuclear arsenals by nuclear weapon states and guaranteed access to peaceful use of nuclear energy. They further undermine the assurances given to non-nuclear weapon states regarding the non-use of nuclear weapons. In this regard, we are compelled to note that the current security environment is defined by Russian aggression, nuclear threats, and the seizure of Ukrainian nuclear facilities. We underscore that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is and will remain an integral part of Ukraine's sovereign territory. We categorically reject any attempts of Russia to question this fact. They are legally null and void. Ukraine calls on the international community to intensify pressure on Russia to ensure the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian military and other personnel from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and ensure its return to Ukraine's full control. We underline that this is not just a threat to Ukraine. It is a survival test for mankind. Nuclear safety is no longer a theoretical concern. It is a daily threat until the Russia's crime of aggression ends. Finally, Ukraine will continue to enhance its defense capabilities and work with its partners towards strengthening sanctions and other appropriate measures, as well as to establish effective, legally binding security guarantees for non-nuclear weapon states. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues, the Republic of the Marshall Islands stand proud to speak in full support of today's commemoration of the International Day Against Nuclear Test. We fervently believe that no nation and no people should ever again experience the burden of nuclear testing impacts And we acknowledge the leadership and close partnership with Kazakhstan and the wider General Assembly in today's meeting. This is far more than a distant observation, but

words of Bashar will go back to some of the earliest nuclear tests ever conducted. From 1946 to 1958, during our status as a strategic UN trusteeship, The UN administering authority, the United States, undertook 67 large-scale atmospheric detonations, the equivalent of 1.6 Hiroshima-size shots

every day for 12 years.

While whole islands were destroyed, and what remained was beyond recognition, Fallout rained upon nearby islands, and children played in toxic ash, mistaking it for snow. Signs and safety were uncertain and shifting cold post.

But this cannot be a story of victimhood.

It is instead who the Marshallese people are today, and our stories for the whole world, then and now. In 1954, Dwight Heinie traveled to the Trusteeship Council in New York and presented a petition

on behalf of the Marshallese people. He urged the UN Trusteeship Council to halt any further testing out of concern for the harm of Marshallese communities who had been exposed and out of the scale of loss and of what relocation really meant to them. The petition said, and I quote, "Land means a great deal to the Mashleys. It means more than just where you plant your food crops and build your houses, or where you place, where you bury your dead.

It is the very life of the people. Take away their land and their spirits go also," close quote.

The petition said, that if nuclear testing could not be stopped, he urged precautionary and safety measures and compensation and medical training for the Marshallese health practitioners. In response, the Trusteeship Council replied in Resolution 1082, which effectively allowed nuclear testing to continue

if the administering authority deemed it necessary for world peace. And even as it expressed deep regret of what it termed ill effects and that relocated homes for quote, a year, about a year. And it urged that quote, and I quote again, prompt and sympathetic attention be given to the claims for damages.

This resolution and one which followed in 1956 remained the only time that any UN organ explicitly authorized nuclear tests. Four more years of testing continued, including thermonuclear detonations. Not until the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963 did the world react, and today the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty's entry into force remains elusive. We all -- we are all slipping into greater nuclear risk, and what was once unthinkable becomes a more casual possibility.

Mr. President, it is a legacy that decades later should not only continue to serve as a clear and direct reminder to the world on why nuclear testing might never again occur, but also what remains very much an active in defining contemporary challenge.

In the following 71 years since the first trusteeship resolution, our affected communities remain dislocated.

Disease, death, and risk are passed through generations despite medical checkups. The effects

and experiences of nuclear testing are an important lens into which our human rights are understood,

including as addressed in UN Human Rights Council Resolution 57/26.

We have a moment to reflect on what nuclear testing means for those who have experienced it, including as addressed in UN General Assembly Resolution

79/60 regarding the nuclear legacy of weapons testing.

It is important that Marshallese and other affected peoples and communities around the world remain a direct and important voice in defining our future. In this regard, we look forward to next year's UN meeting on victim assistance and remediation. Mr. President, as I arrived this morning, I noticed the blue flag of the United Nations. And it should not go unnoticed that the UN Trusteeship Council will meet this December. The Marshall Islands can only ask, as the General Assembly reflects on 80 years of the United Nations, that an important multilateral opportunity exists for letting the Marshallese people know that our voices are now heard with an apology and a profound contemporary acknowledgement of what had happened under the blue flag.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Hungary.

Thank you. Mr. President, Excellencies, at the outset, I wish to thank the distinguished guest speakers for their valuable contributions to today's program. Hungary aligns itself with the EU statement regarding the EU support for the CDBT's entry into force, its universalization and dangerous nuclear weapon tests represent. However, in relation to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, we believe that we are facing new geopolitical circumstances. With the start of the peace process led by the US, the conflict has entered a new phase to which the international community shall adopt its policymaking. Our position, is more nuanced in this aspect. Mr. President, on 29th August, as every year, we commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. This occasion reminds us of the consequences of nuclear test explosions in the past and of our shared responsibility to ensure that they will never be repeated. As former Secretary General Ban Ki-moon so poignantly reminded us, there are no right hands for wrong weapons. Hungary attaches great importance to the elimination of nuclear testing. We regard the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty as one of the cornerstones of international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. We reiterate our full confidence in the treaty's verification regime. which has demonstrated its ability to provide independent and reliable data that will help to deter non-compliance with the treaty once it enters into force and respond to threats to international peace and security. Although the treaty has not yet entered into force, it has become an effective instrument which established a powerful norm against nuclear testing and it remains an essential building block for a world free of nuclear weapons. Hungary calls once again on all states that have not yet done so, especially the remaining Annex II states, to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay or preconditions. We urge all states to uphold their moratoria on nuclear testing or any other nuclear explosion and to refrain from any action that would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty. We commend the work of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization and its verification regime, which contributes not only to prevention of nuclear testing, but also provides valuable civil and scientific applications, including in the fields of natural disaster warning and climate research. Hungary remains committed to supporting the CTBT's vital mandate. Mr. President, this year also marks a moment of growing concern about the erosion of trust in the global arms control framework. In this context, the entry into force of the CTBT would send a strong signal of renewed commitment to collective security and multilateralism. Hungary reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons, achieved through a balanced, progressive, and step-by-step approach with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at its cornerstone. The prohibition of nuclear testing is indispensable to this vision. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Hungary. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. President, Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the opportunity to participate in this high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. Today, we reaffirm a truth that is both simple and urgent, nuclear weapons and the tests that sustain them have no place in a world striving for lasting peace, global security, and the dignity of all peoples. The consequences of nuclear testing have shadowed the world for generations. Poisoned lands, shattered communities, and enduring human suffering. These acts are not relics of a bygone era. They are reminders of the catastrophic consequences of deliberate human conduct. Mr. President, notwithstanding, there remains one clear and achievable step that the international community can take together to end nuclear weapons testing once and for all. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty represents the most effective instrument to ensure that history does not repeat itself. With 187 signatories and 178 ratifications, it reflects the overwhelming will of the international community to commit nuclear testing to the past. However, almost three decades after its adoption, the CTBT has still not entered into force. Until it does, humanity remains vulnerable to the reckless possibility of renewed testing. We therefore applaud the President's effort of the Executive Secretary of CTBTO Preparatory Commission, Dr. Robert Floyd, in having achieved further ratifications. Mr. President, Trinidad and Tobago joins the vast majority of states in calling on those countries whose ratifications remain outstanding to take the necessary steps to bring this treaty into force without delay. The security of our world deserves to be safeguarded through our shared commitment, not limited by narrow interests. This call is rooted in Trinidad and Tobago's long-lasting commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. We stand proudly as a state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and as a firm supporter of the CTBT. These instruments are not mere symbols. They are the legal and moral foundation of our collective resolve to end nuclear testing forever. In closing, Mr. President, Trinidad and Tobago reiterates its unwavering conviction that international peace and security cannot be built on the threat of annihilation. The path forward is clear to ban nuclear tests, to abolish nuclear weapons, and to uphold the promise of a safer, more just, and more sustainable world for us all. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago. We have heard the last speaker in this commemorative meeting for today. We will hear the remaining speakers tomorrow, 4 September, in the afternoon. The programme for the meeting will be announced in the Journal of the United Nations. The Assembly has thus concluded the stage of its consideration of Agenda Item 98. The meeting is adjourned.