UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c1/80/18 First Committee, 18th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session — First Committee — 27 October 2025 Language: en Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record. --- 1st Committee · Chair [0:05]: The 18th meeting of the Disarmament and International Security committee of the 80th session of the General assembly is called to order. Distinguished delegates. In accordance with its program of work, the Committee will first hear a briefing by the Chair of the Open Ended Working Group on Security of and the Use of Information and communication technologies 2021 until 2025. His Excellency Ambassador Berhan Gafour from Singapore, whom I warmly welcome to the podium today. Following Ambassador Gafour's statement, the Committee will exchange to an informal mode to afford delegations the opportunity to ask questions. Immediately after the formal plenary, we resume to allow the Committee to continue its thematic discussion under the cluster of other disarmament measures and international security. I now happily to give the floor to the Chair of the Open ended Working Group, Ambassador Berhanga Ford. You have the floor, Ambassador. Singapore · Chair OEWG · Burhan Ghafour [1:24]: Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished Delegates, I'm very honored to brief the First Committee today in my capacity as Chair of the Open Ended Working Group on the Security of and in the use of ICTs. 2021-2025. I'm pleased to report that the OEWG convened a total of each 11 substantive sessions since the commencement of its mandate in 2021, including three substantive sessions which were held over this past year. The intense schedule of work over the past five years culminated in the consensus adoption of the OEWG's final report in July 202025 in accordance with the mandate in Resolution 75, 240, which directed the OEWG, and I quote, to submit for adoption by consensus a final report on the results of its work to the General assembly at its 80th session. In this regard, I'm pleased to report that with the adoption of the final Report, the work of the OEWG has come to a successful conclusion. The success of the OEWG belongs to all Member States, for it demonstrates that a UN process can deliver results when there is constructive engagement from all Member States. I take this opportunity to thank all Member States for their commitment to and and support for the OEWG's work over the last five years. Madam Chair, as I address the First Committee for the final time in my capacity as OEWG Chair, please allow me to highlight five significant areas where we have made progress since the start of the OEWG's work in 2021. First, and perhaps most significantly, States have agreed for the first time to establish a permanent global mechanism at the United nations to discuss ICT security in the context of international security. The global mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing Responsible State behavior in the use of ICTs will provide a permanent, inclusive and universal platform where States can continue their work on ICT security and continue their work to implement and strengthen the global Framework for Responsible State behavior. It is particularly significant that the elements underpinning the Global Mechanism were negotiated and agreed by all States in a consensus process, giving every State a stake in the long term success of the Global Mechanism. Secondly, States established multiple concrete initiatives to enhance international cooperation over the course of the OEWG's work. This includes the agreement to create a Global Points of Contact Directory to facilitate coordination and cooperation between States, including in the event of ICT incidents. As of today, around 120 states have already joined the Directory and this number continues to increase in accordance with the mandate agreed by States. The Secretariat has also progressively implemented various efforts to ensure the long term success of the global POC Directory, such as the organization of regular ping tests, the production of capacity building materials and the convening of simulation exercises. Thirdly, States made progress in developing and deepening our common understandings across the various aspects of the OEWG's mandate. For example, States identified a range of new threats in the ICT domain for the first time, including threats relating to ransomware, commercially available ICT intrusion capabilities and AI security. The identification of these new elements as part of the threat landscape, which is rapidly evolving, provides a common basis upon which States can continue their work to strengthen international cooperation in ICT security. States have also agreed additional understandings relating to how international law applies to the use of ICTs while agreeing to continue discussions on this important topic within the new Global Mechanism. Fourthly, States have made important progress in efforts to strengthen and elaborate the agreed Global framework for Responsible State behavior. For example, States agreed for the first time to adopt eight voluntary global confidence building measures to help build trust, foster mutual understanding and enhance transparency among States. The aim is for these global CBMs to reduce the risk of conflict stemming from misunderstanding or misperceptions between states. These global CBMs are an important substantive addition to the Framework for Responsible State behaviour and it is a demonstration of the Framework's cumulative and evolving nature. States have also agreed to continue discussing and updating a voluntary checklist of practical actions for the implementation of voluntary non binding norms as a capacity building tool to guide States in their implementation of their agreed norms by elaborating a set of common practical actions that could serve as the starting point for States implementation efforts. Additionally, building on the robust discussion within the OEWG on proposals for new norms, States reaffirmed that given the unique attributes of of ICTs, additional norms could continue to be developed over time. States also recognize that several proposals have been put forward for possible new norms which are still being discussed by States. Fifth, States redoubled their commitment to accelerating capacity building. There was widespread recognition that that capacity building is foundational to global cooperation in ICT security and that capacity building is itself a confidence building measure. There was also a clear understanding that capacity building is essential to implementation of the Framework for Responsible State behavior. By ensuring that every State has the capacity to fully implement the elements of the Framework, we are in fact support, supporting and strengthening the Framework itself. One important milestone was the convening of the inaugural High Level Global Roundtable on ICT Security capacity building in May 2024 to highlight the urgency of accelerating capacity building efforts to strengthen the framework. This marked the first time that the UN had engaged in a high level discussion on cyber capacity building and it was an indication of the level of importance placed by States on accelerating capacity building. I'm also pleased to report that States were able to agree that the Global Mechanism would have a dedicated thematic group specifically focused on the task of accelerating ICT security capacity building, providing us with the institutional architecture necessary to ensure that we deliver the concrete capacity building outcomes that are so urgently needed around the world. Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates, at this point I'd like to remind you that Singapore, in its capacity as Chair of the oewg, has tabled a draft resolution for this Committee's consideration Under Agenda Item 94. I take this opportunity to request that all delegations look at this draft resolution carefully and to look at this draft as a procedural tool to seek the General Assembly's endorsement of the OEWG's final report. The adoption of a single consensus resolution endorsing the final Report is critical to preserving the spirit of consensus and constructive engagement that has characterized the work of the oewg. It will serve as a tangible demonstration of the unity of purpose of the international community and it will allow us to begin the work of the Global Mechanism with a sense of common vision. I therefore would like to urge all delegations to refrain from reopening issues already discussed in the oewg. I'm encouraged that as of now, no other resolutions have been tabled under agenda item 94, and I look forward to the continued support of all delegations for the adoption of the draft resolution proposed by Singapore without a vote, namely by consensus. Madam Chair, distinguished Delegates, While the OEWG process has come to an end. We will begin a new phase of our collective work to strengthen the framework for responsible State behavior and continue our collaboration and cooperation to strengthen ICT security. There is therefore much more work to be done in this area. It is my hope that the Global Mechanism will continue to embrace the spirit of constructive engagement and adopt a step by step approach towards making progress in order to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes issues. I'm confident that States will continue to build on the good progress that we have made so far as we continue to work towards our collective objective of an open, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful and interoperable cyberspace. Finally, I'd like to conclude by expressing my heartfelt thanks to every delegation for your active participation, your commitment to the work of the OEWG and and most importantly, for your support and friendship. It has been an immense honour for me and for Singapore to chair the OEWG process and I call on all Member States to extend the same support and partnership that was extended to me to be also extended to the future Chair of the Global Mechanism. I thank you very much for your attention. 1st Committee · Chair [12:49]: I thank Ambassador Berhan Gafor for his statement and his comprehensive briefing and I also commend his leadership in guiding us to reach a successful conclusion of the OEWG and towards the establishment of the Global Mechanism. In keeping with the established practice of the Committee, I will now suspend a meeting to afford delegations for the opportunity to have an interactive discussion on the briefing we have just heard through an informal question and answer session. The meeting is suspended. Does any delegation wish to make any comments or raise questions on the briefing we have just heard? In that case, I think we have heard a very comprehensive briefing and I see no further requests for the floor. And on behalf of all delegations I thank Ambassador Berhanga for a statement and the Committee will now resume its formal meeting. The meeting is resumed. The Committee will now continue on its thematic discussion under the cluster of other disarmament measures and international security. The first speaker on the list is the distinguished His Excellency Permanent Representative of Germany. Germany · Permanent Representative [14:26]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Germany aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and wishes to deliver the following remarks on our national capacity. Madam Chair, after almost three decades of cybersecurity discussions at the United nations, we have a historic step before us. The creation of a global mechanism to advance responsible behavior in cyberspace summons the consensus of all Member States that cyberspace is governed by a rules based international order. Germany would like to thank the Chair of the open ended working group on ICTs Ambassador Bohan Ghafour of Singapore for his tireless work that led us to consensus and the report he has just presented to us. Germany calls on all states to support the single resolution tabled by Singapore to secure this historic achievement of UN cyber diplomacy. Madam Chair, Germany recognizes that the creation of the new mechanism is only a first step. The growing cyber threat landscape is a reflection of the dire geopolitical situation and its conflicts. The global rules based order and multilateralism under threat both offline and online. As Germany's Foreign Minister said in his address to the General assembly, we all would only stand to lose in a world where might makes right, where international rules are obsolete. This holds true for cyberspace. Madam Chairs, through a global mechanism, we at the United nations have it in our own hands to build on the consensus key developed in the GGES and OEWGs that were endorsed by the General assembly, but also not to stop there, but go beyond and make cyberspace more open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful. Therefore, Germany is determined to advance the effective implementation and our understanding of all elements of the framework of Responsible State behavior through our work in the Global Mechanism. In particular, Germany and 17 other members of the informal cross regional Group of Confidence Builders expressed our determination to advance our understanding of how cyber confidence building measures can contribute to addressing common cyber challenges we all face. We look forward to working with all Member States towards that shared goal. I thank you Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [17:00]: I thank His Excellency Permanent Representative of Germany for his statement. And now I would like to give the floor to Her Excellency Permanent Representative of France. France · Permanent Representative [17:15]: Madam Chair, France aligns itself with a statement made by the European Union and would like to make the following comments in our national capacity. France attaches considerable importance to the work of the Cluster dedicated to other disarmament measures. Cybersecurity is a major issue in a context where frequency, sophistication and severity of cyber attacks by state and non state actors are increasing. To respond to these challenges, discussions within the United nations are essential. France took the initiative in 2020 alongside a trans regional Group of States by proposing the creation of United Nations Program of Action for Cybersecurity. This proposal was decisive in the conclusion of the work of the Open ended Working Group on Cyberspace last July. Madam Chair, we welcome the creation of a United Nations Global Mechanism for Cybersecurity which is a major step forward. Its priority will be to implement the Agreed Framework for Responsible State behavior in cyberspace, including by strengthening the capacities of developing States. This step consolidates the achievements of the work carried out within the governmental expert groups and open ended working groups. We welcome the adoption by consensus of the OEWG's annual report and support the resolution presented by Singapore to endorse it. Madam Chair, Technologies based on artificial intelligence constitute a major technological strategic breakthrough, particularly in weapons systems. France encourages the development and use of defense AI in a responsible manner in accordance with international law, while maintaining human control. In this regard, we welcome the Secretary General's report published in June 2025 and the resolution submitted by the Netherlands and South Korea in this area. Thank you. Chair [19:34]: I thank Her Excellency, Permanent Representative of France for her statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. Bangladesh [19:44]: Thank you. Madam Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of NAM and wishes to make the following additional remarks in our capacity. Madam Chair, While human life is being revolutionized by digital connectivity, the risk posed by this on international peace and security cannot be underestimated. We must therefore remain alert in detecting malicious use of technologies that could jeopardize our security. The rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons system, biotechnology and cyber capabilities, have revolutionized not only our daily lives, but also the global security landscape. These innovations have unlocked unlimited potential for human investment and economic growth. Our primary responsibility is to harness AI for peace, not conflict. Bangladesh advocates for comprehensive governance frameworks that ensure AI and emerging technologies that are used responsibly, ethically and effectively to promote peace. Madam Chair, Cyberspace must be considered as a global public good that should benefit everyone without any discrimination. The international community must develop a secure, safe, trusted and open ICT environment to take advantage of the enormous benefits of digital technologies. Member States must therefore create a climate in which all States are able to enjoy the full benefits of cyberspace. A free, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment should be through multilateralism and we underscored that the UN should play a leading role in the development of international cyber norms. Madam Chair, Bangladesh fully supports the open ended Working Group as the primary, single track, state led and permanent mechanism for addressing the cybersecurity concerns of all UN Member States. This mechanism must prioritize inclusivity, transparency and sustainability while remaining flexible to address the dynamic ICT needs of developing countries. In Bangladesh, we are investing in promoting a robust cyber security culture across the government and the society. We have put in place necessary frameworks, policies and strategies. We seek international cooperation in our efforts, particularly in capacity building and confidence building measures. Madam Chair, Bangladesh attaches great importance to mainstreaming and preserving relevant environmental norms in the international legal regime. Concerning disarmament and arms control. The applicability or relevance of such legal norms to disarmament in the seabed and outer space should be subject to further informed research and analysis. Education is fundamental in promoting understanding of the humanitarian and community considerations of armament. Bangladesh underscored the significance of disarmament and non proliferation education. We appreciate the valuable work carried out by the UNI deal to conclude. Bangladesh welcomes further collaboration on this important issue to effectively address risks to peace and security in emerging technology, including cyberspace. Let us continue to work together to ensure a more secure world. I thank you. Chair [22:42]: I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic [22:51]: Thank you. Madam Chair, the Dominican Republic would like to highlight the importance of disarmament measures, including those pertaining to confidence and transparency building measures which are essential for a multilateral security architecture and are fundamental pillars for prevention of conflicts. In an international atmosphere characterized by geopolitical tensions, strategic rivalries and growing technological challenges, lack of trust generates uncertainty and risks. Bolstering trust, on the contrary, lays the groundwork for peace and lasting stability. Therefore, it's very important to strengthen mechanisms that promote dialogue, cooperation and mutual trust among states. Madam Chair, the Dominican Republic strongly believes in an inclusive, ethical and people oriented technological transformation. Artificial intelligence is no longer a promise for the future, but a reality that is redefining our economies, institutions and most importantly, the way in which we conceive of human progress. In this context, recently my country signed an unprecedented agreement with the corporation Nvidia, which is a global leader in artificial intelligence. The agreement with Nvidia goes beyond mere technological cooperation. It is a belief in the future so that investment in knowledge, so that this becomes a tool for shared development to improve the lives of Dominicans. The agreement contemplates creation of a center of excellence whose mission will be to strengthen the training of local town, promote applied research, promote technological innovation in strategic sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, transport and it will ensure implementation of the National AI strategy that was recently approved. However, we acknowledge the challenges responsibilities that accompany this technological breakthrough. Artificial intelligence raises ethical labor and governance challenges that should not be ignored. Automation cannot mean exclusion and progress cannot be built on inequality. This is why the Dominican Republic reaffirms its commitment to a regulated model of artificial intelligence that is inclusive and sustainable, that protects the privacy of data, respects human rights and ensures that technology is always at the service of human dignity. Lastly, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence systems, autonomous weapons systems and other emerging technologies must be addressed in the framework of a multilateral Multilateral framework that promotes responsibility, transparency and the peaceful use of scientific technology. Thank you very much. Chair [25:36]: I thank the distinguished representative of Dominican Republic. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ecuador. Ecuador [25:45]: Gracia. Thank you, Madam Chair. Ecuador acknowledges a collective effort that through over the past five years has guided the world work of the open ended Working Group on Security and Use of Information and Communication Technologies. In particular, would like to express the gratitude of my country to its Chair, Ambassador Burhan Gafour. Ecuador underscores the importance of multilateral instruments to be accompanied by effective mechanisms of technical cooperation, transfer of knowledge and support support with countries with less resources in order to reduce digital gaps. The transition from a working group to a permanent mechanism must lead to concrete efforts geared towards developing accessible proposals that are inclusive and effective for assistance and training in cybersecurity. This in mind, Ecuador thanks Singapore and and the Office of Disarmament affairs for the Organization of UN Singapore Cyber Fellowship. This initiative is a practical example of cooperation and capacity building that contributes in a tangible way to the strengthening of global digital security. I'd also like to acknowledge the Government of Spain and the Inter American Committee Against Terrorism of the Organization of American States for the organization of a Global Dialogue on Cybersecurity events. Valuable forum for regional convergence and creation of synergies among states, international organizations and civil society. My delegation hopes that these kinds of initiatives continue to be promoted and financed and that national capacities and regional ones are strengthened, thus facilitating an exchange of good practices that allow for coordinated responses in the face of code common risks. It is essential that the security agenda in the use of ICTs incorporates a gender perspective and promotes the full participation of women at all levels of the design, governance and implementation of cybersecurity policies. Ecuador acknowledges and commends the leadership and contribution of women from the Latin American region during the meetings of the Working Group. Their technical and diplomatic skills enriched the results achieved. Thank you very much. Speaker 13 [28:17]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ecuador. And now I have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Moldova. Republic of Moldova [28:28]: Thank you very much. Madam Chair. The Republic of Moldova aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the European Union and we'd like to do the following remarks in our own national capacity. In today's interconnected world, digital and emerging technologies bring both enormous potential and significant risks to international peace and security. Cyber security has become a critical element of global stability. We welcome the adoption of the final report of the open ended working group on ICTs 20212025 and support the establishment of the Global Mechanism as a permanent UN platform to advance responsible state behavior in cyberspace. The implementation of the UN framework, including respect for international law, adherence to voluntary norms, development of confidence building measures and strengthening of cyber capacity, has never been more urgent. Malicious cyber activities, including ransomware operations, threats to critical infrastructure and the misuse of commercial cyber tools, continue to escalate in complexity and scale. The Republic of Moldova, situated in a vulnerable region, has recently faced targeted cyber attacks aimed at disrupting our parliamentary elections and undermining democratic institutions. These threats are a stark reminder that no country is immune. We reaffirm our strong commitment to collective efforts under the Global Mechanism to turn shared principles into effective and resilient action. Cyber capacity building is essential for ensuring that all states, especially developing and vulnerable countries, can defend against and respond to evolving cyber threats. Moldova supports efforts to deliver tailored inclusive assistance that reinforce national institutions and promote regional cooperation. We must also consider that dual use nature of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. While AI offers opportunity for peaceful development, its military applications raise serious ethical and security concerns. The Republic of Moldova welcomes the Secretary General's report AAT Secretary and supports the proposal for inclusive consultations on responsible military use of AI. We also welcome the second year of the resolution on this issue coordinated by the SIM delegations of Netherlands and the Republic of Korea and are happy to co sponsor it. We commend both countries for their continued leadership and commitment to advancing this timely initiative. The contribution of non governmental stakeholders, including civil society, academia, the private sector and technical experts is vital. Their involvement enhances. 1st Committee · Chair [31:29]: I thank the distinguished representative of Moldova and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria. Algeria [31:39]: Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation associates itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Non Line Movement and the Group of Arab States. The fast evolution of ict, despite providing unprecedented opportunities, has also led to complex security concerns that require collective action. Algeria reiterates that international law, especially the UN Charter, fully applies to the use of ICTs and this includes respect for sovereignty and equality and non interference and the peaceful settlement of conflict. We acknowledge the conclusions that have been Adopted by the GGE 2021-2030-2015-2021 we welcome the successful conclusion of the open ended working group on ICTs and the consensus adoption of its final outcome report in that the establishment of a global mechanism by the United nations where all countries contribute is an important achievement here. However, consensus is not our ultimate goal. Rather, it is the foundation on which we can guarantee a smooth transition from the Working Group to the Global Mechanism while dealing with pending issues especially capacity building and the implementation of international law without encroaching upon the rights of developing States to use technology for peaceful purposes. Algeria strongly condemns the malicious use of ICTs by governmental and non governmental actors. My country calls for working to prevent the technological environment from turning into battlefields through adopting legal standards and commitments that are binding to all. Madam Chair, the most important challenge is that of the widening digital divide. Therefore, we must build capacities in an expedited and sustainable manner while making tangible commitments for the transfer of technology and for offering technical assistance. As for the use of AI in military in the military sphere, we call for dealing with it in a manner that is transparent and comprehensive, that would guarantee the following that it abides by international humanitarian law and that it maintains human control and it protects the useful use of this technology and include and finally building capacities among developing States especially. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [34:10]: I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Italy. Italy · Permanent Representative [34:20]: Thank. Thank you. Vice Chair Italy aligns itself with a statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks. If in its national capacity, Italy remains steadfast in its commitment to a cyberspace that is open, interoperable, safe, secure and resilient, a cyberspace that respects human rights and in which international law fully applies, cyber stability can only be achieved through a multi stakeholder approach based on dialogue, transparency and confidence building measures. Greater awareness of cyber threats and strengthening collective resilience and response capacity, also through capacity building, should be promoted. In this context, we welcome the consensus reached in July 2025 on the final report of the Open ended Working Group on the Security and in the use of of information and communication technologies, as well as the establishment of the Global Mechanism as a new permanent UN forum to advance responsible state behavior in cyberspace, Italy looks forward to actively contributing to the work of its dedicated thematic groups to carry out concrete activities to the benefit of a common understanding of cybersecurity challenges. We also acknowledge the profound implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, for arms control, non proliferation and disarmament. Harnessing the potential of these technologies while mitigating the risks of their misuse is a priority as underscored in Action 27 of the Pact for the Future. We reaffirm our commitment to developing a future instrument on lethal autonomous weapons systems, ideally a new protocol to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Italy supports complementary efforts in appropriate forums, including within the Conference on Disarmament, to examine relevant military applications of AI and other emerging technologies. Chair Italy reaffirms its strong commitment to export controls as essential tools against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Export control regimes safeguard legitimate trade and cooperation by ensuring responsible use of dual use technologies. We reject any arguments suggesting otherwise. Thank you, Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [37:11]: I thank His Excellency Permanent Representative of Italy. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia. Indonesia [37:23]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Indonesia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and asean. The rapid advancement of autonomous artificial intelligence and aerospace technologies continues to transport global space security dynamics. While it can serve as a powerful engine for progress and innovations, we continue to pose serious concern over the misuse and weaponizations. It is therefore paramount to accelerate our work toward an inclusive and effective global governance of these emerging technologies to mitigate the potential risks and harness the benefit for sustainable development, international peace and security. Madam Chair Indonesia welcomes the consensus adoptions of the final report of the open ended Working Group on ICT Security chaired by Singapore, including the agreement to establish a new global mechanisms on development in the field of the ICTs in the context of international securities and advancing responsible state behavior in the use of ICTs. We emphasize the importance of continuing the discussions within the global mechanisms and stands ready to engage constructively in the process. Chair Indonesia views the increasing integrations of artificial intelligence in the military domain as the critical issues that warrant serious attention and governance. AI integrations into decision making over military technologies and weapons systems may lead to increase of risk and miscalculations as well as creating legal and moral issues. We continue to underline the importance of meaningful and effective human control over AI in the military domain. In this regard, Indonesia supports international effort to develop strong, transparent and inclusive frameworks to regulate the development, deployment and use of military IA systems. Equally, Indonesia upholds the inalienable rights of all nations to access and utilize ICT and AI technologies for peaceful purposes without discrimination or unjustified restrictions. Indonesia is also of the view that it is vital to bridge the digital divide among nations and calls for enhanced international cooperation in ICT including through capacity building, technology transfers and joint research initiatives. Given the broad and fast development of the ICT in the context of international security, Indonesia acknowledges the valuable contributions of various relevant stakeholders. Multi stakeholders engagement should be further explored as an integral component of capacity building efforts. Indonesia stands ready to engage constructively toward this year's goals. I thank you, Madam Chair. Chair [39:58]: I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia [40:11]: Madam Chair, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to associate itself with a statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the online group and the statement delivered by Oman on behalf of the Arab Group and we make the statement in our national capacity. The Kingdom stresses that ensuring cyber space security is a central priority and stresses the importance of identifying multilateral cooperation through partnerships at the national, regional and international levels in building capacities and exchanging knowledge so as to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. In this context, my country appreciates the work of the open ended Working Group on ICT Security and the constructive role played by His Excellency Ambassador Burhan Ghafour and his team. We note that the success of this process demonstrates what can be achieved through consensus and political will, especially in light of the stasis that exists in many disarmament files. We also look forward to launching the Global Platform under the umbrella of the United nations in March 2026 to promote international dialogue towards safe and reliable cyberspace. Madam Chair in the interest of enhancing regional cooperation, Saudi Arabia formed a Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity within the framework of the Gulf cooperation council in 2021. The committee has made several achievements which include adopting the Gulf Cybersecurity Strategy and launching some of its initiatives and establishing the GCC Cyber Information Sharing Platform in cooperation with the Saudi Information Technology Company known as Site, which is also initiated the proposal to establish the Council of Arab Ministers on Cyber Security which is currently working on preparing an Arab Cyber Security Strategy to establish a platform to with awareness raising materials in the field of cyber security. As for regional cooperation, Saudi Arabia hosted the Cyber Diplomacy Dialogue between the European Union and the GCC countries track 1.5 as part of the International Cyber Security Forum that was held in October in 2025 in Riya. The Forum is a global platform that works to consolidate efforts to create quality partnerships and to invest in cyberspace opportunities for the prosperity of individuals and societies in the face of the global shortage of the necessary skills. My country launched a Global initiative for International Capacity Building and Cyberspace. This was done in partnership with the UN and its agencies in October of 2025 and it comes in response to the strategic challenges facing the cybersecurity sector internationally. It includes workshops, training programs, practical cyber exercises and supports the development of national strategies and legal frameworks and research and innovation initiatives. In closing, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms that its doors remain open to partnership and cooperation in these fields in a manner that would serve the security and prosperity of the entire international community. Chair [42:52]: I think I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia and now I give the floor floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka [43:02]: Madam Chair Sri Lanka align itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the nam. I wish to add the following observations in my national capacity. Madam Chair. Disarmament matters in the 21st century are increasingly shaped by rapid technological change. The military applications of artificial intelligence and the emergence of autonomous weapon systems already pose significant challenges to us legally and ethically. The international community must adapt to those new realities while firmly upholding the core principles of the UN Charter, respect for international law and the sovereign equality of states. The security of cyberspace has likewise become indispensable. We welcome the progress achieved within the OEWG on the security of and in the use of ICTs which was the only inclusive mechanism established on the basis of consensus to address these issues on laws. Sri Lanka commit the work of GGE under the CCW and the Secretary General's report compiling Member States views. We joined the many voices calling for negotiations on a legally binding instrument on laws. Sri Lanka is pleased to sponsor the resolution on this issue and stresses that the informal consultation it establishes should complement the GGE while also providing space to consider broader dimensions of autonomy in weapons beyond the context of armed conflict. On AI more broadly, Sri Lanka underlines the need for inclusive and non discriminatory framework to govern its military applications. Such measures must not restrict equitable access to AI for peaceful purpose. AI technologies can be powerful tool in achieving sustainable development. International cooperation, capacity building and technology transfer are essential to bridging the gap between developed and developing nations in this field. We also share the concern at steady rise in global military expenditure resources that could be far better directed to improving the lives of millions by eradicating poverty, addressing global health challenges and promoting human security. Madam Chair, Sri Lanka reiterates that disarmament and international security must be advanced through strengthened multilateralism grounded in consensus to respect for international law. Achieving disarmament would contribute greatly toward the collective peace and development of all people. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [45:29]: I thank the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain. Bahrain [45:41]: Thank you. Madam Chair. We align ourselves with the statement made by Oman on behalf of the Arab Group as well as the State of Interpret Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. In light of the rapid developments that the world is seeing in the field of technology of ICTs, the kingdom underscores the need to establish an international framework to strengthen security and cyberspace base and guarantee responsible use of digital technologies. The Kingdom supports the efforts made by the UN to develop binding rules and norms on responsible behavior in this area. Brian Wallace underscores the importance of focusing and guiding technological innovations. We place great importance on cybersecurity because this is one of the main pillars of the Kingdom's technological system. Bahrain affirms that strengthening cybersecurity is one of the main cornerstones of the implementation of our National Economic Digital Economy Strategy, which reflects the royal vision for building an integrated and safe digital economy. In 2025, we implemented six national initiatives as part of the first phase of our strategy. We have taken other measures in this area, including the establishment of a Innovation and Technology Department within the Information and Administration Authority in order to develop applications for AI. Emerging technologies and to strengthen capacity with regard to responding to digital threats will continue to strengthen our ability to to tackle cybersecurity threats. We are working on a number of cybersecurity programs that cover many public institutions, ministries and together with international partners in order to enhance capacity for AI for detection and prediction of threats. We are focused on providing a safe digital environment and we are convinced of the importance of protecting individuals and institutions from cyber risks and threats. We underscore the importance of international cooperation to combat the exploitation of modern technology by terrorist and criminal organizations, as well as their use for subversive purposes that damage international peace and security in our national cybersecurity system. In August of this year, we organized a Cyber Shield exercise. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [48:33]: Madam Chair I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan. Pakistan [48:42]: Thank you. Chair the use of AI in military applications is transforming the nature of warfare. Driven by the allure of speed, precision and dominance. Some states emphasize the operational advantages of AI on the battlefield, yet the grave risks of its unregulated use demand our urgent attention. AI enabled weapon systems, particularly when operating without meaningful human control, heighten nuclear risks, increase the chances of miscalculation or accidents, and lower the threshold for the use of force. By taking warfare to machine speeds, AI compresses decision making time and eliminates the space for crisis management and diplomacy, especially in regions marked by volatility and unresolved disputes. We have already seen autonomous loitering munitions and high speed dual capable missiles used in conflict, exposing dangers of delegating decisions of life and death to machines. How would an AI driven command system react to the deduction of a high speed missile? And when warfare occurs at machine speed, what space remains for human judgment or diplomacy? Chair the governance of military AI must be anchored firmly within the un. While Pakistan recognizes the value of initiatives outside the un, such efforts cannot substitute the legitimacy, inclusivity and universality of the UN system fragmented are exclusive arrangements risk deepening global divides? Only the UN's universal membership can ensure that the governance of military AI reflects the interests of all states developed and developing alike. The General assembly, the Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament, the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and other disarmament instruments each have vital roles to play in developing norms and rules. A structured multi forum strategy is therefore essential, one that draws on the complementary strengths of the UN's disarmament machinery. Pakistan has submitted its views on the possible role of different forum on this topic as contained in document CD 2450. The weaponization of ICTs and cyberspace poses formidable threats to peace, security and stability. The capacity for anonymous action unconfined by traditional geographical limitations, coupled with the cost effective mass production of cyber weapons renders them immensely perilous. Global cyberspace continues to evolve as an arena of conflict. This requires continued dialogue and cooperation. Thank you, Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [51:34]: I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan [51:44]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The escalating level of cyber threats has become one of the defining global challenges of our time. Malicious actors increasingly exploit information and communication technologies to steal personal data, perpetrate fraud, attack critical infrastructure and manipulate digital platforms. Beyond the technical dimension, these technologies are being misused to sow division and spread dangerous disinformation, eroding trust between states and societies. This confirms that cyber threats introduce not only technological but also geopolitical challenges with far reaching implications for international peace and security. Kazakhstan therefore stresses the imperative of development and a globally responsible approach to the governance of icts and artificial intelligence. This requires that the establishment of universally recognized norms and principles achieved through strengthened dialogue and cooperation across regional and global platforms with United nations at the center. Artificial intelligence in particular holds transformative promise, but its irresponsible use carries unacceptable humanitarian and security risks. AI must never be integrated into nuclear command and control. Not entrusted with decisions or the use of lethal force. Kazakhstan underscores the growing convergence around the principle of meaningful human control over autonomous weapons. Kazakhstan supports practical outcomes of the open ended Working Group on ICT Security welcomes further exchanges on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence and infectiles that confident building measures are bridges toward building commitments, not substitutes for legally binding norms. The open ended Working Group has successfully convened 11 subsequent sessions in which Republic of Kazakhstan had the honor to take part in. We welcome the reflection of these outcomes in annual reports submitted for consideration and endorsement by the United Nations General Assembly. We are also looking forward to constructive engagement within the global Mechanism, a new permanent platform which will continue succeed with OEWG in March 2026 in advance of the dialogue on International Information Security. Madam Chair, Kazakhstan's message is clear. The promise of technology must never be overshadowed by its weaponization. Guided by principles of law, multilateralism and responsibility. Kazakhstan will continue to act as a bridge builder, working with all partners to ensure that innovation contributes to stability, trust and the common good of humanity. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [54:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina. Argentina [54:41]: Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation would like to express our satisfaction for the successful conclusion of the open ended Working Group on Security in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies last July with the adoption by consensus of its final report and the establishment of a permanent global mechanism to provide continuity to discussions on CyberSecurity within the UN. This advance represents an unprecedented institutional milestone in the multilateral examination of topics related to the malicious use of ICTs by replacing temporary mechanisms by permanent structure geared towards action based on annual substantive sessions, specialized thematic groups and periodic review bodies. Argentina particularly welcomes the fact that the Mechanism envisions the creation of a thematic group dedicated to capacity building, which is a central element in strengthening cyber resilience at the global level in terms of preparation, protection and response in the face of cyber cyber threats. Throughout the entire cycle of OEWG on ICTs, Argentina was among the countries that was in favor of a greater emphasis on the need for the future mechanism to focus on capacity building as a priority area. Capacity building is understood as a process geared towards strengthening international security. We therefore reiterate our firm commitment to a cyberspace space that is open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful and our readiness to participate actively in the work of the new mechanism, including in plenary sessions and the thematic groups. And we encourage that the participation be inclusive, transparent and geographically balanced in all its bodies. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [56:47]: I think the distinguished representative of Argentina. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [57:00]: Distinguished Chair. We welcome successful conclusion of the work of the OEWG of the UN on security and of the use of ICTs. 2021, 2025 the main outcome of the work of the OAWG was an agreement on the establishment of the Global Mechanism on Developments in the field of ICT to replace it. The creation of this permanent body on IIS sought to strengthen the crucial role of the UN in discussing all aspects of information security. We support launching substantive discussions on international legal aspects of iis. International information security, including developing legally binding agreements. This has already been begun with the approval of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. We support Singapore's relevant resolution and call on all member states to vote in favor of that project. Distinguished Chair of the Russian Federation places great importance on the issue of the applications of AI technologies in the military sphere. Currently, there are no convincing grounds to introduce new limitations or prohibitions on weapons systems that use AI. It's already clear that these weapons systems have significantly reduced the risk of violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, and demonstrate greater efficiency and accuracy than human operators when carrying out their objectives. One important stipulation we believe is ensuring human control over the functioning of these weapons systems and military AI technology. But specific forms and methods of this control should remain to the discussion of states. The topic of military AI is new to the international community. It's very important to develop a working definition of these technologies as well as the niggly terminology. We affirm our interest in discussions of this issue at the relevant international fora. We view the GGE online laws as the optimal platform for these discussions under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. We are counting on the achievable by this group of significant goals in 2026 and we do not object to the disclosure of this issue of military AI in the UN Disarmament Commission. We are concerned by times of certain State states to shift the issue of the application of military AI to new and non inclusive fora. They are intended to replace real discussion between states on specialized platforms on military AI. And the goal here is simply to present certain closed door agreements to the international community as the fait accompli. It would be useful to develop optimal parameters of further discussions on military AI. At this stage, we believe it would be possible to hold these discussions within the Commission on Disarmament. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [1:00:01]: I then the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. And now I give the floor to Her Excellency, Permanent Representative of Japan. Japan · Permanent Representative [1:00:12]: Thank you, Madam Chair. At this thematic debate, I will focus on two topics, cybersecurity and disarmament and non proliferation education. As Japan's security environment is as severe and as complex as it has ever been. Cyberspace is also a critical component in Japan's national security strategy. Our 2022 strategy made it clear that the threat of cyber attacks is rapidly increasing. Cyber attacks have been conducted constantly to disable or destroy critical infrastructures, interfere in foreign elections, demand ransoms and steal sensitive information. Cyberspace and cyber attacks have no borders, making international cooperation crucial. Japan is firmly committed to ensure a free fair and secure cyberspace. We must promote the rule of law in cyberspace. International law, including the UN Charter, is also applicable in cyberspace. From this perspective, Japan has been actively participating in the discussions on cybersecurity in the international fora, including the un. Japan welcomes the adoption of the final report of the UN OEWG on cybersecurity, including the establishment of a post OEWG mechanism by consensus and looks forward to the General Assembly's endorsement. Japan Exposure Japan expects that deliberations in the global mechanism will be conducted and deepened based on an action oriented and cross cutting approach. Japan will spare no effort in cooperating with other Member States to address challenges in the cyber domain. Madam Chair, we mark the 80th year since the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the only country that has ever suffered atomic bombings during the war, Japan attaches primordial importance to its efforts in promoting understanding of the realities of the atomic bombings. Last year, Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its tireless efforts to convey the testimonies of the Hibakusha. As the Hibakusha are advancing in their ages, we need to pass on the understanding of the realities of the atomic bombings to younger generations. From this perspective, Japan reiterates the importance of engaging with and investing in young people. Japan remains committed to supporting the UN Disarmament Fellowship Program and the Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons in close cooperation with unoda. Madam Chair, Japan also wishes to take this opportunity to express its appreciation to the Republic of Korea for its continued leadership on this issue through its resolution entitled Youth Disarmament and Non Proliferation. As a core sponsor, Japan hopes that this resolution will garner even broader support among Member States. Thank you, Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [1:03:07]: I thank Her Excellency, Permanent Representative of Japan for her statement. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece. Greece [1:03:19]: Madam Vice Chair, in addition to your statement, Greece has the following remarks. Let me begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to Ambassador Ghafur, Chair of the Opened Working Group on Security of and in the use of ICTs 20212025 for his tireless efforts, leadership and dedication in steering the Group towards consensus. Achieving such an outcome in today's complex geopolitical environment is a significant accomplishment that also reflects the collective commitment of of UN Member States to dialogue and cooperation. Cybersecurity has become a defining element of international business security. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks show that the cyberspace has become a strategic space with direct implications for security, economic resilience and public trust. It's essential to address these challenges together by further advancing the validation of the UN framework of the UN for the responsibility state behavior in cyberspace. In this regard, we welcome the consensus Final Report of the EU OEWG and the establishment of the Global Mechanism on Developers in the field of ICTs in the context of international security. The adoption of the OEWG Final Report reaffirms that international law, including the UN Charter applies in cyberspace. This consensus marks an important step forward in strengthening the rules based international order and advancing stability in cyberspace. Looking ahead, we support the establishment of a permanent, inclusive and action oriented global mechanism in cybersecurity under the UN auspices. Such a mechanism should build on the achievements of the OEWG and support implementation of existing norms while enhancing capacity building. It should also promote meaningful participation of all stakeholders including the private sector, academia and civil society. Madame Vice we have reached the point of global consensus on the ideal of artificial intelligence with the maintenance of international peace and security. The two re AIM summits, the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of AI in Autonomy at the AI Action Summit in Paris have contributed to the development of norms ruleset guidelines for the responsible development, deployment and use of AI, including its application in the military domain. Greece is committed to advancing a human centric AI agenda emphasizing transparency, ethical use and accountability to ensure these powerful technologies enhance rather than diminish human rights and democratic principles. Last April, Greece organized Security Council area formula meeting on harnessing safe, inclusive, trustworthy AI for the maintenance of international peace and security with France and the Republic of Korea as co organizers. During that meeting, participants called upon the Security Council to take effective realistic measures to ensure that emerging technologies at the company competition does not destabilize international peace security. We welcome the recent Secretary Secretary General's report on AI in the military domain and also we are ready to support this year's first Committee resolution on the same topic. I thank you. Vice-Chair [1:06:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of Greece and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo. Togo [1:06:27]: The delegation of Togo aligns itself with the statement made by Guinea Busow on behalf of the African group and Indonesia on behalf of the non online movement and its national capacity would like to make the following comments on the issue of safe and secure use of digital technologies. We welcome the constant efforts made within the UN to regulate the use of ICTs in order to harness its full potential for development while reducing the risk linked to their use. My delegation commends the outstanding work carried out by the Chair and Bureau of the working of the OEWG on ICT security, for which the mandate ended with the adoption of a balanced report reflecting constructive compromises. This report is a robust framework for the implementation of the permanent mechanism which is to replace this group. We are particularly pleased with the spirit of dialogue, openness and compromise that was shown throughout the sessions of the Working Group and which allowed for the reconciliation of the delegation's positions. Togo hopes this dynamic, this positive trend will continue to guide the work of the future Permanent Mechanism to build on the progress made on the main points examined within this Working Group. As for the issue of existing potential threats to digital security, my delegation commends the in depth discussions that were carried out on this topic and encourages continued exchanges to arrive at consensus on a shared list of threats. As for responsible behavior of states, Togo commenced the major progress noted in the report, especially the 11 voluntary and non binding norms of responsible behavior, as well as the list of optional controls to facilitate their implementation. However, to guarantee safe, peaceful and sustainable use of cyberspace, my delegation believes that it would be helpful to strengthen this voluntary framework via binding rules based on the principles of international law, which already provide relevant resources for governing the action of States in this area. In addition, my delegation underscores the importance of strengthening capacity. We call for the implementation of the Voluntary Unterry Voluntary Fund to support participation and training of cybersecurity actors from developing countries, as well as the establishment of a global portal for cooperation and for capacity building in cybersecurity. Lastly, my delegation commends the constructive compromise that allowed us to ensure a harmonious and smooth transition between the Working Group and the future Permanent Mechanism. In closing, TEGO reaffirms its commitment to an open space, safe, stable and peaceful cyberspace to serve sustainable development, international dialogue and the well being of peoples. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [1:09:14]: I thank the distinguished representative of Toko. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Myanmar. Myanmar · Permanent Representative [1:09:25]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair. Myanmar alliance with the statement of ASEAN and Nemo evolving cyber threats, their growing complexity and agility, as well as the malicious use of ICT pose significant threats to international peace and security. Against this backdrop, Myanmar underscores the urgency for international cooperation in addressing these challenges. To maintain a secure and peaceful cyberspace, Myanmar remains committed to fostering an open, safe, secure and peaceful cyberspace that benefit the well being of the people around the globe. Unfortunately, in my country Myanmar, malicious ICT activities has been perpetrated by the military junta and its border guard forces, especially after the illegal military coup. Consequently, two alarming scenarios have emerged in Myanmar. First, establishment of a digital dictatorship. The military junta has forcefully taken control of the digital and telecommunications infrastructure. Suspended Internet and mobile services, block social media and co ICT providers to hand over personal data of individual dissenters. The juntas recently deployed their personal scrutinization and monitoring system as part of their invasive digital civilians tools to track and arrest members of the civilization disobedient movement and human rights defenders. The cyberspace in Myanmar is transformed into a mass civilian aggregation by the military Hunter. Second, proliferation of cyber scam centers. The military hunters, along with its BGF are creating safe haven for criminal syndicates of transnational cyber scam in the first place by facilitating their operations and providing security for them. Victims of these online scams across the world are subjected to torture, sometimes even to debt, forced labor and human trafficking. The online scam originated in Myanmar certainly has big impact on the international peace and security. It is crystal clear that military junta is not part of any sustainable solution to the breaching of these cybersecurity centers that are rooted in in the juntas itself. Madam Chair, in light of these circumstances, the planned sham elections find the military junta will further prolong violence, exacerbate cyber criminal activities and instability in the region and beyond from the continuous malicious use of ICT by the same actors. Therefore, I ask the international community to categorically reject this deceitful process. I thank you, Madan Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [1:12:15]: I thank His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Myanmar. And before I give the floor to the next speaker, may I remind and ask your kind assistance in speaking at a reasonable pace to allow our interpreters to to do their job. And now I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine. Ukraine [1:12:39]: Chair Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. We would also like to make a few remarks in our national capacity. Ukraine welcomes the consensus adoption of the final report of the OEWG which contains concrete actions to address ICT threats and to promote open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. We look forward to the timely operationalization of the Global Mechanism Chair as of today, a number of states are systematically using ICTs contrary to their obligations under the framework of responsible State behavior. In this regard, Ukraine's cyberspace remains one of the primary targets in Russia's war of aggression. Since the beginning of the full scale invasion, Ukraine has witnessed a consistent rise in the number of cyberattacks and other malicious cyber activities directed against government institutions, local authorities, the security and defense sector sector, critical infrastructure, financial institutions and commercial entities. As a nation at the forefront of Cyber warfare Ukraine is deeply grateful for the multilateral initiatives including the Tallinn Mechanism aimed to strengthen international cyber support to our country. This connection will welcome the decision of Finland to join the Tallinn Mechanism to strengthen Ukraine's Cyber Defense. On October 16, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Ukraine hosted the fourth round of the Ukraine EU Cyber Dialogue, an important platform aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of cybersecurity. Ukraine stands ready to share its experience and expertise with international partners and to actively contribute to the development of a global cyber deterrence system. Chair Ukraine recognizes both the transformative potential of AI to enhance human well being and strength and peace, as well as the significant risks of its misuse in the civilian sphere and especially in the military domain. Ukraine is pleased to join the list of co sponsors of the draft resolution of the First Committee on Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and its Implications for International Peace and Security. TABLE by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea. Ukraine uses AI technologies to enhance the development of its weapon systems as well as for protecting civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. While Ukraine is relying on AI to save lives and develop defensive technologies, Russia has been using AI technology technologies in the course of its war of aggression of Ukraine to inflict damage and destruction. In addition, Russia widely uses AI tools to spread disinformation, conduct malicious propaganda and undermine trust in democratic institutions. In conclusion, we fully support ensuring meaningful human control over AI applications. Thank you, Chair Chair [1:15:39]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. And I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia. Australia [1:15:48]: Thank you, Chair we live in a time of unprecedented technological change. Emerging technologies are reshaping our societies, offering extraordinary promise for education, health, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, climate change and development. Yet they can also pose significant risks to international peace and security. In our increasingly digital world. Multilateral cooperation is a vital to manage these risks and uphold global stability. Chair to properly address contemporary disarmament challenges, our collective multilateral action must be inclusive. On the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Australia reaffirms our commitment to the women, Peace and Security agenda and urges all states to support the full, equal and meaningful participation, participation and leadership of women in disarmament and international peace and security. This is why Australia will continue sponsoring the Women in International Security and Cyberspace Fellowship to empower women from developing countries to shape cyber governance. Chair Responsible cyber governance is essential for a peaceful, interoperable digital environment. States have agreed existing international law applies in cyberspace and have endorsed norms of responsible state behaviour. Australia strongly supports the Adoption of the final report of the OEWG on Cyber and the establishment of the UN Global Mechanism. We look forward to working with all states to ensure the Mechanism is inclusive, practical and action oriented. Chair Artificial intelligence in the military domain is also reshaping international peace and security. This year, Australia submitted its views to the Secretary General emphasising the need for international collaboration and a flexible and balanced governance approach that keeps pace with technological evolution. All military capabilities, including those enabled by AI, must comply with international law, including IHL and international human rights law throughout their life cycle. In addition to discussions on emerging technologies in the UN Disarmament Community Commission and the Conference on Disarmament, Australia values complementary multi stakeholder processes like RE aim, which advance discussions on norms and standards for responsible military. AI Chair Australia reaffirms its strong support for export control regimes. These regimes promote peace and security by ensuring trade insensitive dual use items and technologies do not contribute to weapons proliferation. We encourage all states to engage constructively with these regimes, including the Australia Group, which is marking its 40th anniversary this year. The full version of these remarks will be uploaded to the UN Journal. Thank you. Chair [1:18:34]: I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay. Uruguay [1:18:49]: Thank you very much. Madam Chair, I want to congratulate you. Uruguay considers it a priority to consolidate a cyberspace that is secure, open, resilient and reliable, putting particular emphasis on the protection of critical infrastructure. Given its direct impact on the well being and development of our people. The vulnerability of cyberspace is one of the main threats in the short term, influenced by factors such as geopolitical tensions, the rapid evolution of emerging technologies and the growing sophistication of cybercrime. This is why it's essential for the international community to adopt coordinated, effective and sustainable actions to confront this global threat. THREAT with this in mind, the open ended Working Group on the Security and The use of ICTs has made significant progress, culminating with the adoption by consensus of its final report. We're deeply grateful for the hard work of the Permanent Representative of Singapore, Ambassador Burhan Ghafur in his capacity as Chair, for his dedication for having managed to balance various positions. We consider the establishment of a permanent global mechanism major achievement that will combine annual plenary meetings, thematic groups and review conferences with rotating chairmanship that will ensure equitable geographical representation. In particular, we welcome the thematic group dedicated to capacity building, which is an aspect on which we've insisted, together with other Latin American countries to ensure a safety, safe, effective and meaningful participation in cyberspace. Taking advantage of the opportunities that it offers for sustainable development. Also, Uruguay reaffirms the importance of exchange of good practices in the prevention of digital threats. As my country has done with other strategic partners in our region through our Agency for Electronic Government and Society of Information. Cooperation has been fundamental for my country to develop updated strategies on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, formulated with the involvement of public and private sectors as well as all stakeholders. To conclude, we trust that the UN will continue to play a central role to promote defective governance of cyberspace and artificial intelligence with a focus on people and their rights. Thank you. Chair [1:21:23]: I find the distinguished representative of Uruguay and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland. Ireland [1:21:32]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Ireland aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union Chair. While we addressed the specific issue of cyber security in this debate, considerations from the cyber domain now pervade every aspect of the disarmament and non proliferation landscape, from integration within nuclear command and control to developments in missile delivery systems and the integration of AI technologies in convent conventional weapons and their control architectures. At a time when some States are showing a blatant disregard for their international legal obligations, new technologies present new and unprecedented risks. Given rapid development of digital technology, we are struggling to keep pace with the meaningful implementation of the international rules and norms that keep our citizens safe from malign misuse of cyber technology by States and non state actors alike. Insofar as State activity in cyberspace presents unique features, these can be accommodated by the appropriate application of existing international law, something that was made clear by almost all States during the recently concluded open ended Working Group. Ireland welcomes the progress made to institute a permanent and inclusive multilateral platform on cybersecurity under UN auspices. The agreement of a consensus final OEWG report in July that sets out a proposed structure for the new global Mechanism must now be consolidated through the adoption of the associated resolution this year. Its adoption will only be the beginning for this process. We must ensure the proposed dedicated thematic groups function effectively and that the structure provides for sufficient input from civil society, academia and the private sector. Ensuring States have the tools to maintain a secure cyberspace should remain the foremost priority of the Global Mechanism and Ireland supports States participation in capacity building in this regard. Madam Chair, Ireland stresses the importance of international cooperation to study the impact of artificial intelligence in the military domain, especially the threats it poses to international peace and security. We acknowledge the increasingly urgent need for governance frameworks and welcome the contribution of Resolution 79239 in this regard. The increase in the speed and scale of capabilities afforded by AI may give rise to misprediction perceptions due to inconsistencies between military intentions and the analyses produced by AI driven systems. Speed is also a challenge the objective of retaining human judgment and control over the use of force, which is indispensable in all circumstances. Chair the fundamental purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law. International human rights law must be respected for all instances of new technology. This applies to cybersecurity, AI and other digital developments. Ireland will continue to advocate for a more digitally interconnected world to the benefit of all that serves to realize the Sustainable Development Goals with appropriate safeguards for international peace and security. Thank you. Chair [1:24:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil. Brazil [1:24:37]: Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, Brazil welcomes the successful conclusion of the open ended Working Group on the Security of Information and Communications Technologies. We commend the Chair of the Group, Ambassador Buhan Gharfour of Singapore, for his tireless efforts, leadership and inclusive approach throughout this complex process. The Group's outcome represents a significant milestone in the multilateral debate on ICT security, consolidating years of dialogue and paving the way for the establishment of a global mechanism that will ensure continuity and coherence of the debates on this field. Brazil takes pride in having contributed constructively to the work of the UAWG since its inception and believes that the Group has demonstrated that even on issues of strategic sensitivity, Member States can build common understandings and advance practical cooperation. The adoption of the final Report by consensus is therefore not only a substantive achievement, but also a reaffirmation of the capacity of multilateralism to deliver results in the realm of international peace and security. Looking ahead, Brazil intends to continue engaging actively and constructively on the forthcoming Global Mechanism on ICT security. We see it as an opportunity to institutionalize the gains of the oawg, to deepen capacity building and confidence building measures, and to strengthen the implementation of voluntary norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace. We also stress the importance of ensuring the inclusiveness and geographical balance within the Global Mechanism, particularly for developing countries. Madam Chair, Brazil also attaches great importance to the discussions on artificial intelligence in the military domain. We support the approach laid out in the draft resolution on this issue put forward by the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea. This initiative represents an important and timely step towards furthering the consideration of the issue of military uses of AI within the multilateral disarmament agenda and the framework of the un. As AI capabilities evolve, it is essential that their potential military applications be addressed in a manner consistent with international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, and that they do not compromise human control over the use of force. We believe that an inclusive multilateral dialogue on AI can help prevent risks, build transparency, and promote the responsible use of new technologies in a way that enhances rather than undermines international peace and security. We therefore welcome the convening of informal consultations on the issue in 2026 as proposed in the draft resolution under consideration of this year's first Committee. In conclusion, Brazil reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and to the development of cooperative and inclusive approaches to address emerging technologies that contribute to uphold the principles of the UN into a safer, more secure and more equitable world. Thank you. Chair [1:27:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Maldives. Maldives [1:27:36]: Thank you. Chair. The Maldives aligns itself with a statement delivered by the Non Aligned Movement. Peace is a prerequisite for development. Peace in its truest sense cannot be achieved until the nuclear non proliferation treaties are fully implemented. Until the nuclear weapons free zones are fully realized, the Maldives remains concerned by the proliferation of conflict across the globe. It is especially concerning the threats posed by lethal autonomous weapon systems in conflicts. These conflicts, including threats of using nuclear weapons, have direct and devastating impacts on development, both in countries where the conflicts take place and in those further away. The Maldives presents two observations. First, in 2024, global expenditure on military reached a staggering US$2.7 trillion. In comparison, the annual global financing gap is currently at US$4 trillion. Had the finances for the military been diverted to financing for development, to investments in health, education, building resilience and poverty reduction, we would be closer to a more peaceful world. Second, military alliances and nuclear deterrence worsen global security and erodes peace. To quote US President Eisenhower in his Chance for Peace speech in April 1953, Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. These words remain true even today. Peace, sustainable development, and disarmament are not idealistic aspirations. It is the future that we must achieve to ensure that succeeding generations are saved from the scourge of war. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [1:29:36]: I thank the distinguished representative of Maldives. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Permanent Representative of the ROK Republic of Korea · Permanent Representative [1:29:45]: Madam Chair, Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we process knowledge and information, and it is rapidly transforming all aspects of military affairs. Its profound implications for international peace and security require our urgent Attention. In this context, the Republic of Korea convened high level open debate on AI and international peace and security at the Security Council in September. It was the first ever UN Security Council open debate dedicated to AI with strong participation from around 80 member states and observers. Reaffirming the broad interest of Member States, we thank all those who took part. In addition, the Republic of Korea, in partnership with the Kingdom of Netherlands, has tabled a follow up resolution on the AI in the military domain. This resolution includes plans to convene informal exchanges aiming to further share State's perspectives on opportunities, risks and implications of using AI in the military domain. We look forward to the continued support of Member States on this resolution as demonstrated last year. We also express our appreciation to the Secretary General for his report on opportunities and challenges posed by the application of AI in the military domain on cybersecurity. We commend Singapore's leadership and dedication over the past five years in charging in chairing the open ended Working Group on the security of and in the use of information and communications technologies. We welcome the adoption of the final Report and the establishment of the new permanent mechanism by consensus at the 11th substantive session of the OUWG this past July, my Government announced its official position on the application of international law in cyberspace. We look forward to continued engagement under the new Permanent Mechanism. The Republic of Korea believes that the active participation of youth in discussions on disarmament and international security is important. Since 2019 we have submitted a biannual resolution on youth disarmament and non preparation. Now for its fourth time. We remain committed to empowering, educating and engaging youth in this field and we invite all Member States to join us in this important endeavor. In line with this commitment, in cooperation with UNODA, we launched the Youth for Disarmament Forum on 16 to 17 October as a side event to the first committee. Bringing together over 30 participants from diverse countries, we hope this initiative will further advance meaningful youth engagement in this field. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [1:32:44]: I thank His Excellency Permanent Representative of the rok. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba. Cuba [1:32:56]: Thank you, Madam Chair. We align ourselves with the statement very Indonesia, on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement, reiterate the commitment of Cuba with complete and general disarmament that allows for world free weapons of mass destruction for the benefit of present and future generations. We're in favor of adopting other disarmament international security measures that allow for the construction of world of peace. Member States must continue to work to preserve multilateralism as a basic principle in negotiations. Negotiations on disarmament and arms control. We like to recall that these negotiations must comply with the applicable international environmental norms. We're in favor of negotiations that are legally binding instruments that prohibit the militarization of outer space, cyberspace and lethal autonomous weapons. Madam Chair, Cuba considers emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapons systems is particularly relevant in the framework of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. In the interest of continuing to promote a legally binding instrument that prohibits completely autonomous weapons, the open ended group has been very successful in establishing a permanent mechanism. This is very significant achievement and there should not be any attempt to apply the issue of human rights and humanitarian principles to cyberspace. We reject the hostile use of information and communication technologies as an instrument of war, either openly state concealed, they should not be used to encourage terrorism. We are opposed to the use of force as a legitimate response to a cyber attack. We reject the unconventional methods of war that continue to be used against Cuba and the millions allocated to this purpose. We believe that this violates norms agreed in this area. We call them the United States to put an end immediately to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed against our country that significantly limits our access, use and enjoyment of information and communication technologies for the benefit of the Cuban population. Madam Chair, we're convinced that general complete disarmament, in particular nuclear disarmament, is necessary and possible. Cuba will continue to promote the adoption of effective measures that allow us to achieve this noble end. Thank you very much. 1st Committee · Chair [1:35:41]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand Thailand [1:35:50]: Chair. Thailand allies itself with the statement delivered on behalf of NAM and asean. Cybersecurity is indispensable for the maintenance of traditional peace and security. As cyber threats grow in scale and support sophistication, ensuring an open, peaceful and secure ICT environment is more critical than ever not only for safeguarding national security, but also for protecting societies. Cyberspace must remain safe and enabling space for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Thailand welcomes the establishment of the Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs. We also welcome the operationalization of the Global Points of Contact Directory, an important confidence building measure. These developments mark significant progress towards a more coordinated and effective global response to cyber challenges and reflect a shared commitment to bridging divergent views and advancing consensus on this critical issue. Allow me to highlight Thailand's key priorities moving forward. First, Thailand reaffirms its commitment to the rule based international order and the vital role of international law, particularly the UN Charter in governing state behavior in cyberspace. In July this year, Thailand introduced its national position on the application of international law in cyberspace, supporting inclusive, transparent and consensus based efforts to develop common understandings of how international law applies in this domain. Thailand believes that deepening dialogue on the application of international law in cyberspace is vital for enhancing legal clarity and reducing the risk of miscalculation, escalation and conflict. Thailand firmly remains firmly committed to the 11 voluntary, non binding norms of responsible state behavior. We call on all states to fully observe these norms as essential tools for building trust and promoting stability. Third, capacity building is a key enabler for strengthening resilience and effective implementation of international law and norms. Thailand supports needs based ICT security capacity building including establishment of a global ICT security, security cooperation and capacity building portal. As a host of ASEAN Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Center, Thailand remains committed to working with all partners to strengthen a secure, stable and rule based cyberspace in the region and beyond. Thank you. Chair [1:38:35]: I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:38:43]: Thank you, Madam Chair. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the nam. Iran reaffirms its principal position that the ICT environment as a common heritage of humankind, must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all. The unique nature of ICT necessitates the development of a legally binding instrument to ensure their peaceful use, prevent militarization and enhance accountability. Certain parties, notably the Israeli regime, continue to weaponize cyberspace. Iran has repeatedly fallen victim to such attacks, including the infamous Stuxnet incident and those carried out during the Israeli regime's aggression against Iran in June 2025. We strongly condemn these acts and call for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Likewise, the terrorist attacks perpetrated by the Israeli regime in Lebanon involving the detonation of booby trap communication devices, constitute a grave violation of international law and set a dangerous precedent by weaponizing civilian technologies. These incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen international legal constraints through the development of a legally binding instrument that ensured the exclusively peaceful use of ICTs. With the conclusion of the OAWG, the progress achieved must mark the beginning of a more inclusive and comprehensive process, one that genuinely reflects the interests and concerns of all states. The UN Global Mechanism should address existing and emerging threats, new norms, legally binding obligations and capacity building in a balanced manner, ensuring genuine participation and ownership by all states, particularly developing countries. After decades of deliberation in the United nations, tangible progress on ICT capacity building remains insufficient. It is therefore imperative to operationalize a UN voluntary fund for ICTC Security capacity building under the Global Mechanism to ensure that developing States receive the necessary financial resources, technical assistance and technology transfer to effectively bridge the widening digital divide. All States have the inalienable right to access and benefit from emerging technologies, including AI without discrimination or coercive measures. Unilateral restriction and export control regimes that monopolize technology, undermine multilateralism, hinder development and erode trust. I thank you, Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [1:41:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of Iran. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'. Ivoire. Côte d’Ivoire [1:41:39]: Madam Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. I would like to add the following observations. In its national capacity, the digital environment is rapidly evolving, especially when it comes to security threats. This requires constant vigilance and mobilization. Fortunately, this fundamental principle is well understood and shared by all today because it is the main motivation behind the consensus based decision to establish a global mechanism on progress in the cyber space in the context of international security and the promotion of responsible behavior of States in the use of ICTs to continue the progress made under the framework of responsible behavior of States and continuing the work of the oewg. This permanent inclusive action oriented body is perfectly in keeping with the need to adapt to the challenges of cyberspace base. Its establishment is crucial for maintaining the trend of our commitments and to better address the issues linked to new technologies, especially AI and its military applications as well as its rising potential for abuse. Madam Chair, 25 years after the adoption of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, the acceleration of the implementation of this program is crucial to bolster the role of women in the management of conflict as well as their participation in the process of maintaining and consolidating peace. My country is the first African country to have adopted in 2008 its first National Action Plan of Implementation of Resolution 1325 and makes this issue a major priority. The second generation of this plan covers 2024 to 2028 and has been operationalized since November 2024. It is based on strategic pillars such as expanding the involvement of women in peace and security processes at all levels, as well as the establishment of mechanisms to combat violent extremism that are more sensitive to gender when it comes to young people. The development of a National Action Plan for Youth Peace and Security was launched in August 2025. The goal is to expand the involvement of young people in public policy when it comes to peace and security through initiatives such as promoting tolerance, dialogue and the incorporation of youth into local and national governance. My country is thus fully committed to the Implementation Resolution 2250 of the Security Council as well as the African Union's Youth for Peace Program program. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [1:44:25]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cote Duo. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda. Rwanda [1:44:35]: Thank you. Madam Chair. Rwanda aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group and the nine Allied Movement and we would like to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Madam Chair, Imagine emerging technologies, particularly AI, are profoundly reshaping both civilian and military spheres. They hold immense potential to transform industries, enhance efficiency and drive sustainable development. Yet, when developed or deployed without adequate regulatory frameworks, ethical safeguards, human control and accountability, they present profound risk. The complexities and threats arising from emerging technologies underscore the urgent need for responsible governance and strengthen international cooperation to ensure their safe, secure and equitable use. However, the absence of globally agreed governance frameworks, coupled with proliferation of misinformation and disinformation continues to pose serious challenges. Additionally, the ease with which such technologies could fall into the hands of non state actors further exasperates this risk. These are further compounded by the digital divides and equal access to technological advancements and fragmented multilateral engagements. We therefore reiterate the application of emerging technologies in peace and security must be guided by clear ethical, legal and operational safeguards. We emphasize the abundance of multilateral cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity building to enable all member states, particularly those in the Global south, participate meaningfully in shaping the governance and responsible use of these technologies. In this regard, we also like to highlight that Rwanda hosted the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, which advanced coherent policy and regulatory frameworks across Africa and promoted the creation of a continent wide platform for AI governance and knowledge sharing. Thus, we call for concerted global efforts in harmonizing national, regional and global efforts with global governance processes to ensure legitimacy, inclusivity and coherence. Madam Chair, we are also deeply concerned about the malicious use of ICTs including cyber attacks on critical infrastructure and the weaponization of digital platforms. These acts undermine trust, threat international peace, underwood, the fabric of open societies. Thus, we underscore implementing the existing voluntary norms, rules and the principles of responsibility responsible state behavior in cyberspace. We recognize the need to explore the development of additional frameworks, including enhancing confidence building measures to ensure technological progress aligns with our collective commitment to peace and security. In this context, we welcome the successful conclusion and valuable contribution of the open ended Working Group on ICT and command the spirit of consensus and cooperation that define its work and we look forward to this the establishment of the global mechanism in 2026 and the launch of systematic groups. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, Madam Chair, as we navigate this era of rapid technology transformation, Chair [1:47:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of Rwanda and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan [1:47:45]: Thank you, Chair. In recent years, information and communication technologies have undergone substantial evolution, offering opportunities for inter area economic development, expanded connectivity and progress in health care, education and social services. With the advancement of the ict, cyber threats have become more sophisticated and their impact have expanded, transcending national borders. The persistence escalation of incidents involving the malicious use of the ICT is especially those impacting critical and essential information infrastructures, undermines trust and confidence and may potentially result in cascading effects at national, regional and international levels. Madam Chair, Azerbaijan has consistently supported the work of the Open Ended Working Group on Security in the Use of Information and communication technologies 2021 and 2025, which constitute the first inclusive platform within the United nations, featuring the participation of all member States and operating on a conscientious basis. We welcome the adoption by consensus of the final report of the OECWG concluding its mandate this year. At the national level, Azerbaijan has taken legislative, policy and practical measures to 3 strengthen its cybersecurity framework, thereby protecting the state, private networks, critical information infrastructure and personal data. Furthermore, in order to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence, Azerbaijan has implemented its National AI Strategy for 20252028 with the objective of fostering scientific research within the domain and enhancing AI related technologies and management systems and fortifying infrastructure. Madam Chair, Azerbaijan comments the efforts aimed at maintaining and fostering an open, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful and interoperable environment for information and communication technology. They are confident that is secure and trusted cyberspace is ess essential for all states to achieve sustainable development goals and improve living standards. I thank you. Chair [1:50:13]: I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaitan and before I proceed further, I would like to inform delegations that 10 speakers remain on the list of speakers. Should the Committee complete the consideration of this cluster this afternoon and time permit, we will immediately begin the consideration of the Cluster on Regional Disarmament and Security originally scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. So the Committee will now hear from the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe [1:50:47]: Madam Chair, Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Non Aligned Movement and the Africa Group and and will make these additional remarks in our national capacity. Allow me to begin by extending warm congratulations to Ambassador Buhan Ghafur of Singapore in his capacity as Chair of the Open ended Working Group on Security of and in the use of ICTs for his exemplary stewardship throughout a rather complex and delicate process. After five years of inclusive and often painstaking negotiations, the OEWG successfully delivered its final report by consensus, thereby laying a solid foundation for the transition to the single track action oriented global mechanism. This outcome is not merely procedural, but marks the evolution of a truly multilateral platform that reflects the collective will of member states to address the growing risks and threats in cyberspace while preserving the principles of the UN Charter and the sovereign equality of all states States Zimbabwe affirms its commitment to participate actively in its dedicated thematic groups beginning in March 2026. Madam Chair, my delegation notes the rising participation of women in the OEWG processes, with women comprising 55% of delegates in February 2025 and 53% in the final substantive session. This increase is not incidental but a reflection of a growing commitment to to ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in digital peace and security. Zimbabwe will continue to promote this trajectory, including through support of the various fellowships and other platforms that facilitates women's leadership in cyber diplomacy. Zimbabwe also welcomes the consensus reached on the establishment of a United Nations Voluntary Fund which will provide much needed support for capacity building initiatives in the use of ICTs. We stress, in line with the OEWG's reaffirmed principles, that capacity building must remain demand driven, based on mutual respect and aligned with the national priorities of recipient states. As cyber threats continue to evolve, Zimbabwe remains concerned by the growing sophistication and frequency of such incidents which increasingly target governmental institutions, financial systems and public information platforms. Equally alarming are cross border cyber intrusions, exploiting vulnerabilities in regional telecommunications network and data management systems which can compromise national sovereignty and the integrity of digital governance structures. The spread of disinformation through AI generated content also carries the potential to distort public discourse, course, interfere with international democratic processes and erode social cohesion. The rest of our statement will upload onto the UN platform. 1st Committee · Chair [1:53:43]: Thank you, Chair. I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Seneca. Senegal [1:53:54]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Seneca and so, please. Made by Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. And that's the following in its national capacity. Adam Chair despite the lethargy in our work, my country notes satisfaction progress made toward the common understanding of the effect of AI on peace and security and on the regulation of cyberspace. Progress has been made in this area and yet the issue of AI has clearly become central in the work of our committee and in parallel forum. My country underscores the importance of strengthening our common understanding of the advantages and risks of AI in the military sphere, as well as the need for inclusive governance of this technology. Senegal supports all initiatives that aim to develop equally binding norms guaranteeing responsible use of AI in the military domain so these technologies can abide by universal principles of responsibility and humanity as to governance of cyberspace. Senanga welcomes the adoption of the Final report of the OEWG after five years of intense constructive work. The delegation commends the commitment of Ambassador Burhan Ghafur, Chair of the oewg, for his leadership and dedication throughout this process and thanks him for his report. Madam Chair, the adoption of the Final Report has led to the establishment of a permanent mechanism which ought to mobilize delegations within a uniting inclusive framework that is action oriented. Delegation insists on this inclusive nature because its adoption was made through compromises on certain continuing disagreements and there are certain stumbling blocks that ought to be discussed within the Future Mechanism, especially when it comes to the application of international law. Seneca believes it's important we still have much work to do, especially when it comes to application of ICTs in international humanitarian law. The delegation regrets the lack of of a thematic group on the issue of how international law ought to apply to act use. We hope this question will be one of the priorities of the Future Mechanism's work. As for confidence building measures and capacity building, Senegal hopes that the exchanges within our group will become even deeper, especially when it comes to creating a UN voluntary fund. We also need to reduce the gap between developing and developed countries by boosting capacity in the latter. Also, it's important to address all threats in a balanced manner. Madam Chair, although there are still disagreements that persist, this is the major step forward and we underscore the importance of continuing our efforts to implement the and operationalize the future permanent mechanism. We call on all states to be fully committed to this process to build upon the the progress already made to define responsible behavior of States as well as international cooperation toward a digital environment that can foster shared development and confidence. We support the presentation by Singapore of a unique resolution transition toward the future mechanism cut off for the Speaker, Chair [1:56:58]: I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Domain Jamaica. Jamaica [1:57:14]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Jamaica aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. We reiterate our full commitment to all measures aimed at securing disarmament. These are confidence building measures and norms that have a positive spillover effect on international peace and security and indeed development as a whole. Chair Jamaica welcomes the adoption of the final report of the Open Ended Working Group on Security of and in the use of ICTs in July of this year. And we commend Ambassador Ghafora of Singapore for his impactful stewardship of this process. We welcome the concrete achievements of this Working Group, including the agreement to establish a new global mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs. In this connection, we also look forward to the development of appropriate provisions for capacity building and technical assistance, particularly for developing States. We recognize that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are reshaping future conflicts and while AI can drive economic growth and improve lives, it raises legal, ethical and moral concerns. There are unresolved issues about these weapons, compliance with international humanitarian and human rights laws and accountability in cases of civilian harm. Our attention is also focused on these developments at the regional level with the launch of the Caribbean AI Task Force in July of this year to coordinate the development and effective governance of AI across the region. Let me close, Madam Chair by saying that we reaffirm that the continued consideration of gender perspectives will only advance the achievement of our disarmament goals. On this, the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, we highlight the Women Peace and Security agenda and its role in shaping diverse, inclusive and meaningful dimensions in international peace and security. Chair we believe that multilateralism is the most effective path to achieving a more peaceful and secure world. We are committed to working with all member States to address the multifaceted and emerging challenges facing international security today and to create a safer and more equitable world for all. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [1:59:45]: I thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines. Philippines [1:59:56]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of ASEAN and on behalf of nam. Our delegation welcomes and supports the consensus adoption of the final report of the Open Ended Working Group on Security of and in the use of ICTs for 2021 and 2025 and commend Singapore's leadership in this regard. The development and responsible behavior of States in cyberspace are highly critical to ensure stability and security in the ICT domain. Such is especially important for developing countries like the Philippines. The progress achieved by the OEWG is critical to the establishment of the global Mechanism and to strengthening ICT security which continues to be threatened by malicious use that has become sophisticated as technology advances. The Philippines deplores the malicious use of ICTs which violates international law and calls for collective efforts to safeguard cyberspace and promote its peaceful use. Madam Chair, the Philippines appreciates and fully supports efforts to ensure the responsible application of of artificial intelligence in the military domain. In particular, ensuring that AI use in the military adopts an approach that puts primacy on human control with accountability and compliance with international law, specifically international humanitarian law, as major considerations in their use. Additionally, The Philippines supports NAM's resolution linking disarmament with development, advocating for reduced military spending to fund economic and social progress, especially in developing nations. We also joined NAM's resolution on environmental norms in disarmament, stressing the connection between environmental protection and global security. Additionally, the Philippines highlights the importance of multilateralism in disarmament and non proliferation, promoting transparent negotiations and cooperation to ensure global peace and security. Madam Chair, in closing, the Philippines underscores the urgency and significance of addressing emerging technologies such as icds and AI within the context of international peace and security. The pervasiveness and rapid evolution of these technologies present both opportunities and challenges affecting not only our daily lives, but also our domestic, regional and global security environments. It is imperative that the United nations and the international community remain agile and proactive in keeping pace with these developments. Through enhanced multilateral cooperation, transparency and inclusive dialogue, we can ensure that technological advancements are harnessed responsibly for the benefit of all nations in alignment with our shared goals of peace, stability and sustainable development. Thank you, Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [2:02:50]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan [2:02:59]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The Kyrgyz Republic also joins and welcomed the successful conclusion of the work of the UN Open End Working Group on the security in the field of ict. We recognize that that science and technology have a major impact in international security. While progress bring new opportunities for cooperation, it also brings serious risks, including the military use of artificial intelligence. We believe that technology must serve humanity, not drive a new arms race, whether in cyberspace or on the battlefield. Madam Chair, in my remarks I would like to draw attention to the following points. First, today, more than evil, humanity does not need new weapons. It needs new opportunities for peace, development and education. The Kyrgyz Republic firmly believes that real security is achieved not through the accumulation of arms, but through investment in people. History shows that every resource spent on the arms race is a resource taken away from sustainable development. If we focus on disarmament, we can instead instead invest in healthcare, education and protecting our environment, making our societies more stable and our world more secure. Second, multilateralism remains at the heart of disarmament and non proliferation efforts. Only by working together in a spirit of trust, transparency and mutual respect can we build a global security system that is strong and resilient in the face of new challenges. Third, in today's world, the importance of education in disarmament and non proliferation is greater than ever. We must raise awareness, especially among young people, about the danger posed by weapons of mass destruction. In 2022, with the broad support of member states and international organizations, Kyrgyzstan successfully initiated the establishment of March 5 is as International Day for Disarmament and Non Proliferation Awareness adopted through the UN General Assembly Resolution 77 51. Every year we mark this day by bringing together representatives of government, civil society, youth and academia. In Kyrgyzstan, disarmament topics are included in many academic programs and we are actively working to expand such courses in our university. The Kyrgyz Republic will continue to promote these initiatives and invite all member states to join us in strengthening this important observance. Madam Chair Our common goal is to build a world based on cooperation, trust and human development. Let education, dialogue and mutual respect be our greatest weapons in the pursuit of a peaceful, just and sustainable future for all. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [2:05:56]: I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria. Austria [2:06:05]: Thank you, Chair Austria fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity, Austria reaffirms that international humanitarian law applies to cyber operations conducted in armed conflicts. Affirming this principle does not legitimize cyber warfare. It reinforces the imperative to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Cyber operations are not abstract events in a virtual space. They are real actions undertaken by real people with real consequences and they must therefore be governed by real law. Existing international law, including the UN Charter, applies in full to all cyber activities. In this context, Austria underscores the importance of the OEWG's work on establishing a global mechanism. We welcome Singapore's initiative to table a concise draft resolution endorsing the open ended Working Group's final report. This will enable the mechanism to become fully operational and Austria emphasizes that its organizational session should convene no later than March 2026. Chair in an era of rising global tensions, disarmament education remains vital. We commend the Office for Disarmament affairs and its Disarmament Fellowship Program for cultivating future experts. And we warmly welcome the Fellows regular study visits to Vienna. Knowledge and understanding are our most effective safeguards against a renewed arms race. Chair There can be no doubt that artificial intelligence, alongside quantum and biotechnology is transforming our collective security environment. Austria highlights four priority areas for multilateral action. First, compliance with international law All AI use must respect international humanitarian and human rights law. Autonomous weapons require a new regulatory framework to ensure meaningful human control. High risk applications of AI close to the use of force also deserve particular attention. Secondly, harnessing AI for peace, applying AI for mediation, peacekeeping and post conflict recovery. Third, safeguarding trust and fourth, inclusive global governance. Austria is co sponsor to resolution L46 on AI in the military domain. When properly governed, AI can enhance early warning, conflict prevention and humanitarian response. Unregulated, it risks amplifying disinformation, spurring mistakes, misunderstandings and escalation blur the lines around accountability and undermine existing legal frameworks. Chair the full statement will be published online. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [2:09:05]: I thank the distinguished representative of Austria and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala. Guatemala [2:09:19]: Gracias, Presidenta. Thank you, Chair. Guatemala reiterates its commitment with general and complete discernment under effective international control and recognize that technological advances impose new challenges that require coordinated responses that are responsible and collective. Among these, cybersecurity has been consolidated as a priority area of action and cooperation. In this context, Guatemala welcomes the mandate to create a new global mechanism to create continue work on cybersecurity. This represents an opportunity to consolidate the achievements of the open ended working group. This mechanism offers an inclusive, transparent and sustained forum to strengthen cooperation among states and to promote a safe, stable and peaceful digital environment. Guatemala considers it fundamental that this new mechanism promotes respect for international law and in particular the UN Charter, and that it promotes trust and transparency among States and the responsible use of information and communication technologies. It should also contribute to reducing gaps in capacity, ensuring that all countries, especially developing countries, can participate on an equal foot footing in strengthening their cyber resilience. Madam Chair, the use of artificial intelligence. This should be an instrument in the service for human well being. However, we cannot ignore the inherent risks inherent in it. This is why Guatemala underscores the importance of strengthening multilateral norms that regulate the development and use use of these technologies. Lastly, my country would like to underscore the importance of maintaining complementarity among disarmament, non proliferation and international security measures, including with regard to emerging technologies. Given that global stability depends on traditional disarmament instruments as well as prevention of new risks, we intend to participate constructively in multilateral debates on these technologies with the conviction that only through dialogue, cooperation and mutual trust can we guarantee peace and development. Speaker 83 [2:11:52]: Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Guatemala. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya. Libya [2:12:08]: In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful Madam Chair, Libya associates itself with the statement delivered by the Group of Arab States and renews its firm commitment to the purposes of the United nations and disarmament and in maintaining peace and international peace and security. In this context, Libya expresses its extent extreme concern over the increasing cyber threats that target civilian infrastructure and undermine trust among states. We renew our call to put in place binding international rules that regulate the responsible behavior of States in cyberspace. Libya welcomes the adoption of the Final Report of the open ended Working Group on ICT Security and CyberSecurity Security in July 2025. We welcome the practical measures included in the report to establish the global Mechanism on Cybersecurity under the umbrella of the United nations as a framework that encompasses the exchange of experiences and enhances international dialogue in this vital field. Libya reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in ICTs and especially in supporting capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries and in a manner that would contribute towards bridging the digital divide and allowing all States, enabling all states to confront cyber threats and benefit from technological innovation in a safe and equitable way. Madam Chair in light of the rapid increase in the use of AI applications in military uses, Libya expresses its full support for efforts aimed at regulating these applications through international law and international humanitarian law and that human control must be the decisive factor. We welcome the Secretary General's report on dangers associated with the military uses of artificial intelligence. We support the call to initiate a UN process to regulate this matter in a comprehensive and balanced manner that takes into consideration the varying capabilities among states. Libya renews its commitment to constructive cooperation with all states for a world that is safer and more just, where international law is upheld and where the responsible cooperation is pursued for a future that is fitting, free of technological and military threats. I thank you Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [2:14:50]: I thank the distinguished representative of Libya and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of India. India [2:14:59]: Thank you Chair. India is pleased to table under this cluster a resolution titled Role of Science and Technology in the Context of International Security and Disarmament that addresses the need for enhanced international cooperation in the peaceful uses of science and technology. The resolution recognizes that S and T developments can have both civilian and military applications and that progress in S and T for civilian applications needs to be further encouraged. It also underlines how the accelerating pace of technological change necessitates a system wide assessment of their potential impact of international security. Pursuant to this resolution, the UNSG annually publishes a report which is UN's free flag flagship product that gives an overview of S and T developments of relevance to weapons, means or methods of warfare. We are pleased to note that the report has been instrumental in facilitating deliberations on emerging technologies in the context of international security at the undc. As a developing country, India supports enhanced international cooperation and promotion of peaceful uses of science and technology where possible through technology transfer, sharing of information and exchange of equipment and materials. At the same time, it is imperative that international transfers of dual use goods and technologies with military applications are effectively regulated. Rapidly evolving technologies whose development is in the national and industrial domains are not easily susceptible to governance at the intergovernmental level. An agile and tiered governance approach that respects national and industry prerogatives and priorities should be considered. Regulation efforts on emerging technologies, while aligned with existing international law, should be flexible given the rapidity and speed of innovation involving soft law options and multi tiered governance options. India also underlines that due regard must be given to avoiding duplication in work and complementing efforts already under way. Chair India is committed to promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. Malicious use of cyberspace by terrorists and for criminal purposes and the interconnected nature ICT domain necessitates a collaborative approach. India acknowledges the work done by OEWG on the security of and in the use of ICTs. While noting the value of having a single track mechanism dedicated to global matters under the UN Framework. India underscores that the newly established global mechanism should remain the main platform for intergovernmental deliberation on ICT issues. I thank you Chair Chair [2:17:49]: I thank the Distinguished Representative of India. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the International Criminal Police Organization. INTERPOL [2:17:59]: Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates, Interpol welcomes the consensus adoption of the final report of the Open Ended working group on ICTs and its recognition of the threat posed by the criminal misuse of ICTs. Interpol supports its 196 member countries in taking this global challenge through three interdependent pillars. First, Interpol provides actionable intelligence and investigative support through strategic partnership with the private sector and our secure i24 7 communication channel. We ensure that critical information reaches the right investigators at the right time, including by offering access to 19 global police databases and analytical files. Second, Interpol strengthens our member countries law enforcement capacities through targeted training and tailored programs, enabling officers worldwide to effectively investigate and prosecute cybercrime. Third, Interpol leads coordinate and support operations across borders to identify and arrest cybercriminals, dismantle malicious infrastructure, recover illicit proceeds and and protect victims. These efforts delivered tangible results early this year. Through Operation Serengeti, Interpol united investigators from 18 African countries and the United Kingdom to take ransomware, online scams and business email compromise schemes. Collective action led to over 1,200 arrests, the recovery of nearly US$100 million and the dismantling of more than 11,400 malicious infrastructures. As the landscape of ICT threats continues to evolve rapidly, so too must our collective response. This year Interpol relaunched its Cybercrime Expert group, bringing together over 180 experts from more than 70 countries to examine the changing threat landscape and develop forward looking strategies for prevention and disruption, including in relation to emerging technologies such as AI. We are also developing targeted initiatives to address specific and emerging threats. Project Symphony aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure to cyber attacks. Project Stardust targets the criminal development and use of residential proxies. Project Harpoon explores how AI can be leveraged to combat phishing. And Project Echo is a new initiative to counter image based sexual abuse. These initiatives are practical, operationally focused and open for collaboration with new partners. Madam Chair, Interpol is committed to announcing global cyber cooperation and strengthening our collective resilience for a safer digital world, including through the new global mechanism. No single organization can meet this challenge alone. We therefore call upon Member States to deepen their engagement with Interpol's operational mechanism, share timely intelligence and strengthen capacity building nationally and regionally. Speaker 89 [2:20:36]: I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Interpol. And now we have heard the last speaker on the Cluster on other disarmament measures and international security security. I shall now call on delegations who have requested the right of reply. And may I remind members that the statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to four and a half minute half minutes for the first intervention and two and a half minutes for the second intervention. 1st Committee · Chair [2:21:04]: And now I give the floor to the representative of Israel. Israel [2:21:13]: Thank you, Chair. Israel categorically rejects the baseless accusations made by the representative of Iran. His claims are nothing more than an attempt to divert international community's attention from Iran's own long record of destabilizing behavior and systematic violations of international law and UN resolutions, including in the cyberspace. As Iran is continuing to bluntly violate the norms of responsible use of ICT by states. It is ironic that the representative of Iran, a country that continues to arm and fund terrorist organizations across the Middle east that openly calls for the destruction of a UN member state and it advances a nuclear and ballistic missile program in defiance of Security Council resolutions, would lecture others about peace or security. Chair Iran bears direct responsibility for for fueling instability and violence in the region of the Middle east. And beyond through cyberspace. 2. Its proxies and militias undermine every effort toward regional stability and human security. More than 15 cyber attack groups attribute to Iran and its terrorist and non state proxies have continuously intensified their attempt to launch cyber attacks against targets in the Israeli public, private and government sectors. Only in the passing year we have identified more than 2,000 cyber attacks with an intention to spread terror through harming civilians and attempting to cause real physical and cognitive damage. Iran and its terror allies have continued using cyberspace to damage, among other things, our critical civilian infrastructures, targeting our energy installations, water systems and even our public hospitals and education institutions. Iran's actions should be condemned uniformly. Also in this form, charities malicious actions and attempts clearly violate the basic norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Nations who have been advocating here and calling for the implementation and adherence to these important norms should all stand together with Israel and unambiguously condemn these harmful malicious cyber attacks perpetrated by Iran and its terror proxies. Chair Israel remains committed to working with all peace loving nations to promote stability and security in cyberspace and continues to advocate for the responsible use of ICT and technology. All values that this committee is meant to uphold. Iran clearly isn't. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [2:23:47]: I now call on the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:23:55]: Distinguished Chair. We categorically reject the race and politically motivated attacks we've heard about Russia's alleged involvement in cyber attacks. These accusations have are long standing propaganda tricks used by the west including against Russian companies. I emphasize that the alleged victims usually do not provide any kind of evidence of their accusations. Their explanation here that there is no evidence because these accusations are completely fabricated. What's telling here is the recent conclusion of the CIA intelligence of the US saying that the affair launched by the Obama administration about Russia's alleged use of ICTs to interfere with elections was simply a pretext that was used as part of a propaganda campaign to tarnish Russia's image. That's what we said from the very beginning because these fakes that set the trend toward blaming Moscow for any cyber attacks. I'd like to once again point out to Western countries that in order to prevent and curtail computer attacks, Russia initiated and supported the Register of Contact points. This mechanism allows for operative contacts to carried out between empowered specialists from the various governments to exchange information and specific sources of harmful activities. The paradox here is that during the existence of this registry of focal points we did not receive a single, once again, I repeat, not a single petition regarding any responsibility of our country in cyber attacks. As for Our requests through this registry of contact points for aeroflow. There were accusations about that, but we didn't receive any requests in that regard, so we're waiting for explanations on that. That's once again a reason to wonder about the real value of such accusations against us. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [2:26:27]: I now call on the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the first intervention. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:26:33]: Thank you, Madam Chair. I have taken the floor not to dignify the baseless and outrageous accusations made by representative of the Israeli regime, all of which I categorically reject and condemn. Such accusations, which have regrettably become a recurring pattern of distraction and deliberate distortion, don't merit a detailed response. This persistent practice of misinformation against my country seeks to obscure the Israeli regime's dark record of systematic aggression, occupation, terrorism and atrocity, the very realities that continue to unfold in our region. I therefore don't wish to take the valuable time of this meeting to recount the numerous cyber attacks the Israeli regime has carried out against Iran's critical infrastructure, including the Stuxnet attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, as well as repeated attacks on our industrial infrastructure, such as steel and petrochemical industries, gas stations, and most recently those carried out during the Israeli regime's aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June 2024. Madam Chair, Distinguished colleagues. Instead, I have taken the floor to invite all delegations to visit the photo exhibition displayed outside this room. The images provide a stark and undeniable glimpse into the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza. They also underscore why we have consistently maintained that this regime lacks any moral standing to lecture others on any matter, including cybersecurity. I thank you, Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [2:28:27]: That exhausted the list of speakers requested for the right of reply. And now the Committee will begin its thematic discussion under the client cluster on Regional Disarmament and security Briefings by the directors of the UN Regional Centers for Peace and Disarmament will take place tomorrow at 3pm as reflected in the Committee's program of work. And before I give the floor to hear our group statements, I would like to share the news that you know Timor Leste is now the 11th member of ASEAN and we would like to congratulate. Congratulate them here as well. And the first speaker on the list will be the distinguished representative of Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. Indonesia · NAM [2:29:17]: Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm honored to speak on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. NAM State parties to the NPT are deeply concerned at the strategic, military and security doctrines of the Nuclear weapon states and 13 NWs who subscribe to extend nuclear security guarantees and nuclear weapons sharing arrangements provided by the Nuclear Weapon States. They therefore strongly called upon them to exclude completely the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons from their military and security doctrines. NAMBY affirms the need for the speedy establishment of a Nuclear Weapon Free Zones in the Middle east in accordance with the Security Council resolutions 487, 1981 and paragraph 14 of the Security Council's resolutions 6, 8, 7, 1991 and the relevant General assembly resolutions Pending its establishment, NAM demanded Israel to renounce possessions of nuclear weapons, to accede to the NPT without preconditions and further delay to place promptly all its nuclear facilities under EIA's full scope safeguards according to the Security Council resolutions 4, 8, 7, 1981 and to conduct its nuclear related activities in conformity with the non proliferation regime. In this regard, NAM requests that the Secretary General, in accordance to operative paragraph 7 of the resolutions 4871981 report to the Security Councils and the wider memberships on the implementations of the resolutions. NAM State Parties to the NPT reiterate their profound disappointment that the 2010 Action Plan on the establishment of the Middle East Zones free of Nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction has not been implemented. NAAM welcomes the convening of the first sessions of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zones free of nuclear Weapons according to the General assembly decision 73546 and the valuable deliberations and report of his five sessions held thus far, including most recently under the Presidency of Mauritania in November 2024. NAM regrets the continued absence of Israel and United States at this Conference and continues to call upon all States of the regions without exceptions to actively participate in this Conference and negotiate in good faith and bring to conclusions of legally binding treaty on the establishment of the zone. Madam Chair NAM believes that nuclear weapon free zones established by the treaties of Tlateloku, Rarotonga, Bangkok, Pelhindaba, the Central ASEAN Nuclear Weapon Free Zones Treaty as well as Mongolia's Nuclear Weapon Free status are positive steps and important measures towards strengthening global nuclear disarmament and nuclear non proliferation operations. NAM calls upon all nuclear weapons States to ratify related protocols to all treaties establishing these Nuclear weapon free Zones, withdraw any and all reservations or interpretative declarations incompatible with their object and purpose and respect denuclearization status of the zones. NAM emphasizes the importance of UN activities at the regional level to incorporate increase the stability and security of its member States which could be promoted in a substantive manner by the maintenance and revitalization of the three regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Lomi, Kathmandu and Lima. Under this cluster, NAM is presenting a draft resolution on implementations of the declarations of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace for which it will welcome supports from everyone. The full version of the statement will be submitted to the the Secretariat. Thank you, Madam Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [2:32:58]: I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman. Oman · Arab Group [2:33:09]: Madam Chair. The Arab Group aligns itself with the statement of nam. We stress the relationship between the maintenance of international peace and security and regional disarmament and arms control, in particular in nuclear disarmament and elimination of other WMDs. We stress Article 7 of the NPT which stresses the right of States to conclude regional agreements to ensure the total absence of nuclear weapons from their territory. While nuclear weapon free zones are not an alternative to realizing the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. We appreciate the efforts made across the five existing zones as well as the non nuclear status of Mongolia and we welcome their positive and valuable impact. We commend adoption of GE Resolution 79241 and this includes the establishment of a zone flee from nuclear weapons in the Middle east and welcome the formation of the gee. We stress the need to establish a zone free of nuclear weapons and WMDs in the middle east and we call for practical steps to implement UN relevant resolutions because this embodies the principles of international law and the Charter. We stress the importance of the Arab Annual Resolution on limiting the threat of nuclear weapons in the Middle east. And we stress that the Middle east resolution which was issued by the 1995 conference is part and parcel of the indefinite extension package and we call upon sponsor States to implement the commitments and we continue to work to make the Middle east an area free of nuclear weapons which promotes peace and security. Also we stress the elements that we put Forward in the 11th review conference on the universality of this Convention. We welcome the convening of the five sessions of the Conference and we would like to call upon all members states to take part in the sixth edition of this Conference out of goodwill in this non political UN Conference so that we can reach a legally binding treaty that would contribute to strengthening regional international peace and security. We welcome the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan hosting a third meeting of the Committee of Experts of the Conference in May which enhances dialogue and cooperation between existing and future nuclear weapon free zones. The Arab Group condemns in the strongest terms the nuclear threats launched by the Minister in the Israeli Co occupation government against Gaza in November 2023. These have been officially documented which is a serious evidence of impunity. And this calls for an area free of nuclear weapons in the Middle East. The Arab states have committed themselves to and we have shown responsibility and goodwill and we call upon other parties to do so. Here we express our deep concern at the continuing danger posed by Israel continuing to refuse to accede to the npt. And we condemn the Israeli attack against Iran in June which included targeting nuclear facilities subject to the Safeguard System regime. I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Oman on behalf of the Arab Group. 1st Committee · Chair [2:36:58]: And now I give the floor to the representative of the European Union. EU · EU [2:37:04]: Madam Vice Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the EU and its member states. The candidate countries, not Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EFTA countries, Iceland and Norway. Members of the European Economic Area as well as Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement. The EU will continue to work for the peaceful resolution of regional instability and insecurity and of conflict situations. We strongly support the establishment of regional and sub regional confidence and security building measures. It remains a strategic priority of the EU to support peace and stability in the entire Middle East. The EU reaffirms its full support to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Madam Vice Chair, Russia's unjustified and illegal full scale war of aggression against Ukraine continues to inflict a devastating toll primarily on the Ukrainian people. We condemn Russia's actions to destabilize the global architecture for the maintenance of peace and security, including UN Security Council instruments. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and its repercussions for European and global security in a changing environment constitute an existential challenge for the European Union. We call for a full unconditional ceasefire which could allow space for meaningful talks for genuine peace aimed at ending Russia's war of aggression and restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The EU and Member States will continue to uphold international law and full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its international recognized borders. Support Ukraine and work to ensure full accountability for crimes. Russia's illegal seizure and occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and military activities endanger Ukraine, the region and the world. The EU condemns the military support for Russia's aggression provided by the DPRK and Iran as well as the Belarusian regime's involvement in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the announced deployment of Russian nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus. We note with concern China's support to Russia's military industrial complex. We urge all countries to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Madam Vice Chair, the EU welcomes the agreement on the first phase of the comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict put forward by President Trump to secure an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. We call on all parties to fully implement the agreement without delay, allowing for the establishment of a lasting ceasefire, the release of the hostages and the impeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza. This is a real chance to end the devastating war and the human suffering and to forge a credible potential path towards lasting peace and security based on the two state solution. Building national capacities and strengthening regional cooperation remains central to our efforts. As set out in the EU Strategy Against Illicit Firearms, Small Arms and Light Weapons and Their Ammunition. The EU supports self control projects, often in collaboration with regional organizations. Furthermore, other EU assistance activities focus on promoting universal adherence to and national implementation of key international instruments. The EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centers of Excellence Initiative provides a platform for cooperation with partner countries to mitigate risks posed by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials. This is a shortened version of the statement. The full version will be submitted. Thank you so much, Madam Vice Chair. Vice-Chair [2:40:44]: I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of of the UK Chair. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:40:56]: As the ICRC reminded us during the work of this Committee, over 130 conflicts are raging today, twice as many as 15 years ago. Making this debate ever more important, the UK supports and encourages all UN member states to keep working on feasible measures to improve security within their regions. In Europe, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine remains an egregious violation of the UN Charter that profoundly challenges the international order on which our prosperity and security depend. Russia's unacceptable airspace violations in Estonia, Poland and Romania further demonstrate this. Russia's control and militarization of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continue to pose a significant risk of a nuclear incident. We once call on Russia to withdraw and return the plant to the Ukrainian authorities. We thank the United States, Turkey, Qatar and Egypt for their tireless diplomatic efforts to secure a peace plan for Gaza. As outlined by my Prime Minister on 9th October, a two state solution is the only viable option for durable peace. The UK urges all parties to engage constructively to fulfil their Commitments without delay Chair Long term peace and security in the Middle east cannot be achieved without addressing Iran's destabilizing activity. Iran's nuclear program poses a serious threat to regional and international security. We condemn Iran's military support for its proxies including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, as well as Iran's well documented transfers of UAVs and ballistic missiles to Russia. Following the end of the snapback process, multiple UN Security resolutions, Security Council resolutions targeting Iranian proliferation were reimposed. All Member States are obliged to fully implement and comply with the sanctions. We call on Iran to cease its disruptive activities and engage meaningfully in diplomatic efforts to address international concerns in Asia. The DPRK's illegitimate nuclear and ballistic missile programs violate UN Security Council resolutions and challenge the international community's non proliferation objectives and the peace and security of the region. We also condemn DPRK's pursuit of military satellite capabilities. Chair the UK reiterates that de escalation, protection of civilians and respect for the UN Charter must guide us. We remain confident that sustained collective diplomacy can deliver progress in pursuit of a safer and more peaceful world. Thank you, Chair. 1st Committee · Chair [2:43:33]: I thank the distinguished representative of the uk. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico. Mexico [2:43:43]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Mexico reaffirms our wholehearted support for efforts aimed at the creation of nuclear weapons free zones through arrangements freely arrived at by states of their respective regions. Considering that we were one of the pioneering states in establishing the first such zone for my country. Nuclear weapon free zones are a concrete contribution to nuclear non proliferation, to peace and stability both at the regional and international level. Although they are not an end in themselves, they are an important intermediate step to achieve the total elimination of nuclear weapons. They are also a measure to reduce the risk of nuclear war which historically has proven their effectiveness. The region of Latin America and the Caribbean continues to be considered as a reference regarding the opposition to the so called doctrine of deterrence. The establishment of of a denuclearized zone in the region as a sovereign decision and not as a result of geopolitical factors demonstrates that the dependence on nuclear weapons and the use of this weapon to ensure collective security is based on political will. Madam Chair in conformity with resolution 79241 on the broadcast study on the issue of nuclear weapons free zone. The qualified group of experts in charge of elaborating this study will begin its work in a few weeks. This resolution was promoted by countries members of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean who Consider it necessary that the General assembly of the UN examines the progress achieved to date in consolidation of nuclear weapons free zones, starting from the study by the UN in 1976. Since then, four additional zones have been established, in addition to the one established through the Treaty of Tlatelolco and Mongolia, which has acquired a similar status. With that going into an exhaustive list, Mexico considers that the new study must examine one the possibilities of strengthening existing zones and promoting future ones, two control systems, three additional protocols and four the functioning of their political organs and the functioning of their secretariats, as the case may be, among other aspects. We call on all states to actively participate in the open consultations of the qualified group of experts. Thank you very much. 1st Committee · Chair [2:46:32]: I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal. Portugal [2:46:40]: Chair. First, allow me to join you in congratulating Timor Lest for its succession to ASEAN Chair. Multilateral efforts are only as effective as they permeate different levels and spheres. The work carried out at the UN can and should inform and be informed by work carried out at regional, national and local levels. If these levels communicate and function in complementarity, norm setting and implementation are rendered more efficacious. This rule applies to most UN work and therefore also to disarmament. The UN can set global norms and regional approaches can adapt and fine tune those norms to specific contexts. Being deeply integrated both in the Atlantic alliance and in the eu, Portugal understands the value of regional cooperation also as a means of strengthening national capacities. Our preoccupations with regional disarmament are clear. On the nuclear front, we fully support the IAEA's mandate, including its work related to safeguards, safety, security as well as technical cooperation, and call on all states to cooperate with the agency. We also support the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East. But regional disarmament agenda must also include conventional weapons and cooperation in this regard is crucial. This is why Portugal actively participates in a number of regional activities. Allow me to list a few. Within the Community of Portuguese speaking countries, the Council of Chiefs of Police established recently a Commission on Arms and Explosives whose role is to share best practices and information in order to curb illicit trade in Seoul. In Latin America, we actively participate in the European Latin America Assistance Program against transnational organized conflicts crime. Our police forces have also recently translated into Portuguese a new handbook on firearms for border guards and customs to spread good practices into the Lusophone world. Indeed, we believe that it is through cooperation, whether it be region to region, state to region or intra region, that we can enhance regional disarmament efforts. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [2:49:10]: You. I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. And now I shall call on delegations who have requested for the right of reply. May I remind members that the statements in the exercise of the right of reply is limited to four and a half minutes for the first intervention and two and a half minutes for the second intervention. And I'll call on the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:49:36]: Thank you. Distinguished Chair. We would like to exercise a right to reply. Right of reply. To refute all of these groundless accusations that we've heard against us. Detailed explanations on all of these insinuations that were made we've already provided multiple times during this session of the First Committee of the UN General assembly and see no need to repeat ourselves. We simply would like to point out to the delegation of the eu, the UK as well, that these explanations that we provided are public. So I think these delegations will be easily able to carefully read all of our well justified explanation explanations that we have provided in response to all of the remarks that these delegations made. I think it would be quite helpful for them to read once again and to familiarize themselves with the position of the Russian Federation and the arguments he put forward, as well as the concrete facts that we have raised in response to these insinuations that are divorced from reality. With regard to the the alleged violations of airspace of European states by Russian drones. Detailed commentary and explanations about that were provided by the Russian Federation at various levels, including at the very highest level of our government. And in this case we'd like to again emphasize and repeat that all of these observations, these accusations are absolutely baseless. They are not supported by any evidence whatsoever and none of our questions that we pose to the European countries have received an appropriate response. For our part, we underscore that the Russian armed forces carry out strikes solely against military infrastructure of the criminal Kiev regime. Targets for strikes There are no targets for strikes in European states. We have no plans for such strikes. And the maximum range of the flights of Russian drones which allegedly had entered the airspace of certain European states. Does not correspond to the distance that these drones can actually fly. That is to say that the maximum distance from the Russian border to these European states, in addition, as we have already stated many times, the Russian Federation prepared posed, holding necessary consultations in order to explain the circumstances surrounding this topic. But we received no response from any of those states. To this day we continue to await a response to our proposals and perhaps one day we'll finally get one. Thank you. 1st Committee · Chair [2:53:03]: Now I call on the representative of the dprk Democratic People's Republic of Korea [2:53:10]: thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. My delegation categorically rejects the arguments from the delegations of EU and United Kingdom. DPRK has possessed and is improving its nuclear deterrence to defend itself in response to the ever increasing nuclear threats of US and its nuclear based bloc. Our defensive measures are highly legal and reciprocal. Mr. Chair. My delegation also rejects the slanders of the EU and UK on the legal cooperation between the DPRK and Russian Federation. The Ukraine crisis has been an inevitable consequence of the relentless eastward march of NATO which jeopardized the security interests of the Russian Federation. DPRK armed forces have participated in the Gruzk liberation operation and made a meaningful contribution to the annihilation of neo Nazis and liberation of the territory of Russian Federation. Our participation has been just, legal and forced into the jurisdiction of our sovereign rights. The world has witnessed what we did for justice, peace and friendship. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Madam Chair, 1st Committee · Chair [2:54:28]: Distinguished delegates. We have exhausted the time available for this meeting today. The committee will convene tomorrow morning in this conference room to continue automatic discussion under the cluster on regional disarmament security. The meeting is adjourned.