General Assembly: 108th Plenary meeting, 80th session

Good morning. The 108th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. Before proceeding further, it is my sad duty to pay tribute to the memory of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, who passed away on August 28, 2026. On behalf of the Assembly, I convey our condolences to the government and people of Norway, to the bereaved family of His Majesty King Harald V. I now invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of His Majesty King Harald V. I thank you. I would also like to extend my condolences to the families of the victims of the severe flooding in Nepal and China, which has claimed many lives, left people missing and caused widespread destruction. The Assembly will begin its high-level meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day against Nuclear Tests in accordance with resolution 72/51 of December 4, 2017, and resume its consideration of agenda item 99 entitled General and Complete Disarmament. I will now make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, Dr. Robert Floyd, Under Secretary General Nagamitsu, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Frankly speaking, if you had asked me a few years ago why we commemorate international days such as this, I might have thought it is a bit outdated. Yet we are not living in 2015, but in 2026, a time of increased geopolitical tension, more armed conflict than ever, and unfortunately declining trust between member states when the risk of miscalculation and escalation demand sustained attention. We also live in an era of rapid technological change, where the potential application of artificial intelligence to nuclear weapons systems raises serious questions about decision making, human control, and the risk of miscalculation. Of course, Some may ask also why should we be so concerned about testing when more often than not it happens far away in the middle of an ocean or desert. But history has shown us that the first step towards something far more serious and far more sinister is indeed testing. One need only look at the first nuclear test on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico. that test ushered in a new era in which warfare for the first time carried the possibility of destruction on an existential scale. Reality demonstrated with brutal clarity just weeks later in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. And in an interconnected world such as ours, there is no truly remote region. immune from the effects or dangers of nuclear testing. Across the world, from Lop Nur in China and the atolls of the Pacific to Nevada, Algeria, Western Australia, and the South Atlantic, atmospheric nuclear tests released an estimated explosive yield of approximately 438 megatons. equivalent to more than 29,000 Hiroshima-sized nuclear bombs. The human and environmental consequences have been immense. At Semipalatinsk alone, between 1949 and 1962, hundreds of thousands of people living nearby were exposed to elevated levels of radiation. For many survivors, these are not distant chapters of history, but lived experiences carried within families and across generations. The effects do not end with the immediate explosion, but linger in contained land and water, in agriculture, livestock, and food change, and in the people's life and communities, particularly indigenous communities. exposed to radiation. We all know that commemorating an international day or even remembering history does not necessarily mean we are wiser or better able to avoid threats. Yet, Days such this remain important opportunities to reflect on, especially at a time when we are witnessing not only, as said in the beginning, rising conflict and geopolitical tensions, but growing pressure on this institution and on the multilateral agreements it has helped to forge. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is a case in point. 30 years after it opened for signature, the treaty is still not entered into force because the remaining required ratifications have not been secured. For some, that is evidence of the limitation of multilateralism. But days like today give us an opportunity to push back against that narrative. to ensure that we do not allow the story of this institution or of this treaty to be rewritten solely in terms of what I said not achieved yet. Because the treaty also tells a remarkable story of what multilateralism has indeed achieved. Before the treaty opened for signature, more than 2,000 nuclear test explosions had been conducted worldwide. Since 1996, that number has fallen to fewer than a dozen. That is the true measure of its impact of this special treaty. And it is a success we must build on by providing the international monitoring system with the political and financial support needed to ensure reliable and timely data, by strengthening the CTBTO and the IAEA alongside bilateral and multilateral agreements, and by renewing the political and financial commitments we made in the Pact for the Future. Because even without its entry into force, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has proven its worth time and again. Its success can be measured not only by what has happened over the past 30 years, but by what has not happened. 81 years ago, Hiroshima was the first nuclear disaster. In building this house of diplomacy, our forefathers and mothers promised that Nagasaki would be the last. And for more than 80 years, it has been. So it is upon us to build on this eight-decade-long success for multilateralism. to ensure that it lasts for another 80 years. I 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 thank the President of the General Assembly, Her Excellency Ms. Annalena Baerbeck, for convening this important annual commemoration. Madam President, thank you so much. I also thank Kazakhstan for its enduring leadership in establishing this day and ensuring that the legacy of nuclear testing is never forgotten. As we mark 35 years since the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, that historic decision reminds us that remembrance must go hand in hand with responsibility. I extend particular thanks to today's keynote speakers who bring to this hall the voices of communities affected by the horrors of nuclear testing and the scientific experts dedicated to ensuring it never happens again. Their testimonies and expertise will ground our deliberations in both lived experience and evidence. I want to take this opportunity to commend Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization and the Provisional Technical Secretariat for their continued efforts to advance the CTBT's universalization and strengthen its verification regime. Excellencies, we must remember why this day exists. The Secretary-General's message is clear. The world must never witness another nuclear explosion. Not even one, whatever its stated purpose or intent. That is the promise embodied in this day and the responsibility entrusted to us. Yet we meet amid deep geopolitical tension, growing division, and diminishing trust. Against this backdrop, concerns about the possible resumption of nuclear explosive testing have re-emerged in recent years. Even contemplating such a course is dangerous. Any resumption would erode decades of restraints, deepen mistrust, and risk triggering reciprocal tests and an arms race. This must never become reality. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the CTBT's opening for signature. Since then, the treaty has helped establish a powerful global norm against nuclear testing. Its verification regime stands as a remarkable achievement in multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation. Together, the International Monitoring System and the International Data Centre provide objective and reliable data to help detect and locate events and assess whether they may indicate a nuclear explosion. Yet, one central challenge remains. The CTBT is not in force. Its technical achievements are significant, but only the treaty's entry into force can establish a permanent, legally binding prohibition on nuclear testing and unlock the CTBT's full potential. The treaty already enjoys near-universal support. Tonga's ratification last month brought the number of ratifying states to 179. The remaining Annex II states must sign and/or ratify the CTBT without further delay and without conditions. Until then, all states possessing nuclear weapons must maintain moratoria on all nuclear explosive testing. There can be no exceptions and no return to the past. Distinguished delegates, the urgency of these steps is measured not only in strategic risk but also in human suffering and environmental damage. Nuclear tests have scarred lives, lands, and descendants. Their consequences have crossed borders and generations. Communities continue to live with harm that was not of their making. The natural environment continues to bear damage that no political declaration can simply undo. As the Secretary General reminds us, their suffering is not history, it's a warning. The voices of those affected by nuclear testing are not echoes from a distant past. They must guide the choices we make in the present. We owe them more than remembrance. Our attention, our support, and decisive action to ensure that such harm is never again inflicted on any person, community, or environment. Excellencies, nearly 30 years after the CDBT opened for signature, The world possesses the knowledge and tools to end nuclear testing for good. All that remains is the political will to act. Let this day renew our common commitment. Not one more nuclear explosion and no further delay in bringing the CTBT into force. We owe this to the victims and survivors. We owe it to their descendants. And we owe it to every generation that follows. 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 August 24th, 2026, I should like to consult members with a view to inviting the following speakers to deliver opening and keynote addresses at this commemorative meeting. Mr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, Ms. Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tula Rosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, Miss Magdalene Wangui Wanyaga, geoscientist expert on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization Verification Regime and member of the organization's scientific program committee, and Mr. Karibek Kuyukov, artist, humanitarian advocate and a goodwill ambassador of Kazakhstan. 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 therefore give the floor to Mr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. Please, the floor is yours.

President, Under-Secretary-General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I'm honored to address the General Assembly on this important occasion. In 2009, this Assembly responded to an excellent initiative from Kazakhstan. It proclaimed the 29th of August as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. Why this day? Because on the 29th of August 1991, the Semipalatinsk nuclear weapon testing site in today's Kazakhstan was shut down. Between 1949 and 1989, that one site saw 456 nuclear tests. 456 tests at that one site. But this was not the only site. Those were not the only tests. Since 1945, our planet has seen more than 2,000 nuclear test explosions. The vast majority of those tests took place before 1996. But in the past three decades, fewer than 12 nuclear weapon explosive tests have been detected and announced. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has helped create a new global norm, a norm against any nuclear testing. Friends, today we are close to universality. Almost every state on earth has joined the CTBT. Only last month the Kingdom of Tonga joined the CTBT family and our congratulations to Tonga on both signing and ratifying. 188 states have now signed, 179 have ratified. Every country that has signed the treaty and most of the eight that have not, they actually support the object and purpose of the treaty. We've come so far. From those long decades of nuclear testing seeming normal to today's international norm against nuclear testing. So how has the CTBT made this happen? We've set up the international monitoring system, the IMS, a technological marvel. It's now over 90% complete. 308 certified networked facilities working day and night to the highest agreed international scientific standards. Checking for nuclear tests in the oceans, on every continent, in the atmosphere. Every day we take in some 36 gigabytes of data. And all that data is available to every CTBT state signatory, transparently, equally, fairly. Technology and analysis techniques have galloped forward since the treaty was opened for signature in 1996. Our systems today can detect tests far smaller than what the treaty negotiators expected. The IMS was originally designed to detect tests that were a yield of 1,000 tons of TNT equivalent. But today, the IMS detection goes down to 500 tons. That is just over 3% of the power of the bomb that devastated Hiroshima. Amazingly sensitive. But 500 tonnes is not zero tonnes. The treaty bans all nuclear tests, however big, however tiny. And any nuclear test is a matter of grave concern. The CTBT success is built on science, but it's also built on confidence. Today, the science is working, but the confidence is under strain. We must be clear-eyed about the need to build confidence, especially for low-yield testing below the level of 500 tonnes. There are steps that can be taken today, even now. And ultimately, we must keep striving for the best solution that tomorrow promises, entry into force of the CTBT. Friends, 2026 is our treaty's 30th anniversary year. We celebrate something extraordinary. The CTBT has worked as intended. A near halt to nuclear testing since 1996. A remarkable success. But have we guaranteed a verifiable end to all nuclear testing once and for all? No one here today needs reminding. The international scene is tense, full of mistrust. Those tensions extend to discussions around returning to nuclear testing. Imagine our world if the CTBT falters and the norm against nuclear testing collapses. A world with unconstrained testing using all of today's technology. A world where suspected tests are not even worth debating because it has become normal again. Old nuclear arsenals expand, new nuclear arsenals are built, nuclear proliferation runs rampant. Soaring risk of nuclear miscalculation. Risks of nuclear misadventure. Devastation from nuclear bad luck. Friends, this is not the world that we have. And this is not the world that we've worked so hard to build. And this is not the world that we strive for. So let us make sure it is not the world that we leave behind. Thank you.

I thank the Executive Secretary for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. I now give the floor to Ms. Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.

Madam President, esteemed members of the Assembly, good morning. And thank you for inviting me to deliver these remarks today. My name is Tina Cordova, and I'm from Tularosa, New Mexico. I'm a business owner who started a business 36 years ago with my partner, Russ Steward. But I am not here because of that. I am here because I am a mother, a grandmother, and a soon-to-be great-grandmother. And I co-founded an organization 21 years ago called the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium. Our mission has been to bring attention to the negative health effects suffered by the people of New Mexico as a result of being overexposed to radiation from the development and testing of the atomic bomb detonated at the Trinity site. We were the first people exposed to radiation any place in the world as ash fell from the sky in the days after the bomb. We were never warned before or after of the danger, so we lived our lives off the land as we always did. We're referred to as downwinders, and while we were the first, we are certainly not the only downwinders. The nuclear testing that took place all across the world has likely produced millions of downwinders, people that lived in places like Guam, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Montana, but also people from the French Polynesian island of Tahiti and Kazakhstan and the Aboriginal people from Australia. And we have the uranium miners and workers and their families who live adjacent to abandoned uranium mine and mill sites in places like Laguna and Acoma Pueblo and across the Navajo Nation. All people who've been horribly harmed just like us. We're the people that became the collateral damage to the development and testing of nuclear devices, and we were left to deal with the consequences on our own. We carry the genetic footprint in our bodies and pass it on. In doing this work, I don't know of anyone who died the day of Trinity. However, it was the beginning of the end for tens of thousands of people that we've documented, including babies that died in record numbers in the year after Trinity. Babies died and no one has ever returned to assess the situation, much less atone for it. I'm here to speak up for the many people whose voices were silenced, who cry out from their graves, the babies and the children whose voices were silenced or whose voices were never heard. People like those in my own family. I had two great grandfathers alive at the time of the bomb living in Tularosa, 45 miles away the crows fly from the test site, 45 miles. In 1955, they were both told they had stomach cancer. They were given morphine and sent home. They suffered and died. They were the first generation. I had two grandmothers alive at the time of Trinity. They both developed cancer. They were the second generation. My father, Anastasio Cordova, was a four-year-old child living a very organic lifestyle the day of the bomb. He, like everyone else, dipped rainwater from the cistern, ate an abundance of fresh produce and meat, hunted, and drank mass quantities of fresh cow's milk. In his late 50s, he got cancer at the base of his tongue. He had to have part of his tongue removed along with all the lymph nodes in his neck. He had massive quantities of radiation and lost all his beautiful, perfect white teeth. He lived on a feeding tube for over 18 months, losing over 60 pounds. He survived only to get prostate cancer, which was so much easier on him. And eight years after the first lesion, he developed an all new cancer on the forward part of his tongue. It was not metastatic. And when I asked the oncologist, how does this happen to a man who doesn't smoke, rarely drinks alcohol, has no viruses, and would never put chewing tobacco in his mouth? I was told it doesn't happen, but we see it all the time in New Mexico. My dad suffered in ways I could never adequately describe, and then he died. He was the third generation. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 39, and the first question they asked me was, when were you exposed to radiation? I knew that my exposure came from living so close to a test site. I was the fourth generation. My mother, Rosalie, is being followed for a tumor that so far is benign. I have one sister. She's had skin cancer. I have two brothers. My youngest brother was diagnosed with kidney cancer 18 months ago at the age of 52. If that weren't bad enough, his only daughter was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 23, and she's had so many complications. She's the fifth generation. My family is not unique in New Mexico or in any of the places where people have been exposed to radiation from nuclear testing. We've documented thousands of families like mine exhibiting four and five generations of cancer in places like Carrizozo, Socorro, Mescalero, La Luz, and Alamogordo, all the forgotten cities of Trinity where people have been dying for generations. Many people stand side by side with me in this fight. I don't do this work alone, and our organization of volunteers has structure and meaning and strategy, and we commit ourselves every day to do this work because we have families, children and grandchildren that we love and cherish. I know that each of us present here today has a heart that beats the same and a soul that longs for peace and well-being. I know we have the ability to work together as human beings with a shared vision to eliminate nuclear testing and the use of nuclear weapons so we never create another victim. We owe our children and our grandchildren so much more than what happened in the past. I recall these words spoken by President John F. Kennedy when he addressed the American public in July 1963 during the nuclear test ban treaty negotiations. He said, The loss of even one human life or the malformation of one baby who may be born long after all of us have gone should be of concern to us all. Our children and grandchildren are not merely statistics towards which we can be indifferent. I agree with President Kennedy, but it took 60 years after that speech for the people of New Mexico to be acknowledged for their sacrifice and their suffering. Those of us gathered here today cannot be held accountable for the sins of the past, but I know for certain we most assuredly should be held accountable if we repeat them. After 81 years, it's time we set our families, our children, and our grandchildren free from nuclear threat. We must commit ourselves to a world without nuclear testing, a world without nuclear weapons. Thank you.

I thank Mrs. Cordova for sharing the tremendous effects to your family. I give the floor to Ms. Magdalene Bangui Bangyaga, geoscientist, expert on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization Verification Regime, and member of the organization's scientific program committee.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues and friends, it's an honor to address this assembly on this day of the International Day against Nuclear Testing. My name is Magdalene Wongoi Wanyaga, and I'm a geoscientist from Kenya with a background in applied geophysics and seismology. My journey has taken me from analyzing seismic data at the Kenya National Data Center to contributing to the work of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, including as a youth group education coordinator in the past and briefing the United Nations Security Council, as well as today serving as a working group B task leader. I share this because my experience has taught me that science is not separate from peace and security. It can be one of the foundations. Today is particularly significant as we mark the International Day Against Nuclear Weapon Testing in the same year as we commemorate 30 years since the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was opened for signature. This day reminds us of the devastating effects of nuclear testing and the need for its cessation as part of our pursuit of a nuclear weapon-free world. The CTBT bans all nuclear test explosions, whether for military or civilian purposes. This establishing a global norm supported by a verification regime that provides the scientific means to monitor compliance. The scale of what has been achieved is remarkable. In the five decades before the treaty was opened for signature in 1996, more than 2,000 nuclear weapon tests were conducted around the world. And since then, fewer than a dozen have been conducted. That near silent is not an accident. It's an achievement. At the heart of this achievement is the international monitoring system through seismic hydroacoustic infrasound and radionuclide technologies. More than 300 monitoring facilities around the world provide the capability to detect nuclear explosions and strengthen confidence in compliance. This is what makes the norm credible. And the value of this science extends beyond nuclear security. The CTBTO data supports tsunami warnings, tracking of radioactive releases during nuclear emergencies. aviation safety around volcanic eruptions, and research on the Earth, climate, oceans, and atmosphere. Scientists around the world can also use this selected data to advance research and generate new knowledge. These are civilian and scientific benefits from a system created for international peace and security. Personally, this is personal. My early work as a seismic analyst introduced me to this scientific community, and showed me how technical expertise can cross borders and serve a purpose greater than any one institution or country. This experience also inspired me to initiate Sensors Terra, an effort to strengthen seismic monitoring in Kenya and in Africa. This brings me to the people behind the science. This year also marks 10 years of the CTBTO Youth Group, and I am proud to have been part of that journey. Over the past decade, the youth group has demonstrated that young people are simply not the future of the CTBT. We are part of its present. We, young scientists, bring new ideas and technologies. Young professions bring different disciplines and perspectives. Young people from different regions bring experiences that can challenge assumptions and broaden how we understand security. My experience with the youth group has reinforced the meaning of participation is not just about representation alone. It's also about creating opportunities to contribute. And this must extend beyond the youth. Women, early career scientists, and experts from developing countries should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to scientific programs, policy discussions, and the global decision making. Democratizing STEM and global governance means creating meaningful opportunities for diverse voices to contribute regardless of the geography, age, gender, discipline or access. Excellencies, 30 years after the CTBT opened for signature, we have seen what a strong international norm supported by science and multilateral cooperation can achieve. But the work is not finished. The treaty has yet to enter into force. We must we must contribute to strengthen the norm against nuclear testing, sustain the scientific capacity that verifies it and invest in people who carry this work forward on this International Day against nuclear testing. Let us remember not only what the international community has achieved, but what we will. We still have an opportunity to achieve a world without nuclear testing is possible. The CTBT provides the pathway. Science provides confidence and the next generation must carry it forward. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Vanyaga. I now give the floor to Mr. Karybek Kuyukov, artist, humanitarian advocate, and the Goodwill Ambassador of Kazakhstan.

Ladies and gentlemen, first and foremost, I would like to thank the organizers of today's conference. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Kazakhstan. On the 29th of August, and Kazakhstan and all over the world, we commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. This day is the same day when the Semipalatinsk test site was closed down, a site where for 40 years nuclear tests were conducted. My people managed to put an end to this in 1989. For the first time in the history of the 20th century, the people of an entire nation rose up in defense of their lives. Back in the 1990s, we didn't have the internet, we didn't have cell phones, so we sent a letter to Moscow, and it worked. On the 20th of November, 1989, the USSR leadership adopted a decision tasking the government to shut down the Semipalatinsk test site. Swiftly, we managed to include this item in the declaration of independence of the Kazakh SSR. On the territory of Kazakhstan, nuclear test ban is in force. No test sites for other types of weapons, WMDs that is, are allowed to be built. This applies also to chemical weapons, bacteriological weapons and biological weapons. The construction of such test sites is prohibited. In January of 1991, we were closer than ever to a global ban on nuclear weapons. The International Anti-Nuclear Alliance held a meeting at UN headquarters. We pooled all of the anti-war, anti-nuclear forces from all corners of the world. Back then, Kazakhstan achieved a special status. Ever since then, we've been known as the leaders of the anti-nuclear movement the world over. Throughout the history of tests being conducted in Semipalatinsk, the government stated that one and a half million people were victims of that testing, although the real number is much higher, of course. My parents witnessed this. My mother, before I was born, well, she had two children. One of those children died before he turned one. After that, the second child died as well. After those two infant deaths, I was born without any arms. The delivery was very difficult for my mother. And there were many such victims. Now, I'm a creative person, and I couldn't remain silent. In my paintings, I try to draw attention to this problem. Once, I went to a medical facility in the city of Semipalatinsk. There, there is a museum in honor of the victims of radiation. On the shelves, you have glass beakers and you have all sorts of terrible fetuses in ethanol, and this made me understand that my fate could have been the same as that of those fetuses. That's when I took the decision to honor the memory of everyone who suffered to fight nuclear weapons for as long as I have the force to do so. Currently, The situation on our planet is very tense. People are threatening to wage war on one another. And what's most important, the innocent victims of such wars are children. It is high time to radically change the situation. And the only way to do this is together, joining hands. We cannot look idly by, indifferent. We cannot afford to wait. We must forgive past errors. Yes, this is our history, but history is in the rear view mirror. It's in the past. Therefore, to build a new world, we need to come to grips with, once again, with what is good, what is compassion. We are duty bound to bequeath a safe world for our children. For 35 years, Kazakhstan has lived without any nuclear tests. Over 100 different religious and ethnic groups live in Kazakhstan. I believe that this is an excellent example for other countries to look up to. Does humanity need nuclear weapons? Unfortunately, this question remains relevant. We must work together to answer it, to find a solution. Thank you for your kind attention. I wish peace and prosperity for all of your families. Thank you.

Thank you. I thank Mr. Kuyukov for sharing your personal story. Before proceeding further, as agreed at the General Committee meeting on May 18, 2026, and announced in the President's letter dated May 20, 2026, I propose that the time limits for statements in this commemorative meeting be three minutes for delegations speaking in their national capacity and five minutes for statements on behalf of a group of states. Is there any objection to this proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to Rule 72 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut-off. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. As the first speaker, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi, who will speak on behalf of the African States.

Madam President,

it is an honor for me to deliver this statement on behalf of the Africa Group. The Africa Group would like to extend its gratitude to the President of the General Assembly. Thank you for convening this meeting. We also wish to thank the UN Secretary-General for his message and his very valuable support to the endeavour of nuclear disarmament. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the first nuclear weapons test and the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This is a searing reminder of the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons to humanity, to humanity but also to international peace and security. Over 2000 nuclear tests have been conducted all over the world. Our group remains deeply disquieted by the humanitarian and environmental consequences thereof, which are devastating. Today, we're meeting in this chamber and we must reiterate our collective determination to raise awareness amongst the general public so as to prevent any resumption of explosive nuclear tests with a view to advancing the cause of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Putting an end to nuclear tests is an important step on the way towards a world free from nuclear weapons. The commemorations we are involved in this year is therefore particularly important because it also marks the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the CTBT. The African continent knows firsthand the lasting ramifications of nuclear tests. Now, this experience has shaped our early and unswerving commitment, the commitment of Africa to nuclear disarmament, which paved the way for the Pelindaba Treaty, which established Africa as a nuclear weapons free zone, banning testing of nuclear explosive devices across our entire continent. The Africa Group would like to express its full support for maintaining the existing moratorium on nuclear tests conducted by nuclear weapons states until the CTBT enters into force. We call on nuclear weapons states to abstain from engaging in any activities or in rhetoric which suggest that nuclear tests of any kind might be resumed. which is at odds with the principles and purposes of the CTBT. Madam President, the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only way of ensuring an absolute guarantee that they will not be used, nor will there be a threat of them being used. Thus, the group reaffirms that the devastating humanitarian consequences and the risks intrinsic to nuclear weapons beef up the legal, ethical, and security imperatives of achieving nuclear disarmament. They also speak to the urgency of achieving a nuclear weapons-free world that must be upheld. The African Group would like to underscore the need of placing humanitarian considerations at the heart of all discussions on nuclear weapons. We remain particularly concerned about the devastating consequences of any nuclear weapons detonation, whether that be the result of an accident, a miscalculation, or a deliberate act. Therefore, we call on all States in particular the nuclear weapons states, to fully factor in the catastrophic and lasting consequences of the use of nuclear weapons and the testing thereof, consequences for human health, the environment and sustainable development. We urge them to take concrete and irreversible measures so as to ensure the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals. The group supports the principle of complete nuclear disarmament. This is a necessary prerequisite for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is in this spirit that we would like to recall the NPT, as well as the historic entry into force of the Total Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Treaty, the objective being to complete, to add to the NPT and to advance nuclear disarmament banning it in a comprehensive fashion, banning the testing of nuclear weapons. Thus, the group would like to urge all nuclear weapons states and states -- the speaker's microphone has been cut off.

The distinguished -- I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi. Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Andorra, who will speak on behalf of the members of the group of Western European and other states, followed by Australia and Uruguay.

Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the members of the Western European and other states group. Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation remain indispensable to upholding international peace and security. As we commemorate International Day Against Nuclear Test this year, the prohibition of all nuclear weapon test explosion continues as an essential objective in our collective efforts towards a safer and more peaceful world. 35 years ago, the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan was closed. marking an important milestone in the global effort to put an end to nuclear weapon testing. This milestone was the core of the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution 64/35 in 2009, which declared 29 August International Day Against Nuclear Test, drawing attention to the need to enhance public awareness and education about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion. Resolution 64/35 also reaffirms the importance of ending all nuclear tests in the pursuit of a nuclear-weapon-free world. Madam President, this year we commemorate 30 years since the opening for the signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The treaty, with its universal support, near universal support, remains fundamental to achieving and sustaining nuclear disarmament, as it has helped to sustain the global norm against nuclear testing. In this regard, we welcome the universalization of the Treaty in the Pacific following the recent signature and ratification by the Kingdom of Tonga. We commend the continued efforts of the Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission, Mr Robert Floyd, to advance ratifications. Moreover, we call on States to do more to advance the universalization of the Treaty to ensure its entry into force. This should include efforts at the upcoming Twelfth Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the CTBT on 22 September, as well as the high-level meeting to mark International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on 29 September. That will take place on the margins of the General Debate of the 81st... General Assembly and by supporting the annual CTBT resolutions at the First Committee. Madam President, the members of the WIPO strongly and unequivocally condemn Russia's illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a flagrant violation of international law, including Article 2.4 of the UN Charter, and undermines the principle of territorial integrity. Russia's evocation of its ratification of CTBT seriously undermines its avowed commitment to ongoing non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. The members of the Group also condemn in the strongest terms the six nuclear tests conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea since 2006 in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. We call for full compliance with the UN Security Council resolutions, including the complete, verifiable and irreversible abandonment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and an end to further nuclear testing. We also support the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and call the DPRK to resume dialogue. Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, the members of the group reaffirm its commitment to final and irreversible cessation of all nuclear test explosions. We call on governments, international, regional and sub-regional organizations, as well as civil society, academia and individuals to work with us and advance the common cause of a world free of nuclear weapons. Thank you for listening.

I thank the distinguished representative of Andorra. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia. Just before that, I would like to inform the Assembly that the President has received requests from additional Member States to speak in this commemorative meeting. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Thank you, President. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, comprising Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands. This year we mark 30 years since the CTBT opened for signature. The treaty stands today as a core element of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Its greatest achievement is clear, advancing a powerful global norm against nuclear testing. This norm has helped constrain nuclear proliferation and reduce nuclear threats. It's been reinforced by the treaty's verification regime, including an international monitoring system that has successfully detected declared nuclear explosive tests. Beyond its core mission, this system can help monitor nuclear accidents, and provides data that supports responses to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. President, this year we celebrate the universalization of the CTBT across the Pacific region. We warmly welcome the recent signature and ratification by the Kingdom of Tonga. The universalization of the treaty is a significant milestone for a region that has experienced firsthand the humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons testing. Following Tonga's ratification, a total of 188 states have now signed and 179 states have now ratified the CTBT. We applaud the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, Dr. Robert Floyd, and his team for their tireless work to advance the universalization of the Treaty. We are determined to relegate nuclear testing to history by pursuing full ratification and implementation. But we know this endeavor faces serious challenges. We recall our condemnation of the six nuclear tests conducted by the DPRK since 2006. We strongly urge the DPRK not to conduct further testing. We call upon all States to refrain from any action that would defeat the object and purpose of the CTBT and to adopt or uphold national moratoria against all nuclear weapons tests, explosions and any other nuclear explosions. We underscore the importance of developing and implementing new concrete measures to restore confidence in these moratoria. Looking forward, we welcome the ongoing work to complete the CTBT's verification regime. We commend continued progress in strengthening the CTBTO's on-site inspection capabilities, which will provide the ultimate verification measure once the treaty enters into force. In this regard, we look forward to the integrated field exercise in Namibia in October and November and thank Namibia for hosting the exercise. Sustaining these verification capabilities requires financial support. At a time of significant financial pressure on the CTBTO, we urge all state signatories to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time. We remain committed to preserving the long-term effectiveness of the Treaty's verification regime pending entry into force. President, the value of the CTBT is unquestionable, but we cannot take for granted the global norm against nuclear testing until it is legally binding. We urge all States that have not already done so to sign and ratify the Treaty, particularly the nine Annex II States. The unprecedented decision by the Russian Federation to de-ratify the CTBT in 2023 represents a serious setback for efforts towards universalization. It further illustrates Russia's disregard for global arms control and non-proliferation efforts. We 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. In support of this goal, we look forward once again to convening the ministerial meeting of the Friends of the CTBT on September 22 during the UN General Assembly high-level week. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the community of Latin American and Caribbean states.

Thank you, President. I'm particularly grateful for the convening of this meeting. I'd like to thank Ms. Nakamitsu for being with us, and we're also grateful for the high level speakers who have addressed us today. We're very grateful to the relatives of the victims of nuclear tests also for speaking today. 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. We reiterate our firm support for the commemoration of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests and for all efforts aimed at the complete cessation of nuclear testing. Nuclear explosions, as well as other forms of testing intended to develop or enhance nuclear weapon capabilities endanger human life, cause long-term environmental harm, and heighten geopolitical tensions. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Over three decades, the treaty has strengthened the international norm against nuclear test explosions and remains a cornerstone of the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. We reaffirm our strong support for its early entry into force. We welcome the fact that 188 States have signed and 179 have ratified the CTBT, including Tonga in July of this year. Latin America and the Caribbean was the first region in which all States ratified the Treaty. We urge all remaining States, particularly those whose ratification is required for entry into force of the CDBT, to accede to the Treaty without further delay. At the same time, non-proliferation efforts must fully respect the rights of States to develop nuclear science and technology for safe and peaceful purposes. We value the contribution of the IAEA and regional cooperation through ARCAL in areas such as health, food security, agriculture, the environment and energy. President, our region has a longstanding and unequivocal commitment to nuclear disarmament. All CELAC member states are parties to the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which established the first nuclear weapon free zone in a densely populated region. and Latin America and the Caribbean was proclaimed a zone of peace in 2014. In this regard, we agree that the mere existence of nuclear weapons constitutes 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 United Nations Charter. We take this opportunity to warmly welcome Ambassador Juan Carlos Ojeda Villone, who assumed office as Secretary General of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, OPANAL, on the 1st of January. We wish him every success in the exercise of his mandate and we reaffirm our full support to the work of OPANAL. No state must ever employ nuclear weapons under any circumstances. We call on all states to fully comply with their obligations under the disarmament and non-proliferation regime, including those contained in the NPT, the TPNW and the CTBT. We welcome the convening of the first review conference of the States Parties to the TPNW, to be held in New York from 30 November to 4 December of this year, and we encourage States that have not yet ratified the Treaty to do so. We urge nuclear weapons States to fulfil all their obligations and commitments pursuant to the NPT, in particular those related to Article VI of the Treaty, as well as their unequivocal commitment to eliminate their nuclear arsenals. We note with concern that the 11th NPT Review Conference, which was held from the 27th of April to the 22nd of May of this year, was unable to agree a final document. This should strengthen, not diminish, our collective determination to preserve the Treaty, as well as reinforce its implementation by all States Parties and advance concrete progress on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. President, the effective prohibition of nuclear testing must remain an absolute priority. Our region will continue to advance nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as a priority objective, consistent with the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace that will contribute to the goal of a safer world free of nuclear weapons. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar. on behalf of the Arab Group, followed by the European Union.

Mr. President, I have the honor to make this statement on behalf of the Arab Group at the occasion of this International Day. This is an important occasion to shed light on the risks of nuclear tests and their humanitarian, environmental, and health consequences. The group welcomes the statements by the PGA, the High Representative of the Secretary-General, and the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, as well as other speakers. In this regard, the group is deeply concerned as to the continued existence of nuclear weapons. They must be totally eliminated in an irreversible and verifiable manner. These weapons must not be used and there must not be any threat of use. We regret the failure of the third review conference of the NPT consecutively, and that is due to stringent positions by nuclear states. Action must be taken immediately in order to preserve this historic treaty. We are also concerned as to the continued nuclear tests, we call for respecting the current moratoria and warn as to any action that violates this total prohibition. In this regard, we stress the importance of the CTBT and the framework of the non-proliferation. We stress the importance of acceding to this treaty. This includes annex two states, we also highlight their special responsibility in line with the 2010 action plan, namely action 10. We also believe that that applies to countries that did not accede to the MPT. We believe this is important in order to achieve universality and to ensure the implementation, or the entry into force, rather, of the treaty. We believe that the strategic imbalance in the Middle East must be addressed. We stress the importance of the role of the secretariat as well as the preparatory committee. We believe that field inspection is important, and developing countries as well as Arab countries believe in the importance of building capacities and ensuring support. Arab states, Mr. President, have shown responsibility as they acceded to the NPT. They honor their obligations and participate actively in various review conferences we also took part in the um meetings of the tpnw and the 14th article conference that is held every two years in New York we stress the importance of addressing the strategic imbalance in the Middle East by strengthening the role of the IAEA. We call on all countries to cooperate fully with the agency in order to guarantee the peaceful character of nuclear programs. We call on Israel, the only party in the region that did not accede to the NPT, to accede to the treaty without prior conditions or further delay, and to place all its nuclear facilities under the comprehensive safeguards of the IAEA, particularly as Israel possesses nuclear capacities that threaten the security of Arab countries other countries. We stress the importance of achieving the zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMDs in the Middle East in line with the 1995 resolution on the Middle East, as well as the 2010 plan of action and the two resolutions of the Security Council. 487 and 678, as well as other relevant resolutions. We underscore the role of the Conference on the Establishment of a Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other WMDs in the Middle East. We welcome progress made during the six sessions, most recently under the chairmanship of Morocco. We look forward to the seventh upcoming session under the chairmanship of the Sultanate of Oman. We call on all invited parties to participate in good faith. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, The Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, as well as Andorra and San Marino, aligned themselves with this statement. Nuclear test explosions represent a serious danger to international peace and security. The cessation of all nuclear weapon tests, explosions and all other nuclear explosions is an effective measure of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in all its aspects. The importance of these overarching objectives is today more acute than ever, as we face heightened global security risks. The breakdown of international law is evident in several crises facing the world. The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's actions, its nuclear rhetoric and its threats to use nuclear force in its illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. which are irresponsible, provocative, dangerous and escalatory. The CTBT is one of the key pillars of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, contributing to global peace and security. The Treaty's strong legitimacy and vital importance for our collective security is enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 2310 and the annual General Assembly resolutions relating to the CTBT. Since its opening for signature 30 years ago, the CTBT has served to limit nuclear testing in an unprecedented way, complementing the NPT and serving as a strong confidence and security building measure. The CTBT's entry into force remains a high priority for the European Union. This high level meeting provides another opportunity to call for the treaty's prompt entry into force and universalization. All EU member states have ratified the treaty and consistently 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. The unprecedented decision by Russia to revoke its ratification of the CTBT represents a serious step back, which we strongly condemn. In the meantime, we call upon all States to fully observe the existing moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosion and refrain from any action contrary to the object and purpose of the Treaty. We warmly welcome the ratification of the CTBT by Tonga. Following DPRK's six nuclear tests, the CTBTO demonstrated its invaluable role in quickly providing reliable and independent data due to a truly global monitoring system for nuclear explosions. The EU urges the DPRK to comply with its obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions to refrain from testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, and to abandon its existing programmes for nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and other weapons of mass destruction in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, as required by several UN Security Council resolutions. We urge the DPRK to sign and ratify the CTBT without any precondition or further delay. The European Union reiterates its full confidence in the CTBT's verification regime, and looks forward to the completion of the international monitoring system. The completion and sustainment of IMS through adequate funding remains a priority, even in the context of a zero nominal growth budget, as it is crucial to maintain the network and ensure high data availability. The EU advocates for fully exploiting the potential benefits of civil and scientific applications of IMS data. The EU financially supports the CTBTO's verification regime and integrated capacity building activities in developing countries. Since 2006, the voluntary contributions of the European Union amounted to more than 36 million euro. President, as we mark this year the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the CTBT, We welcome the high-level events convened under the auspices of the Provisional Technical Secretariat in New York and Vienna, and the ministerial meeting organized by the Friends of the CTBT in the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York this September.

I thank the distinguished representative of the EU. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Philippines on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, followed by Kazakhstan and Costa Rica.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of ASEAN, the full version of which will be circulated. ASEAN reaffirms its unwavering commitment to strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation to contribute to global peace and security. We remain concerned over the growing risks of nuclear danger and conflict, the expansion and modernization of nuclear arsenals, and increasing salience of nuclear weapons in military and security doctrines. ASEAN underscores its commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons, which remain the only guarantee against their use, and the risk of catastrophic humanitarian consequences. ASEAN reaffirms its collective position against nuclear tests. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the CTBT, ASEAN stresses the importance of universal ratification to the treaty without delay. All ASEAN member states have ratified the CTBT, and we urge the remaining Annex II states to sign and ratify it as soon as possible to realize its entry into force. pending its entry into force, ASEAN also urges all nuclear weapons states to maintain at minimum a moratorium on nuclear explosive testing. ASEAN remains mindful of the situation in all regions that underwent nuclear test explosions, and we encourage the international community to assist these regions. ASEAN reaffirms the NPT as the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful use of nuclear energy. We regret that the 11th NPT Review Conference was unable to adopt a consensus outcome document. We commend Vietnam for its leadership as President of the Conference. We express concern over the declining commitment and cooperation in global non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament mechanisms, and call on countries, especially nuclear weapon states, to maintain and fully implement their commitments under these mechanisms, including the NPT. who continue to call on the nuclear weapon states to fulfill their obligations under Article VI and agreed commitments of the NPT review conferences. It is crucial for the nuclear weapon states to adhere to legally binding negative security assurances and adopt the no first use policy regarding nuclear weapons, as well as to pursue risk reduction strategies to prevent unintentional or accidental use of such weapons. Additionally, the nuclear weapon states must make an unequivocal commitment not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states. ASEAN maintains that the TPNW is an historic agreement which contributes towards global nuclear disarmament and complements the NPT, CTBT and other existing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation instruments. We underscore the immense contribution of nuclear weapons-free zones to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and international peace and security. We reaffirm our commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a nuclear weapons-free zone and to the full and effective implementation of the TPNWS Treaty, including through its Plan of Action. We remain committed to engaging all nuclear weapons states, including those with reservations, and to resolving outstanding issues in accordance with objectives and principles of the treaty. ASEAN notes ongoing efforts to explore the possibility of individual nuclear weapons states signing and ratifying the protocol without reservations and welcomes those ready to do so. ASEAN remains gravely concerned over the recent surge in the DPRK's intercontinental ballistic missile testing and ballistic missile launches and the increased tension in the Korean peninsula. We call on the DPRK to fully comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and call for peaceful dialogue towards lasting peace and stability in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. Diplomatic efforts should remain a priority and ASEAN reiterates its readiness to play a constructive role through ASEAN-led platforms, including the ASEAN Regional Forum. In conclusion, Mr. President, the United Nations remains an indispensable platform for fostering trust and confidence and upholding peace and security. Let us work together to ensure that the horrors of nuclear testing remain a relic of the past and realize the goal of a world without nuclear weapons for all. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan on behalf of the Central Asian states, followed by Costa Rica and Timor-Leste.

Mr. President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the states parties to the treaty on a nuclear weapon free zone in Central Asia, namely the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and my own country, the Republic of Kazakhstan, that serves as chair of the treaty. I will deliver a shortened version of our joint statement. The full text will be available on e-statements. We welcome the high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the treaty in Semipalatinsk on September 8, 2006. The choice of Semipalatinsk reflected the history of Central Asia as a region where nuclear weapons had been tested and stationed. The treaty gave legal effect the common decision of the five Central Asian states to exclude nuclear weapons from the region through cooperation and verifiable commitments. We also urge all interested parties to consider providing appropriate assistance to the Central Asian states for radiological assessment and remediation of the former nuclear test sites and uranium tailing storage sites. The security of the zone is reinforced by the protocol to the treaty. We welcome its signature by all five nuclear weapon states and its ratification by China, France, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom. We express hope for the earliest ratification by the United States, thereby completing the framework of legally binding security assurances for the zone. The 20th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk Treaty coincides with the 30th anniversary of the opening for the signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. All five Central Asian states have ratified the CTBT and remain firmly committed to its universalization and entry into force. We urge all states that have not yet done so, particularly remaining Annex II states, to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay. pending its entry into force, all States should maintain existing moratoria on nuclear weapon tests and any other nuclear explosions, and refrain from actions contrary to the objective and purposes of the Treaty. Moratoria remain important, but cannot replace a permanent, legally binding and effectively verifiable prohibition. The Central Asian States remain committed to strengthening cooperation with other nuclear-weapon-free zones. On this 20th anniversary, the five Central Asian states reaffirm their commitment to the full implementation of the Semipalatinsk Treaty and strengthening of the international norm against nuclear testing and the achievement of a world free of nuclear weapons. Mr. President, now I would like to make a few remarks in my national capacity. This year marks 35 years since the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site. You heard from the victim of nuclear testing, Karibek Kuyukov, between 1949 and 1989, 456 nuclear tests were conducted there. Over a million of people were affected, and extensive territories were exposed to radioactive contamination. The consequences still remain present in affected communities and land, and will stay like this for foreseeable future. In recognition of the lasting consequences of nuclear tests, Kazakhstan initiated General Assembly Resolution 64/35, which unanimously proclaimed 29th of August as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. Kazakhstan also welcomes the international meeting on victim assistance and environmental remediation to be convened tomorrow pursuant to General Assembly Resolution It should strengthen practical cooperation among affected states, international organizations, scientific institutions, affected communities, and civil society. Kazakhstan will continue cooperating with Dr. Robert Floyd and other partners to secure the entry into force of the CTBT, strengthen assistance to affected communities, and advance the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. I thank you.

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

President, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in 2025, according to ICAN, the nine nuclear armed states spent $119 billion on their nuclear arsenals. That is $3,768 per second. At a time of rising geopolitical tensions, but also of urgent development needs, Costa Rica firmly believes that the nuclear disarmament commitments undertaken by nuclear-armed states under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons must be fulfilled. In this regard, allow me, President, to make the following comments. Costa Rica acknowledges the contribution of voluntary moratoria to consolidating the norm against nuclear testing. However, these cannot be a substitute for a legally binding ban. Therefore, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the CTBT, we welcome the fact that 188 states have signed and 179 have ratified it. In addition, we urge the nine remaining Annex II states to take the necessary decisions to allow for the treaty's entry into force. Secondly, we highlight the important work of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, in particular its Executive Secretary, Dr. Robert Floyd, and its staff. We'd like to thank them all. Throughout 2025, the international monitoring system continued to strengthen with over 300 certified facilities. Furthermore, two new national data centers were established and preparations advanced for the 2026 integrated field exercise in Namibia, the first such exercise since 2014. Finally, Costa Rica believes that the lack of consensus at the 11th NPT Review Conference should strengthen rather than diminish our collective resolve. In that spirit, we call upon States that have not yet done so. The microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste, followed by Morocco and China.

Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting to commemorate and promote International Day Against Nuclear Test. Mr. President, Timor-Leste aligns itself with the statement delivered by Philippines on behalf of ASEAN. Excellencies, today we honor the victims and survivors. Their experience reminds us that nuclear testing is a profound humanitarian environmental, and human rights concern. As a nation rebuilt through dialogue, resilience, and international solidarity, Timor-Leste believes that lasting peace must be founded on justice, human dignity, and respect for international law. Nuclear weapons cannot provide sustainable security when their development, testing, and potential use place humanity at risk. Timor-Leste reaffirms its unwavering support for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which we ratified in 2022, contributing to each universalization in Southeast Asia. Yet, 30 years after opening for signature, the treaty has not entered into force. We urge all remaining states, particularly Annex II states, to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay. When, then, all States must uphold the global moratorium on nuclear tests, explosions and voluntary restraints cannot substitute for legally binding and verified prohibitions. We also call for sustained political and financial support for CDBTO, preparatory commissions and its international monitoring systems, ensuring stronger capacity building for developing countries, LDCs and SEEDS. Our responsibility extends beyond preventing future tests. We must support affected communities through long-term health monitoring, environmental remediations, and recognitions of survivors and rights holders of voices guided international actions. Furthermore, following our accession to the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone in October 2025, Timor-Leste remains committed to keeping our nuclear weapon-free zone -- our region's -- sorry, our region's nuclear weapon-free. We encourage nuclear weapons states to accede to its protocol and provide legally binding non-use assurances. Mr. President, a world permanently free from nuclear testing requires urgent and collective actions.

Bringing the -- I thank I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco, followed by China and Indonesia.

Mr. President, Morocco commends you for convening this meeting and thanks the briefers we heard today. Thirty years after the CTBT opened for signature, the international security environment has become more demanding. Instruments of strategic restraint patiently built over decades are under strain. The 11th NPT review conference concluded in May without a consensus outcome, and the question of nuclear testing has returned to public debate after many years of silence. Morocco does not approach this moment in a spirit of reproach. The restraint that has prevailed in this field over a long period is a collective achievement, patiently built and preserved. My country values it, and is convinced that its consolidation serves the security of every member state. In that spirit, Morocco wishes to underline three priorities. First, universality and entry into force. With full respect for the sovereign prerogative of each member state, Morocco renews its appeal to all member states that have not yet joined the treaty to consider doing so. Entry into force would give the existing moratoria the permanence that only a treaty can provide. Second, the verification regime, whose value extends well beyond the treaty itself. With 307 of its 337 facilities certified, the international monitoring system has become one of the most remarkable scientific infrastructures ever placed at the service of the international community. Its data supports tsunami warning, earthquake response, environmental monitoring, and research benefits that reach every region and every member state, regardless of its position on the treaty. Morocco is associated with this collective endeavor through the auxiliary seismic station of Midelt, which forms part of this network and considers the completion and the durability of the system to be in the interest of all. Third, the preservation of the collective capacities built around this regime. The training of experts, the readiness of inspection procedures, the transmission of scientific knowledge and the engagement of younger generations are important investments. Morocco supports their continuity, remains attached to the spirit of cooperation and dialogue that has always allowed progress in this field. Few of these organizations' undertakings carry as much hope as the ambition of a world free of nuclear tests. That ambition is not remote. It already exists in a treaty signed by the overwhelming majority of nations, in a verification system that functions every day, and in a body of scientific and human expertise that continues to grow. What remains is to give it its final form. Morocco hopes that this assembly will one day be able to state, with the full authority of a treaty in force, that this chapter of history is definitely closed. Morocco will continue to accompany every effort directed to that end. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

President, the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, the elimination of the threat of nuclear war and the ultimate establishment of a world free of nuclear weapons are in the common interest of humanity. The current international security landscape continues to undergo complex and profound changes with ongoing eruption of hotspot issues, conflicts and wars. The nuclear disarmament process faces serious setbacks while the risk of a nuclear arms race and a nuclear conflict continue to rise. Against this backdrop, the international community should do more to promote nuclear disarmament, prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and reduce nuclear risk, hence making greater efforts to achieve common security. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the CTBT. The ban on nuclear testing has now become a universal consensus within the international community. All countries should resolutely uphold the treaty's vital role in curbing the nuclear arms race and reducing the risk of a nuclear war, and work together to build a world of lasting peace and universal security. Nuclear weapons states should strictly abide by their commitment to suspend nuclear testing, reduce the status and role of nuclear weapons in their national security strategies, and explicitly commit to, among other things, a no-first-use policy. As one of the first countries to sign the CTBT, China has consistently and firmly supported the treaty's purposes and objectives, strictly adhered to its commitment to suspension of nuclear testing, worked to uphold the international consensus on nuclear testing ban, and supported relevant international efforts, thereby making significant contributions to maintaining the treaty's universality and authority. China has long maintained a high degree of stability, continuity and predictability in its nuclear policy. We adhere to a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and have unconditionally committed not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear weapon states or nuclear weapon free zones. China pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense, maintaining its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security and refraining from participating any form of nuclear arms race. China's nuclear forces constitute an indispensable element in deterring nuclear war and maintaining world peace, security and global strategic stability. China is willing to continue to work with all parties to promote the early entry into force of the CTBT, uphold the authority of the NPT, safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. regime and make unremitting efforts to achieve the noble goal of the complete prohibition and total elimination of nuclear weapons. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia, followed by Thailand and Sweden.

Indonesia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN and wishes to add the following points on our national capacity. First, we must preserve and strengthen the global norm against nuclear testing. Thanks to CTBT, the landscape of nuclear testing today is very different from 30 years ago. Since its adoption in 1996, a strong global norm against nuclear testing has taken hold. Indonesia is proud to have contributed to this progress by ratifying the treaty in 2012 as an annex to state. It was a clear declaration of our commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. Second, we must respond to new challenges, powerful computers, AI, advanced simulations, and non-explosive experiments allow nuclear armed states to assess and maintain their nuclear arsenals without conducting nuclear explosions. The same technology also allow nuclear weapons to be improved or new capabilities to be developed without an explosive test. Nuclear arms race must not simply move from testing grounds to laboratories and computers. This raises an important question. How can we ensure greater transparency, restraint and accountability as science and technology continues to advance? Scientific progress should bring us closer to nuclear disarmament, not sustain a new nuclear arms race. And this brings me to my final point. We must continue to strengthen the CTBT as a cornerstone to the global nuclear test ban regime and ensure that it remains relevant as technology evolves. Therefore, we continue to urge Annex II States to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay. We must also keep our eye on the ultimate goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. For as long as nuclear weapons exist, the risk of their use will remain. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand, followed by Sweden and Vietnam.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thailand aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN and wishes to add the following in its national capacity. Given today's heightened geopolitical tensions, the risk of the resumption of nuclear testing poses a grave threat to international peace and security. Any return to nuclear testing would severely erode the global non-proliferation architecture and reverse decades of hard-won progress. To address these challenges, Thailand highlights three key priorities. First, we must achieve the universalization of the CTBT. Thailand urges all remaining Annex II states and nuclear weapons states to exercise utmost restraint uphold their testing moratoria and ratify the treaty without delay. We welcome Tonga's recent ratification, completing universalization in the Pacific, and hope that this momentum inspires others to follow suit. Second, we must reinforce the disarmament framework. Global nuclear disarmament and regional security are intrinsically linked. Thailand firmly believes that the CTBT, NPT, TPNW, and other regional nuclear weapon-free zone treaties, including the Shan Fez Treaty, are mutually reinforcing instruments to achieving our shared objective of a world free of nuclear weapons. Third, we must demonstrate concrete technical leadership. Thailand has consistently translated our commitment into action. We operate two international monitoring system stations and look forward to hosting Southeast Asia's first noble gas detection facility once the upgrade is completed. Furthermore, the visit of Dr. Robert Floyd to Thailand last July deepened our cooperation and reaffirmed our joint effort to build robust technical capacity across the region. Mr. President, as we commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests and the 30th anniversary of the CTBT, the treaty remains as critically relevant as ever. It is indeed time to renew our collective commitment to bring the CTBT into force and end nuclear testing once and for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden.

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, colleagues, Sweden fully aligns itself with the EU statement. and I have the honor to present the following remarks in my national capacity. Given the present global security situation and the pressure on the disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, strengthening existing disarmament and non-proliferation tools is essential. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is one such instrument. Sweden currently serves as co-president of the Article 14 process of the CTBT. This reflects our firm commitment to the treaty and its crucial role in the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. This year marks the CTBT's 30th anniversary with key achievements. First, near universal support, 188 signatories and 179 ratifications, including the most recent accession of Tonga in July, which completes adherence.

To the CBT.

Across the Pacific region. Second, a strong norm against nuclear testing. Thousands of tests before 1996 and only under a dozen after. And third, a functioning verification regime. The international monitoring system and data center has detected all DPRK tests and has provided rapid information. The international monitoring system also supports civilian use, such as tsunami warnings. However, there are still challenges. In 2023, Russia revoked its ratification of the CTBT, taking us further away from entry into force and undermining ongoing disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. We have also noted with concern allegations earlier this year of nuclear tests by another state. This leads us to the conclusion that even greater efforts should be put to bring CTBT into force. The treaty's normative strength cannot replace a permanent, non-discriminatory, verifiable, legally binding prohibition on all nuclear explosions. Entry into force would also enable additional verification measures, including on-site inspections. Sweden calls on all States, especially remaining Annex II States, to sign and ratify the CTBT without preconditions or delay. All States should uphold the moratorium on nuclear explosions of any yield and refrain from actions contrary to the Treaty's object and purpose. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam, followed by Guatemala and the Republic of Moldova.

Mr. President, Excellency, distinguished delegates and guests, Vietnam aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN. Last Friday, we commemorated the opening for signature of the CTBT, one of the most significant achievements in disarmament since the end of the Cold War. Yet, 30 years after its opening for signature, despite the overwhelming number of states that have signed and ratified the treaty, it has still not entered into force. What is unfolding today, Excellencies, is more than a growing debate over nuclear testing. We are witnessing the questioning and with it the risks of gradual erosions of the longstanding global norms against nuclear testing and its institution. This is symptomatic of an erosion of trust in the broader international architecture for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. In this context, we wish to add our voice to the global call for renewed efforts towards the complete and total elimination of nuclear weapons. We urge all states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay. We welcome Ton's recent signature and ratification of the treaty. Stemming from our commitment to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Vietnam underscores the importance of supporting the work of the CTBTO and the IAEA in raising global awareness of the dangers of nuclear testing, strengthening the international monitoring systems, and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In this regard, we call upon all nuclear weapons states to accelerate their efforts to sign and ratify the protocol to the Treaty on the South Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zones, and reaffirm our commitment to engage with all states concerned to resolve outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principle of the Sunfish Treaty. We further emphasize the need to maintain the global moratoriums on all nuclear weapons test explosions and other nuclear explosions. and to redouble efforts to address the long-term humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapon use and testing. Vietnam once again applauds Kazakhstan's initiative in establishing the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. We extend our solidarity with the victims and communities affected by the use and testing of nuclear weapons. Let us ensure that the progress made over the past decade is not reversed. Let's work together to leave the shadow of nuclear weapons for future generations and build a safer and more peaceful world. I thank you.

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

Thank you, President. Guatemala welcomes the convening of this high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, an occasion that invites us to reflect on the profound humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear testing and to renew our commitment to its definitive prohibition. This year holds special significance for the international community. We are commemorating the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the 25th anniversary of the official closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, two milestones that symbolise the firm rejection of nuclear testing and the aspiration to strengthen the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime. History has shown that nuclear tests do not end with the explosion. Their effects persist for generations, leaving profound human and environmental consequences. This reality compels us to recognize that nuclear testing is not only a matter of international security, but also an issue of human dignity, public health and justice. For this reason, Guatemala has condemned and will continue to condemn nuclear tests. as they are incompatible with efforts to preserve international peace and security. President, faithful to its tradition of promoting peace and strengthening multilateralism, Guatemala believes that nuclear disarmament is a collective responsibility. In this regard, as a state party to the Treaty of Tlatelolco, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Guatemala continues to support initiatives to prevent the risks associated with nuclear weapons and advancing their complete elimination. Nevertheless, we regret the fact that three decades after its opening for signature, the CTBT has yet to enter into force. We therefore reiterate our call on the states whose ratification is required to make this possible to take the necessary measures without delay. President, The milestones we are commemorating this year remind us that progress in disarmament and non-proliferation requires sustained political will and a renewed commitment to multilateralism. The best way to honour the victims is to redouble our efforts to achieve the entry into force of the CTBT and move towards a safer, more peaceful and nuclear-weapon-free world for present and future generations. Thank you.

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

President, Excellencies, colleagues, the Republic of Moldova aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to make the following remarks in its national capacity. President, the Republic of Moldova is honored to participate in this high-level plenary meeting commemorating the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. My country attaches great importance to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and considers the cessation of all nuclear weapon test explosions and all other nuclear explosions an essential contribution to international peace and security. We firmly believe that a world free from nuclear tests is an important step towards the broader objective of achieving a world free from nuclear weapons. The CTBT remains a cornerstone of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. The Republic of Moldova signed the treaty in 1997 and ratified it in 2006. We fully share the objectives and spirit of the CDBT and support its prompt entry into force and universalization. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the opening of the CDBT for signature, Moldova reiterates its call upon all States that have not yet ratified the Treaty, particularly the remaining Annex II States, to take the necessary steps and to do so without any further delay. Pending its entry into force and universalization, we urge all States to uphold existing moratoria on nuclear weapon test explosions and to refrain from any action that would undermine the Treaty objective and purpose. The Republic of Moldova strongly supports the work of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization and attaches particular importance to its verification regime, including the international monitoring system. Reliable, independent and timely monitoring capabilities are indispensable for strengthening confidence, transparency and accountability, and for enabling the international community to respond effectively to any nuclear test explosion. We also recognize the valuable contribution of CTBTO activities to scientific and civil application, as well as to capacity building and to development of expertise. particularly among young professionals and scientists. In this context, the Republic of Moldova reaffirms its full support for the position and efforts of the European Union on the CTBT. We will continue to contribute within our capacity to strengthening the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime and to advancing our common objective of a safe --.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico, followed by Ukraine, Chile, and Norway.

Vice President, Mexico is grateful for the convening of this meeting, and we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of CELAC. We recognize Kazakhstan's leadership in continuing to promote this important commemorative day. Latin America and the Caribbean showed some time ago that it's possible to build regional security without using nuclear weapons. Next year we will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Tlatelolco Treaty, which set out the first zone free of nuclear weapons in a densely populated region. As a depositary state of this instrument, Mexico reaffirms the value of this instrument and the value of nuclear weapons free zones as concrete contributions to peace, disarmament and non-proliferation. President this year, we are commemorating also three decades since the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, CTBT. Mexico welcomes Tonga's recent ratification, which means there are now 179 states that have ratified and which completes the universalization of the treaty in the Pacific. The international norm against nuclear tests is a fundamental achievement that we must preserve and build on and enforce. Thirty years since its opening for signature, it is unacceptable that the CTBT has still not entered into force. Mexico therefore urges all states who have not yet done so, in particular Annex II states, to sign and ratify the treaty without further delay. without prior conditions or any other strings attached. Mexico will continue to work for a world free of nuclear weapons and nuclear tests. Given the unacceptable humanitarian and environmental consequences, their complete elimination remains the only guarantee that they will never be used again. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine, followed by Chile, Norway, and Austria.

The delegation of Ukraine aligns itself with the EU statement. We would like to add some additional remarks in our national capacity. On the occasion of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, Ukraine joins the international community in commemorating the victims of nuclear testing and recalls its devastating humanitarian and environmental consequences.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the CTBT.

Over the past three decades, the treaty has become one of the key pillars of the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament architecture and has contributed to establishing a strong global norm against nuclear weapon test explosions. Ukraine calls upon all states that have not yet done so, particularly the remaining Annex II states, to sign and ratify the CTBT without further delay. Pending its entry into force, all states must uphold moratoriums on nuclear test explosions. We also strongly condemn the DPRK's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. and call on Pyongyang to fully comply with relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as take concrete steps toward the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. President, Russia's withdrawal of its CTBT ratification and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric have jeopardized the nuclear nonproliferation regime and undermined international peace and security. Moscow continues to seize and militarize the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, creating unprecedented risks to nuclear safety and security. We call on the international community to put pressure on Russia to withdraw from the site and return the NPP to Ukraine's full sovereign control. Moscow's policy of nuclear blackmail cannot be tolerated. We call for resolute condemnation and firm action by the international community in this regard. Nuclear blackmail must never be allowed to serve as a means of achieving political objectives. President, more than three decades ago, Ukraine voluntarily relinquished the world's third largest nuclear arsenal, eliminated all nuclear weapons from the territory, and joined the NPT as non-nuclear weapon state. In return, Ukraine has received security assurances. Yet Russia, one of the states that provided those assurances, flagrantly betrayed its commitments by launching the aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine's sovereign experience demonstrates a fundamental lesson. Security assurances without credible enforcement mechanisms failed their ultimate test. They failed to deter the aggression. Therefore, Ukraine needs clear, credible, and legally binding security guarantees. We call on the international community to act decisively to compel Russia to end its war of aggression by maintaining sustained pressure and providing support for Ukraine. Every step that strengthens Ukraine brings us closer to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. Now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile, followed by Norway, Austria.

Thank you, President. Chile is grateful for the convening of this plenary meeting to commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. Today, we wish to recall resolution 3366, 64/35, which was adopted in the General Assembly and which established this International Day, and also resolution 72/51, which sets the day for this commemoration. President, Chile is and has always been a staunch advocate of nuclear disarmament. We are in favor of a democratic, transparent process. That is why we are concerned to see the current trends which are going against the principles underlying the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime in spite of the long-term disastrous consequences of nuclear tests and any potential use of nuclear weapons themselves. Bearing this in mind, on the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the CTBT, we are convinced that this treaty is a fundamental pillar of the international disarmament architecture. It complements the cornerstone that we all recognize, which is the NPT. That is why we stress the need for the CTBT to enter into force and we urge all states, particularly Annex II states, to accelerate the process to sign and ratify this international instrument. We also stress the fact that we attach particular importance to the technical work carried out by the CTBTO. This is laid out also and borne out in the fact that the organization has an office in our country. We play an active role in the CTBTO and we thus contribute to moving forward efforts in this domain. President, finally, my country wishes to recall that the mere existence of nuclear weapons is a threat to humanity and the threat of them being used could have catastrophic consequences, which is clearly contrary to international law. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Chile. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

President, I want to start by expressing my thanks for the messages of condolence and expressions of sympathy after the passing of His Majesty King Harald V. A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for the King's long life in the service of Norway. King Harald taught us that Norway is built on trust, community, and generosity. We are proud to represent abroad the Norway that he stood for. We also want to express our condolences to the people of Nepal and China for the tragic floodings. President, the CTBT remains a cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. By prohibiting all nuclear test explosions, it has established a powerful international norm and constrained the development of nuclear weapons. Although the treaty has yet to enter into force, its impact is clear. Near-universal support for the CTBT and widespread observance of testing moratoria demonstrate the international community's commitment to a permanent ban on nuclear explosions. Norway also commends the achievements of the treaty's verification regime. The work of the Preparatory Commission has produced a unique global monitoring and verification system that strengthens confidence in compliance and enables detection of nuclear tests worldwide. The international monitoring system is one of the CTBT regime's greatest assets. Maintaining its effectiveness requires sustainable funding and careful prioritization, particularly in the current financial environment. Norway stands ready to engage constructively in these discussions. President, 30 years after the CTBT was opened for signature, its entry into force remains an urgent priority. We call on all states that have not yet done so to sign and to ratify the treaty. Norway deeply regrets developments that weaken confidence in the CTBT regime, including Russia's revocation of its ratification. We urge all states to uphold their commitments, preserve the integrity of the verification regime, and continue supporting the work of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission. At a time of growing international tensions and nuclear risks, safeguarding the norm against nuclear testing is more important than ever. Any resumption of nuclear testing would be a serious setback for international security and non-proliferation efforts. Norway calls on all states to maintain existing moratoria and refrain from actions that undermine the treaty's object and purpose. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria, followed by Nigeria, Tunisia, and Japan.

Mr. President, Austria aligns itself with the statements presented by the EU and WIORG. This International Day against Nuclear Tests is no ordinary one. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the CTBT, we must ask ourselves: Are we still committed to this step, or are we allowing it to erode? For Austria and the overwhelming majority of states, the answer is clear. At a time of heightened global tension and rising nuclear threats, we must take the strongest stand against the threat of nuclear weapons and all nuclear testing. Today, the danger of nuclear conflict is higher than at any time since the Cold War. This goes beyond testing. As long as nuclear weapons exist, they remain an existential threat to every nation and every person. We reject any and all nuclear threats, explicit or implicit. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is a grave breach of international law and the UN Charter. The majority of states want a world free from nuclear risk. The TPNW, which Austria co-initiated and consistently champions, puts the humanitarian consequences and unacceptable risks of nuclear weapons at the forefront. Awareness of these catastrophic consequences must underpin all disarmament efforts. The TPNW also prohibits nuclear tests, thus strengthening the global norm against testing. We look forward to its first review conference this December, a crucial opportunity to consolidate the treaty's trajectory and advance its universalization. Austria is honored to host the CTBTO in Vienna and to support its critical work under the able leadership of Executive Secretary Robert Floyd. Our commitment is grounded in the belief in the intersection of diplomacy and science that made the CTBT possible. The record of the past century speaks for itself. It is the result of decades of effort by states, scientists, and the CBTTO. But this success is fragile. Any test at any yield would undermine the norm, erode trust, and threaten decades of progress. Mr. President, In the face of geopolitical strains, a renewed arms race, and the weakening of the nuclear taboo, the CTBT is not just a treaty. It's a shield. Strengthening it is not just a choice. It's a moral and strategic imperative. This anniversary is an opportunity to recommit to the CTBT as our technical and normative shield against nuclear testing, to its entry into force with its onsite inspections and compliance mechanisms. We need political will and sustainable financial support, and also consider ways to even further improve the sensitivity of the international monitoring system. Austria remains fully committed to this mission, and I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria, followed by Tunisia, Japan, and Namibia.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Nigeria aligns itself with the statement delivered by Africa Group. And the President conveys heartfelt congratulations for this 30 years experience of CTBT. As a matter of fact, he wanted me to emphasize that Africa, as a nonweapon-free zone, And, you know, we beat nuclear explosive testing across the continent of Africa. So we are a free zone for nuclear weapon testing. Let me say clearly, Mr. President, that Nigeria does not possess nuclear weapon and never pursue nuclear weapon programs. As a matter of fact, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has key institutions that monitor most of these issues that have to do with weapons of mass destruction. This includes Nigeria Africa Atomic Bomb Energy Commission, which is set up in Nigeria, and the regulatory framework. We partner collectively and collaboratively with other countries in the world as a liberal democratic state, Nigeria. So we partner with Russia, China, France, South Korea, and the United States of America. Mr. President, Nigeria President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asked me to convey that Nigeria is open to more partnership to ensure that the geocentric system is fully rid enough of any weapon -- nuclear weapon test. And I think, Mr. President, Nigeria believes that there should be an amendment to Article 27 the United Nations charter, which says there is no intervention on internal affairs of another country. But there should be intervention in the internal affairs of another country if the country is actually doing nuclear weapon testing or possesses weapons of mass destruction. Finally, Mr. President, We want to celebrate this 38th anniversary and Nigeria wishes every country, member country of the United Nation, every success in clearing the geocentric system of this nuclear testing weapon and ensuring that the world is secured and the world is free from nuclear weapon testing that creates.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Tunisia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the state of Qatar on behalf of the Arab group, as well as the statement delivered by Burundi on behalf of the African group, and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity. On this International Day Against Nuclear Tests, We reaffirm that the only guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is their complete elimination. In this context, we regret that the recent review conference of the NPT could not reach consensus for the third consecutive time. However, this failure should not be seen as undermining the credibility of the NPT. In fact, the NPT proved its efficiency since the number of nuclear warheads has drastically shrunk since its entry into force. Thus, we call for collective efforts to advance nuclear disarmament. As a state party to the CTBT, Tunisia underscores the importance of this treaty as a key pillar of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. We also stress the special responsibility of nuclear weapons states to reduce nuclear risks. Furthermore, Tunisia reiterates the need for strengthening the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency and ensuring full cooperation with it to guarantee the exclusively peaceful nature of nuclear programs. We also renew our call for the urgent establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and in this regard, We welcome the progress achieved through the conference on establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and we look forward to its seventh session under the chairmanship of the Sultanate of Oman and encourage the participation of all invited parties. To conclude, Mr. President, let us not forget what President JFK Kennedy said 65 years ago in this very hall. Weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.

Mr. President, Japan aligns itself with the statement delivered by Australia on behalf of the Friends of the CTBT. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the CTBT. Over the past three decades, it has helped establish a strong global norm against nuclear test explosions and advanced nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, during war, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan remains firmly committed to a world without nuclear weapons and free of nuclear test explosions. Japan urges all states that have not yet done so, particularly the remaining annexed two states, to sign and ratify the treaty without further delay. Mr. President, a strong verification regime is essential for the credibility of the CTBT to sustain it We strongly call on all states signatories to pay their assist contributions timely and in full to keep the system in continuous function. Japan has long supported capacity building through JICA's global seismological observation training course, which has trained more than 300 experts from over 80 countries. Japan welcomes the Kingdom Tonga's ratification as a milestone for universalization in the South Pacific. We also commend Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd for his tireless efforts to advance the universalization of the treaty and strengthen its verification regime. Japan remains seriously concerned about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. We reiterate our condemnation of its six nuclear tests and urge them to refrain from any further nuclear tests. complying with relevant Security Council resolutions and sign and ratify the CTBT. Mr. President, on September 22nd, during the UN General Assembly high-level week, the friends of the CTBT will convene the ministerial meeting. We call for high-level participation and support for the joint statement. We hope this meeting will renew political momentum towards the treaty's early entry into force and universalization. Japan will continue to work toward a world without nuclear weapons and nuclear test explosions. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia, followed by Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

President, eight decades after the dawn of the nuclear age, humanity continues to live in the shadow of weapons whose destructive power defies all moral justification. The commemoration of the International Day against Nuclear Tests reminds us that the scars left by nuclear testing are not confined to history books. They injure affected communities, damage ecosystems and collective memories around the world. As a state party to the Pelindaba Treaty, the CTBT and other instruments that promote nuclear disarmament, Namibia remains firmly committed to the pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons. Namibia will mark the 30th anniversary of the CTBT by hosting the CTBTO's third largest scale field integrated exercise from 5 October to 20 November 2026 in Sokobon. The field exercise will test onsite inspection capabilities, logistics and field procedures to strengthen the global verification regime against clandestine nuclear tests. Mr. President, we remain deeply concerned by the growing geopolitical tensions, renewed nuclear rhetoric, and modernization of nuclear arsenals. Such developments undermine decades of disarmament efforts and heighten the risk of international peace and security at a time when humanity faces urgent challenges, including poverty, climate change, food insecurity, and public health crises. resources devoted to nuclear weapons would rather would better be invested in sustainable development and the well-being of our peoples Namibia believes that multilateralism remains the most effective path to addressing nuclear dangers and reiterates its call for the early entry into force of the CTBT we urge all states whose ratification is required under Annex II of the Treaty to sign and ratify without any delay. On this International Day, victims of past nuclear tests should be honoured through meaningful action, ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again, and nuclear testing remains permanently confined to history. Finally, Namibia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Burundi on behalf of the African group, and our full statement will be shared via e-statement. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe, followed by Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

Zimbabwe aligns with the statement delivered by the African Group and makes the following remarks in its national capacity. Since its opening for signature in 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has delivered the prevailing global norm against nuclear testing with a robust international monitoring system to verify compliance. This marked the end of a dark period in world history, during which more than 2,000 nuclear weapons released a cumulative yield 35,000 times stronger than the atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima. Adverse health, humanitarian, and environmental consequences still haunt the world to date. Zimbabwe appreciates that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is the first treaty to require victim assistance and environmental remediation as a consequence of the testing of nuclear weapons. In our African context, the Treaty of Pelindaba, which established the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone, is a landmark in reinforcing both regional and global nuclear disarmament norms, including the total prohibition of nuclear testing. At the international level, Zimbabwe implores all remaining Annex II States that have not yet signed or ratified the CTBT to do so. The collective security of all States can only be safeguarded by unflinching adherence to the prohibition against nuclear testing. President, we regret that the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, held earlier this year, concluded without a consensus outcome for the third consecutive time. Zimbabwe implores the General Assembly to recall its assessment during the first special session devoted to disarmament held in 1978, that nuclear weapons carry an unprecedented threat of self-extinction and the existing arsenals are more than sufficient to destroy all life on earth. Excellencies and distinguished delegates, in conclusion, Zimbabwe calls for a return to the path of nuclear disarmament under strict and effective international control. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka, followed by Cambodia and South Africa.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Sri Lanka is pleased to join in the commemoration of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. The purpose of this day is clear, to keep the world's attention focused on why nuclear testing must end once and for all. For more than eight years, no nuclear test explosion has been detected anywhere in the world. That is real progress. But it is fragile.

To make it last, it needs to be written into law.

Through a ban on all nuclear test explosions that is binding, verifiable, and applies to everyone. Mr. President, the security environment has grown more dangerous, and the agreements that once kept nuclear arsenals in check are falling away. The recent review conference of the NPT concluded without agreement. These are worrying developments. Our own position has never wavered. Sri Lanka signed the CTBT in 1996, within days of its adoption, and ratified it in 2023. We acceded to the TPNW in 2023. Against this background, Sri Lanka would ask two things. First, that the CTBT be brought into force. We urge the remaining states whose ratification are still needed to take that step without further delay. Second, that until the treaty enters into force, every nuclear armed state keeps its testing moratorium in place. None of this is beyond reach. These are practical steps that would make us all safer. Mr. President, a nuclear test is never a harmless act. Wherever they have been conducted, communities continue to live with the consequences. Contaminated land they can no longer use, long-term health impacts, and homes they were forced to abandon. The purpose of a nuclear test is to refine weapons designed to destroy human life on an unimaginable scale. We must never allow the world to return to nuclear testing. In closing, Sri Lanka calls all states to uphold the global norm against nuclear testing, to bring the CTBT into force, and to keep working with renewed determination toward a world without nuclear weapons. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia, followed by South Africa.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Cambodia aligns itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by the Philippines and wish to make a few points in our capacity. As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has often reminded us on the devastating legacy of more than 2,000 nuclear tests conducted since 1945, the lasting consequences for human health, environment, and international peace and security continue to be felt today. While the legacy of the past tests need to be addressed to support the affected community, the ongoing consequences stand as a sharp testimony that nuclear testing must never resume. The fact that the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has not entered into force is gravely concerned.

Cambodia therefore urge all the remaining.

States to demonstrate the necessary political will to complete their remaining ratification processes and bring this landmark treaty into.

Force without further delay.

At the same time, any resumption of nuclear testing would undermine decades of progress in disarmament heightened mistrust and risk further strategic destabilities with serious consequences for national peace and security. Mr. President, Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, as enshrined in the ASEAN -- in the South Seas Treaties. Cambodia also remained firmly committed to a world free from nuclear weapons and testing. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

President, South Africa associates with the statement delivered on behalf of the African group. South Africa remains extremely concerned by the renewed salience of nuclear weapons in security doctrines, the continued modernisation of nuclear arsenals and their delivery systems, the expansion and maintenance of nuclear stockpiles, and the deployment of nuclear weapons in non-nuclear weapon states. At the same time, the global norm against nuclear testing is being challenged with public statements on the resumption of nuclear explosive testing. Such developments move the international community further away from the goal of a world free from nuclear weapons and undermine both the objectives of the CTBT and the disarmament obligations contained in Article VI of the NPT. A growing body of scientific evidence and the testimonies of affected communities, as we've heard this morning, continue to demonstrate the devastating harm and long-term risks associated with the testing and use of nuclear weapons. It is therefore deeply regrettable that 30 years after the CTBT was opened for signature, it has yet to enter into force. This remains the case despite the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of the nuclear detonations in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the experiences of communities affected by more than 2,000 nuclear tests conducted worldwide. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted as a response and to address, based on scientific evidence, the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of a nuclear weapon detonation. By prohibiting the development, testing, production, possession, and transfer of nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices, the TPNW complements both the CTBT and the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. President, the world cannot afford a nuclear detonation, whether by accident, or intention due to the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences, as well as the threat to international peace and security. South Africa therefore reaffirms the imperative of prohibiting all nuclear tests, explosions, ending the development and qualitative and quantitative improvement of nuclear weapons and completely eliminating nuclear weapons. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Fiji speaks today not only as an advocate against nuclear testing, but as a state that has lived its consequences. We will not rehearse that history here. We will speak instead about what this Assembly must do now. Thirty years ago, Fiji became the first state in the world to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. We did not wait, not because we are powerful, but because we knew what was at stake. This year, the Pacific completed what Fiji began. And we congratulate the Kingdom of Tonga whose ratification in July delivered the universal adherence across our Pacific region. But let us be honest about this moment. This Thursday marks nine years to the day since the last nuclear explosion anywhere on Earth. The longest silence since 1945. And yet, test sites are maintained, tunnels are kept in readiness, and the language of resumption has returned. Fiji says plainly, no state's conduct justifies another state's test. There is only fallout and it does not distinguish between the powerful and the small. Fiji therefore calls on all states, maintain the moratorium without conditions and without waiting to see who moves first, ratify the treaty, Nine of the 44 Annex II states remain outstanding, and 30 years is long enough. Sustain the international monitoring system, which keeps watch on behalf of everyone, including those who have not yet joined it, and meet the obligations owed for testing already done, remediation, healthcare, and recognition for those who never consented to it. Fiji was the first to ratify, We will not be the last to insist. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji. We have had the last speaker in the commemorative meeting for this morning. We shall hear the remaining speakers tomorrow, 1 September, in this hall, after the programme announced in the Journal. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. As announced in the President's letters dated 6 January and 20 May 2026, I propose that the time limits for statements in the exercise of the right of reply under this item be limited to five minutes for the first intervention and to three minutes for the second intervention. Is there any objection to this proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Assembly, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut off. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. Members are also reminded that statements in the exercise of the right of reply should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to I call on the representative of the Russian Federation.

President, we regret that some Member States are using the GA, this platform, to make anti-Russian insinuations divorced from reality. We denounce any allegations levelled at Russia, including comments made by the EU delegation related to the situation. the situation surrounding the CTBT. We've stated our position on many occasions. The reason why we revoked our ratification of the CTBT, we'll have to do it again. Given the deterioration in the international security space surrounding the CTBT, the situation is now very difficult. There's no likelihood of the treaty entering into force, but it's not Russia's fault, as colleagues are trying to suggest. Various US administrations have used trumped up justifications to reject ratification of the treaty. Washington has not taken any steps to move closer to ratification. Without a doubt, the US is not interested in the ratification. of this treaty. And in 2025, the president himself, the president of the US, said that there's a need to resume nuclear tests alongside other states. After that statement, they increased funding to relevant chapters of the US budget. For that reason, we'd like to warn about the fact that if the US rejected the moratorium on tests, well, that could have a domino effect Under these circumstances, and also in light of the overall political context, Russia believed the imbalance between Russia and the US as regards CTBT obligations was no longer tenable. We fixed the situation by revoking our ratification. I am referring to us revoking the ratification, I want to emphasize that. We have signed the CTBT, we're a signatory thereto with all of the rights and obligations stemming therefrom. For example, we are upholding the moratorium on nuclear tests introduced back when we still had the USSR in 1990. In December of 2023, we completed the building of the Russian segment of the international monitoring system. It comprises is comprised of 32 facilities. We continue to work with the technical secretariat of the CTBTO to ensure that the facilities I mentioned earlier continue working uninterrupted. Thank you for your kind attention.

I now call on the representative of Israel for a second intervention. Israel for their first intervention.

Mr. President, we have heard some remarks regarding nuclear disarmament and the Middle East that are detached from the current reality in the region. We call those who made the remarks to update their policy statements and devote more time and efforts to pursuing a Middle East where all countries recognize each other's right to exist. I thank you, Mr. President.

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 99. The meeting is adjourned.