UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c1/80/20 First Committee, 20th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session — First Committee — 28 October 2025 Language: en Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record. --- 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [0:05]: The 20th meeting of the Disarmament and International Security Committee. The first committee of the 80th session of the General assembly is called to order. Distinguished delegates, I would like to warmly welcome to the podium the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, Mr. Anselm Yabouri the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Depayan Basu Ray, and the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ms. Soledad Uruela. In accordance with its program of work, the Committee will first hear briefings by our panelists. The Committee will change then to an informal mode to afford delegations the opportunity to ask questions. Thereafter, the formal plenary will resume to allow the Committee to continue its thematic discussion under the cluster of original the seventh cluster. My bad. Disarmament machinery, of course. Distinguished delegates, we will first hear introductory remarks by the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, Mr. Anselm Yabouri. You have the floor, sir. UNREC · Director · Anselm Yabouri [1:19]: Thank you very much. Mr. Vice Chair, Yakub Yaros. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, mesdames et messieurs, it is my honor to address the first Committee. In my capacity as a Director of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, unrec, I would like to highlight key challenges, opportunities and progress in disarmament and arms control. Non proliferation across Africa Complementing the Secretary General's Report A80128 Challenges and Trends despite important progress, Africa continues to face persistent security threats from the proliferation, diversion and misuse of small arms and light weapons which fuel arms violence, organized crime and violent extremism. The humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences remain severe. Unplanned ammunition storage, explosions, armed violence and the displacement of millions continue to hinder access to education, health and livelihoods. Rising military expenditures divert scarce resources from development and climate adaptation. Addressing these challenges require redefining security through a human centered lens aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16. UNREICH continues to support member states and regional and sub regional organizations to strengthen arms control, non proliferation and disarmament frameworks. The center collaborates closely with the African Union, the Economic Community of West African State, ecowas, the Economic Community of Central African States, ecas, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, the Southern African Development Community, sadc, the Regional center on Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and bordering States rexa, among others to advance regional coordination, the au, un OGA Cooperation Metrics remains the foundation for joint initiatives including the AU Design Fellowship and the Afrika Amnesty Month, which is a Pan African project promoting voluntary weapons surrender and destruction while reinforcing national ownership of disarmament. Following an August 2025 mission to Abuja, UNREC and ECOWAS agreed to strengthen the partnership to address emerging security challenges such as the misuse of drone cyber threats and the linkages between arms controlled climates and technology. AMREC's technical assistance equips national authorities with practical weapons and ammunition management tools. The center deployed three modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium Mosaic missions in Burundi, the DRC and the Gambia, supporting national action plans and contributing to the implementation of the UN Trust Facility Supporting cooperation on arms Regulation UNSCA funded project that assists AIDS member states and the UN country teams in integrating arms control into development and peace building strategies. Collaboration with the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIGI and the West African Economic and Monitoring Union strengthened coordination among small arms and light weapons commissions and inform the design of a new initiative addressing small arms and light weapons and improvised weapons devices threats in border zones as mandated by the General Assembly. I'm pleased to announce that the ODA and UNREC launched this year the first African edition of the UN Fellowship on Small Arms and Light Weapons, bringing together 19 fellows including seven women from across the five regions of the continent. Women and youth inclusion remains central to UNREC programming through regional workshops and webinars on gender mainstreaming and small arms control. In the coming year, UNREC will support States in operationalizing the Global Framework on Ammunition Management, aligning national legislation with global instruments, and deepening partnership to integrate arms control into peace, development and climate security agendas. Finally, let me express my sincere appreciation to Member States and partners, including our host country Togo, for their steadfast support. We count on your continued engagement and cooperation as we work together towards a safer and more secure Africa. Thank you very much for your kind attention. Merci beaucoup de votre a ma Attention. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [6:25]: I thank the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa for his statement. I now give the floor to the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Depayan Basuray. You have the floor, sir. UNRCPD · Director · Depayan Basu Ray [6:42]: Thank you very much. Your Excellency, Ambassador Jacob Yaroslav. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, thank you for the opportunity to address the First Committee in my capacity as the Director of the United Nations Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, also known as unrcpd. I would like to share some key reflections of the Center's work over the past year and highlight some of the trends shaping the security landscape in the region. Further details, of course, are available in the Secretary General's report A80 129. Let me reflect first on some of the challenges and trends in the region. The Asia Pacific remains one of the world's most dynamic and diverse regions, yet it continues to face complex security challenges that underscore the importance of disarmament and arms control. Persistent regional tensions, increasing military expenditures and rapid advancements in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons and cyber capabilities are transforming the strategic environment in the region. Proliferation risks linked to small arms, ammunition and conventional weapons continue to undermine human security in several sub regions. Illicit arms flows, fuel armed violence, organized crime and gender based violence, while unregulated stockpiles threaten stability and development. These challenges are compounded by the limited institutional capacities, data gaps and the wider impact of the UN liquidity crisis on multilateral engagement. At the same time, Member States are showing a growing commitment to to preventive dialogue, confidence building and the integration of disarmament into national development agendas, including through youth and gender participation, education and climate security linkages. I now turn to some of the relevant elements of a strengthened regional disarmament process. Now, despite the financial constraints, UNRCPD has continued to fulfill its mandate through three main facilitating dialogue, building partnerships and providing technical support. The Centre hosted regional and sub regional meetings on the Biological Weapons Convention, the BWC on the Global Framework for Through Life Conventional Ammunition Management, the United Nations Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and women peace and security agendas, as well as briefings on emerging technologies and the military applications of artificial intelligence. UNRCPD's flagship disarmament toolkit training continues to reach a wide network of practitioners from across the world. UNRCPD also strengthened partnerships, including joint briefings with Australia and Singapore on the Open Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space and expanded the Asia Pacific Regional Mechanism on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which now brings together over 45 entities from across the UN civil society and academia to promote coordinated regional action. Technical assistance remains central to our work through the Saving Lives Entity, also known as Salient unscar, and the Voluntary Trust Fund for the Arms Trade Treaty or the ATT vtf. UNRCPD continues to provide expert guidance on treaty implementation and integration of arms control international frameworks. Sustained extra budgetary funding remains vital in this effort. Looking ahead, the Centre will continue supporting preparations for global meetings, expanding joint programming with regional partners and delivering specialized training on arms control, emerging technologies and disarmament education. Before I conclude, on behalf of my wonderful team, we extend sincere appreciation to our host country, Nepal for its unwavering support, to Thailand for its annual contributions, and to the Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China and the European Union for their voluntary funding. Predictable resources remains essential to sustain this work and ensure the continued success of UNODA's regional centers. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [11:22]: I thank the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific for his statement. I now give the floor to the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ms. Soledad Uruela. You have the floor, madam. UNLIREC · Director · Soledad Uruela [11:39]: Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. It is an honor to address the first committee and provide a brief overview of trends and challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as some highlights of the work of the United Nations Regional center for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. On Lyric Supplementing the Secretary General's report contained in document A81, let me start with a reflection on challenges and trends in the region. The Latin American and Caribbean region continues to grapple with high levels of armed violence driven by illicit firearms and ammunition trafficking, organized crime and gender based violence. These challenges are compounded by regulatory gaps, limited institutional capacity, insufficient data, yet there is momentum. States are translating political will into action through sub regional roadmaps, capacity building and cross sector partnerships. Increasingly, arms control is recognized not only as a security imperative, but as a development priority. In this context, AMNIRAQ plays a vital role in promoting holistic strategies to prevent armed violence and bridge the gap between security and development. In this context, firearms roadmaps have become essential tools for translating international instruments into national action. With three subregional initiatives at various stages of implementation, Latin America and the Caribbean stands as the only region to adopt a comprehensive, coordinated approach to firearms control. The Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, now in its midterm review, has catalyzed the adoption of national action plans by several states. The Central American and Dominican Republic Roadmap, adopted in February, has entered its implementation phase with countries developing coordination mechanisms and action plans. Following the recent adoption of the mandate to develop an Andean Firearms Roadmap in collaboration with the Organization of American States and the Andean Community, AMNUREC will support this new subregional initiative which marks the formal launch of the process and further consolidates the region's coordinated approach to arms control Omnirec is also contributing to a more coherent UN response to other armed violence by supporting Resident Coordinators in integrating arms control into common country analyses and cooperation frameworks and through initiatives such as SALIENT and our project supporting Haiti and in partnership with caricom, Impacts, the OAS and others, we are advancing evidence based cross sectoral responses and avoiding duplication. Looking Ahead Promoting the meaningful participation of women and youth in disarmament remains a core priority. This year our flagship Women Forces of Change Symposium in Lima will mark the 15th anniversary of General Assembly Resolution 65 69, celebrating women's contributions to peace and security on youth. Our Generaccionpas program continues to expand, complementing ODA's global youth initiatives. Amiraq is equally proud to be working with ODA's weapons of mass Destruction Branch and the BWC Implementation Support Unit to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention and the UN Secretary General's Mechanism for investigation of alleged use of Chemical and Biological Weapons, with a new Regional Coordinator to be based in Lima. Finally, on behalf of the entire El Niroc team, I express sincere appreciation to our donors and partners, Canada, Germany, the United States, the European Union, Mexico, Panama and of course our host country Peru, whose support makes our work possible in this time of financial strain. It renewed and expanded support is vital to sustain momentum and protect the progress achieved. Thank you very much. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [16:14]: I thank the Director of the UN Regional center for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean for her statement. In keeping with the established practice of the Committee, I will now suspend the meeting to afford delegations the opportunity to have an interactive discussion on the briefings we just had through an informal question and answer session. The meeting is suspended. Does any delegation wish to make any comments or raise questions on the briefings we just heard? I see no requests for the floor. On behalf of all delegations, I thank our panelists for their statements. The Committee will now resume its formal meeting. The meeting is resumed. Distinguished delegates. The Committee will now continue its thematic discussion under the Cluster of Disarmament machinery. The panelists scheduled to speak under this cluster on 30 October have all submitted their presentations in writing which have been circulated by the Secretariat. I would like to remind the Committee that we will transfer the meeting suspend the meeting at 5:30 for the annual certificate ceremony for the UN Disarmament Fellows. The first speaker on the list today is the distinguished representative of South Africa. On behalf of a group of States, you have the floor. South Africa · 86 Member States [18:11]: Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of 86 member states we underscore the importance of continuing to strengthen the integration of gender perspectives in the work of the First Committee and the entire disarmament machinery. On this 80th anniversary of the UN and the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, we reaffirm the fundamental importance of the Women peace and security agenda and the need to advance women's full, equal and meaningful participation participation in conflict and post conflict situations, as well as in peace building. We also reaffirm the Pact for the future's commitment to redouble efforts to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, including, inter alia, by preventing setbacks and tackling the persistent barriers to the implementation of the WPS agenda and ensure that incentives to advance these efforts are equal, adequately resourced and financed. Chair Gender perspectives provide key insights into how women, men, girls and boys can be differentially impacted by armed conflict and weapons. Furthermore, it contributes to the realization of the sustainable development goals UNSCR 1325, including all subsequent resolutions on WPS, the related Beijing 30 process and other efforts. Forging Collaborative and Convergence Collaboration and Convergence the differential gendered impact on armed conflict on women, men, boys and girls are critically considered in the effective implementation of arms control and disarmament agreements. For example, the use of explosive weapons in populated areas are differentiated impacts on women and girls, including in relation to societal roles and educational opportunity and participation both during and after conflict. Similarly, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and housing and resulting displacement heightens the risk of gender based violence when women and girls are forced into irregular settlements and forced migration. Indeed, the incorporation of gender perspective in our work strengthens diverse, inclusive and meaningful participation by women and men in all aspects of arms control, non proliferation and disarmament. The continued research by UNITY into these issues highlights that women remain underrepresented in arms control and disarmament fora particularly in leadership roles. We strongly encourage specific targeted actions so that women and men are equally and meaningfully represented in our work, including in decision making, to help achieve effective and sustainable outcomes. The advancement of gender equality goes beyond numbers and also involves action across the broader disarmament machinery. Chair we wish to reaffirm the pivotal role played by civil society in raising awareness on gender perspectives in disarmament and efforts at the application of a gender lens across our work. In conclusion, Chair collectively incorporating gender perspectives in all efforts related to disarmament, non proliferation and arms control can only improve the functioning of the disarmament machinery and strengthen international peace and security for all. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [21:45]: A full version of this statement will be available online I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belize on behalf of Caribbean Community. You have the floor. Belize · CARICOM [22:05]: Mr. Chair, it is my honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 members of the Caribbean Community. CARICOM under the agenda item on the disarmament machinery, CARICOM aligns itself with a statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non Alignment movement or to be delivered by Indonesia. Mr. Chair, Caricom wishes to highlight four key points. First, Caricom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. We recognize that disarmament machinery comprising the General assembly and its first Committee, the Conference on Disarmament and the United Nations Disarmament Commission forms the backbone of the multilateral disarmament and non proliferation framework. Its revitalization is therefore essential to ensuring that the international community remains capable of addressing contemporary peace and security challenges. We share the concern expressed by the Non Aligned Movement regarding the gradual erosion of multilateralism in the fields of disarmament, non proliferation and arms control. CARICOM reiterates that multilateralism grounded in the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United nations remains the most reliable and equitable approach to advancing global security. The persistent paralysis of the Conference on Disarmament remains deeply troubling. CARCOM therefore calls for renewed political will to adopt a balanced and comprehensive program of work and that reflects the legitimate security interests of all States and upholds the principles of equity reaffirmed in the final document of the First Special Session on Disarmament. Second, CARICOM attaches great importance to the United Nations Disarmament Commission as its sole universal deliberative body mandated to develop consensus based recommendations for the General Assembly. We welcome the convening of its 2025 substantive session and commend the inclusion of deliberations on on emerging technologies and international security. As artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities and space based technologies evolve, the international community must act collectively to ensure that these innovations serve peaceful purposes and do not become instrument of instability. We emphasize that revitalization must also translate into tangible implementation and systemic follow up. Commitments undertaken within this machinery must be matched by action and periodic assessment to ensure that progress is not confined to rhetoric. Third, for the Caribbean, the challenges of disarmament are closely linked to human security and sustainable development. The illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues to threaten our region, fueling organized crime, undermining governance and diverting scarce resources away from health and education and climate resilience. CARCOM therefore underscores the importance of integrating disarmament objectives into the broader implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 16 on Peace, justice and strong institutions. Fourth, CARICOM stresses the importance of inclusivity, capacity and regional cooperation. We join others in calling for equitable geographic representation within the United Nations Office for Determination and affairs and Related bodies. Transparency, inclusivity and fairness in participation are essential to the credibility and legitimacy of the machinery. Mr. Chair, Caricom is proud to belong to the region that has enshrined in its commitment to nuclear disarmament. Through the Treaty of Tateloco, we further reaffirm our strong support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which embodies our collective moral conviction and the total elimination of nuclear weapons is both a humanitarian and a security imperative. Mr. Chair, as we look to the future, CARICOM calls on all Member States to demonstrate renewed commitment to dialogue, trust and cooperation by strengthening the disarmament machinery, enhancing implementation. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [26:07]: I thank the distinguished representative of Belize for his statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency. Thank you, Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament of France. Excellency, you have the floor. France · PR to CD [26:20]: President. Mr. Chair, France supports the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and would like to add the following comments. In its national capacity, France is committed to the current disarmament architecture. France initiated work together with Germany to revitalize the Conference on Disarmament during our presidencies in 2023. France is pleased with the progress made in 2024 and 2025 to guarantee the continuity of the work of the Conference on Disarmament and commence the work carried out by Mexico on the final report this year, as well as the resolution presented to the First Committee. France believes that the CD remains a relevant and crucial forum for for strategic dialogue. The CD ought to continue to work toward a positive, pragmatic and ambitious agenda and as soon as possible launch negotiations on the topic that is most ripe for decision that already has a mandate, that is the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty or fmct. My delegation also continues to place great importance on inclusiveness and transparency in the work of the cd. Therefore, we lament the unacceptable efforts to block the path of candidates for observer status once again, including 12 member states of the EU and four candidate states. Mr. Chair, France takes full part in the discussions underway on the reform of the UN system under the UN 80 initiative. Together with Germany, we presented concrete proposals to make the First Committee more efficient. These include reducing speaking time limits, limiting the number of resolutions to those containing substantive changes, reducing the number of segments and the overall duration of the First Committee. We warmly thank the many states who supported our proposals and hope that the next program of work will take these ideas into account. Lastly, France would like to recall its long standing support for UNADIR and will strive to protect its mandate in accordance with the position adopted unanimously by the members of the General assembly last year. Thank you, Chair. Chair [28:58]: I thank the distinguished representative of France for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. You have the floor, Distinguished Chair. Russian Federation [29:10]: I believe the leading role in resolving the issues of arms control, disarmament and non proliferation, as well as maintaining international peace and global security lies with the UN in accordance with its Charter. The active and constructive work of all elements of the disarmament triad is very important. We ought to strictly adhere to their mandates and rules of procedure. The policy by Western states to exploit multilateral disarmament for their own ambitions without taking into account the interests of other Member States. To their special attention. They continue to politicize the activities of the disarmament triad and call for rewriting the existing agencies ADN architecture. They also promote dubious initiatives to revise the fundamental principle of consensus in an attempt to impose their understanding of the rule of consensus, namely consensus minus one or even minus two, depending on circumstances. One glaring example of these destructive trends can be seen in the work of the cd. This year a number of European states attempted to circumvent the rules of procedure of the CD with regard to suspicion of observers trying to present documents on behalf of the eu. The reasons for this situation do not lie in the principles of work of the cd, but the refusal of Western colleagues to truly work toward the goals entrusted to the CED by the first Special Session of the General assembly, that is to say, to conduct negotiations to develop an international legally binding instrument on arms control and disarmament. Russia continues to make every effort to increase the effectiveness and harmony of the work of the disarmament triad. I'd like to recall our initiative which is still on the table on an international convention to combat chemical and biological terrorism. The Russian Chinese draft treaty on prevention and placement of weapons in Outer space also remains on the CD's table. In the context of the initiative on reforming the UN that is UN 80 we believe the existing structure of the UN treated disarmament triad is the optimal one. Shifting UN Secretariat units responsible for ADN issues from New York to Geneva or Vienna would be an ill advised measure. Efforts to optimize the spending of UNODA should not have an effect on the qualitative parameters of its work. Attempts to reduce meeting times or to hold them in a virtual or hybrid format would be counterproductive. Full and high quality interpretation into all official UN languages is the crucial element of the effective functioning of these fora. It is crucial to oppose any attempt to revise the disarmament mechanism. The work of the UN First Committee, the CD and the UNDC ought to be focused on agreeing upon concrete substantive decisions and recommendations. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [32:07]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation for his statement. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile. You have the floor. Chile [32:21]: Thank you very much. Chair Chile aligns itself with the joint statement made on gender and disarmament issued by South Africa. Chair My country expresses its concern at the difficulties that have become patently clear within the multilateral arena to reach agreements on disarmament, non proliferation and arms control. We have the convict and we will continue promoting multilateralism as a cornerstone of negotiations in these fields in accordance with the United Nations Charter. With this in mind, we are guided by the certainty that strengthening the effectiveness and therefore the legitimacy of disarmament machinery under the UN umbrella constitutes a goal which cannot be substituted by another. This is all the more important, bearing in mind that this machinery down the years has reached substantive agreements to to protect international peace and security. With this emphasis, we must look towards the NPT review conference of 2026. We must focus all our efforts on achieving a consensus document. Otherwise we will be dealing a hard blow to the credibility of the Treaty. Chair at this 80th anniversary of the United nations and at the 20th anniversary of resolution 1325 of these Security Council Council we are guided by the conviction that we must deepen our work on women, peace and security. With that understanding in mind, we have formally acceded to the common understanding of the Secretary General for the full, meaningful and equal participation of women in peace and mediation processes. This as part of the anniversary of Resolution 1325 which we are marking. We wish to emphasize the need to continue to strengthen the integration of gender perspectives into the work of the First Committee and across the disarmament machinery as a whole. There can be no doubt that gender mainstreaming in our work strengthens diverse, inclusive and meaningful participation of both women and men in all spheres of arms control, non proliferation and disarmament. Moreover, it is of crucial importance to see the development of new frameworks for risk assessments and see security matrices and guidelines based on a gender approach. Frameworks that particularly grapple reproductive risks for areas affected by radiation. We cannot ignore the evidence that demonstrates the disproportionate impact that the use of these weapons has on women and girls. In this vein, and to conclude, Mr. Chairman, we note that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has been a pioneer in this field. It has promoted a crucial component component of the disarmament machinery and contributed to it. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [35:01]: I thank the distinguished representative of Chile for that statement. Floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal. You have the floor. Portugal [35:13]: Chair. The three main achievements of the United nations in terms of disarmament have come from the First Committee, the Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament. Each of these pillars have a role to play. However, their work could become more complementary. In this context, Portugal expressed its support for the French German non paper. Allow me to issue three recommendations on the way in which we can strengthen the disarmament machinery. Firstly, we must guarantee predictable sustainability. Financing paying mandatory contributions in full and on time is a first step to achieve this goal. Second, these bodies have to be inclusive. Portugal has applied to be a member of the Conference on Disarmament. We did so in 1993 and we have participated since as an observer. In 2025, for the third consecutive year, Portugal was blocked from participating in the work of the Conference. This situation is a worrying sign of a lack of inclusivity. Inclusivity also means ensuring the meaningful participation of international and regional organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector. Third, we must demonstrate that disarmament machinery delivers tangible results. The conclusion of new legally binding instruments in the areas of lethal autonomous weapon systems or the production of fissile material would be a step in the right direction. Chair, Allow me also to convey Portugal's gratitude to UNODA and Unida. Protecting their independence and supporting their work is vital. Other organizations, such as the iaea, the CTBTO and the OPCW also play a crucial role. To conclude, strengthening the disarmament machinery is an act of strengthening multilateral institutions. Overcoming gridlocks would allow us to achieve tangible results to to reduce tensions and to ultimately contribute to peace and development. I thank you. Chair [37:49]: I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency, the Deputy Head of Delegation, Ambassador for the Summer affairs of China. Excellence, you have the floor. China · Deputy Head of Delegation [38:05]: Mr. Chair. China commenced the tireless efforts made by the six rotating chairs of the Conference on Disarmament this year to advance its work. Although no substantive reports ultimately reached, the discussions in the subsidiary bodies were thorough and professional, laying a solid foundation for the next phase of work, we call upon all parties to respect each other's concerns, seek common ground while resolving differences and continue making efforts towards early resumption of the September work. At next year's stage, China looks forward to UNDC conference on disarming Achieving positive outcome for the current review cycle on the two items and nuclear disarmament and emerging technologies will work on advisory Board on disarmament matters Completion of the biannual report which propose a guiding principle Strategic recommendations on governance on emerging science and technologies. Mr. Chair, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories in the world anti fascist war war and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Strengthening disarmament machinery is crucial for the UN to fulfill its central role and primary responsibility in the field of disarmament. Upholding multilateralism, enhancing the role of the UN and reforming and improving global governance represent the shared aspiration of all nations and the ultimate goal of the UN 80 initiative. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative guided by the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and the vision of global governance based on consultation, cooperation and shared benefits. This initiative emphasizes core concepts such as sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, people centred and resource centered approach which provides a systematic blueprint for reforming improving global governance, providing valuable insights for revitalizing multilateral disarmament mechanisms China upholds. Firstly, we should practice multilateralism and effectively maintain the authority and effectiveness of the disarmament machinery. Member States should strive to enhance coordination and cooperation, seeking consensus through dialogue, resolving differences through consultations, achieving win win result through cooperation and find the least common denominator in the spirit of consensus. Secondly, we should enhance unity and mutual trust and firmly oppose the politicization of multilateral disarmament machinery. All parties should build consensus through equal consultation on the basis of mutual respect and jointly address risks and challenges. Thirdly, we should stay committed to real results and actively respond to new risks and challenges. This multilateral disarmament machinery should keep pace with the times, coordinate development its security and actively explore the formulation of security governance rules for emerging technologies so as to prevent security risk and make technology better benefit humanity, bridge the development gap and facilitate achievement of systemal development goals. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The full version of our statement will be uploaded to the website of the First Committee of the ga. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [41:02]: I thank the distinguished representative of China for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia. You have the floor. Malaysia [41:12]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by NAM and asean. Upholding and revitalizing the the UN disarmament machinery is an urgent task, especially against the prevailing backdrop of heightened tension and strains on the multilateral system. The First Committee affords all delegations an avenue for exchange of views and the adoption of resolutions and decisions on a broad range of disarmament and security issues. While we should strive for for greater efficiency and optimal use of scarce resources, it is important to maintain the richness and depth of proceedings, both formal and informal, in the Committee's annual sessions. Malaysia will continue to approach discussions on this matter in a constructive spirit, taking into account proposals already put forward with regard to subsidiary bodies established by the General Assembly. Upon the recommendation of the First Committee, Malaysia reiterates the value of single track processes, avoiding duplication of mandates and ensuring the effective participation of developing countries. We welcome the consensus adoption of the final report of the OEWG on ICT Security 2021-2025 and look forward to the operationalization of the new global mechanism. We are also encouraged by the progress made under the open ended Working Group on the prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in all its aspects. 2024-2028 as to the Conference on Disarmament, Malaysia welcomes the decisions on the re establishment of the five subsidiary bodies of for the 2025 session. At the same time, we recognize that renewed political will is required to achieve a balanced and comprehensive program of work and to enable the Conference to fulfill its mandate for substantive disarmament negotiations. Further, my delegation will remain actively engaged in deliberations under the UN Disarmament Commission on Nuclear Disarmament as well as emerging technologies in the context of international security as we work towards substantive recommendations in the final phase of the current three year cycle. Malaysia also acknowledges the contributions of the UN Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament, including in our own region of the Asia Pacific. Let us redouble our efforts to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of the UN disarmament machinery in navigating the challenges at hand. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair [44:06]: I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon. You have the floor. Cameroon [44:17]: Mr. Chair. This afternoon my delegation was not part of the positions that have already been stated. We want to see a reform of disarmament architecture in order to ensure that it's one of the categorical imperatives for survival of our shared humanity and the strategic future of humanity. This is a Copernican revolution that my delegation wishes to see. A fundamental transformation that will make disarmament that will put it at the very heart of our concept of collective security. We need to carry out a semantic and political transformation, moving from a logic of restriction to a trend towards collective emancipation. My delegation therefore proposes a roadmap based on three major innovations. First of all, a digital ecosystem for collaborative verification based on diplomatic blockchain, AI and citizen expertise. Secondly, revised governance based with a youth council to the CD as well as a multi actor forum, because peace is built with these tools and all these actors. Thirdly, a green certificate for defense industries and for climate infrastructure in linkages with national security. We also suggest structuring key climate infrastructure so that it is resilient to conflict. We also propose the immediate deployment of a special blockchain register that would allow us to reliably trace the life cycle of strategic material from production to destruction. We also suggest the creation of a network of accredited citizen experts, including scientists, engineers and CSOs to take part in verification missions on the ground as well as data analysis. Lastly, my delegation calls for launching a Global City coalition to engage in disarmament in cities and allowing local communities to be the drivers of change. Chair we call on all nations to write together this new chapter of history. Human security is our common goal, our strength, and it's measured in our ability to protect lives instead of destroying it. Our common humanity requires it. Our survival depends upon it. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [47:13]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador. You have the floor. El Salvador [47:26]: Thank you. Chair. El Salvador is grateful for the convening of this debate on the United nations disarmament machinery. In the debate on working methods of the First Committee, my country underscored the need to contemplate more broadly our working methods in general. This reflection exercise is not simply linked to the First Committee, but also includes the working methods of the UN Disarmament Commission. In this statement, we wish to focus specifically on the functioning of the Disarmament Commission. We recall that in accordance with resolution A52 492 of the General assembly adopted on 8th September 1998, it was decided that the Commission would would tackle two issues per cycle, one of them related to nuclear disarmament. It was also decided that its substantive session would last three weeks and that the work of the Commission would occur in three year cycles. That resolution also urged regional groups to select sufficiently in advance the incoming Chair this to facilitate intersessional consultation. However, as we are all well aware, in previous years significant difficulties have arisen in terms of appointing Chairs, particularly for the Working Group on Nuclear Disarmament. This inter alia, owing to its long tradition of holding lengthy discussion where results by consensus seem impossible. In the face of that situation, El Salvador welcomes the Chair's proposal to, during the next session, devote three days of substantive meetings to contemplate possible adjustments to working methods. We believe that this discussion is both necessary and timely and we invite all member states to actively participate in it, Particularly those that have indicated that the Disarmament Commission may well be the adequate of form forum in which to broach emerging issues such as the use of AI in the context of international security. El Salvador is honored to chair discussions of Working Group 2 mandated to issue recommendations on common understandings related to emerging technologies. In our view, the work undertaken over the last two years has laid a robust foundation upon which to move towards consensus based recommendations. In view of that experience, El Salvador recognizes the potential of the Disarmament Commission to stand as a forum in which we can broach a wide range of issues linked to disarmament and international security. Thank you, Chair. Chair [50:18]: I thank the distinguished representative of El Salvador for that statement. To the distinguished representative of Algeria, you have the floor. Algeria [50:28]: Thank you, Chair. We align ourselves with the statements delivered by the Arab Group and Dinam. Our world face today unprecedented challenges on international peace and security. Meanwhile, the disarmament architecture that have been built over decades is at a crossroads. The question is, is this architecture still valid today? Or the question is, do we have the collective political will to activate this architecture and this context? I would like to note the following. The current international landscape is polarized, which undermines our collective efforts for disarmament. This is why we must mobilize our political will to reactivate the machinery. We must also acknowledge progress achieved mainly at the CD with its establishment of the subsidiary bodies. This is a foundation to build upon in order to adopt a balanced and comprehensive program of work that reflects the priorities of all members. In addition to recommendations must be adopted on transparency and confidence building measures. Second, the machineries that we have established must be strengthened. We must not abandon them. The Conference on Disarmament is the only multilateral negotiating forum must fulfill its mandate. This is why we must mobilize political will to ensure the full respect of its rules of procedures and working methods. As agreed upon on the Disarmament Commission, we commend ongoing negotiations on disarmament and the initiation of discussions on artificial intelligence in the context of international security. We are particularly alarmed over the draft resolutions and conflicting initiatives that address similar issues. This approach fragments our efforts and drains our resources. It also undermines our credible, effective work. We commend efforts in order to consolidate tracks mainly on outer space and emerging technologies. We commend the SSOD 4 that must be confined. This is the only framework for nuclear disarmament and non proliferation. This framework cannot be amended nor can it be revised. It can only be revised through a new special session on disarmament. Thank you, Chair. Chair [53:05]: I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency, the Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament of Italy. Excellency, you have the floor. Italy · PR to CD [53:18]: Thank you, Vice Chair. Italy is deeply concerned at the continued erosion of the international arms control, disarmament and non proliferation architecture. This trend must be stopped and reversed. There is a need for a renewed commitment to uphold the existing legal framework and prepare for the new challenges ahead. The UN80 initiative offers member States an opportunity to look into the disarmament machinery, a relatively small but politically sensitive part of the broader UN system. Beyond immediate gains achievable through efficiency and cost saving measures, we have to take a longer term view and consider possible reforms. This debate is not new. In fact, we discussed the disarmament machinery every year in this Committee and had intensive talks in Geneva in 2023 and 2024 in the run up to the Pact for the Future. As a staunch supporter of the multilateral system, Italy stands ready to discuss the idea of convening an SSOD4 at the appropriate time and with modalities to be defined. While it is perhaps at the moment unrealistic to embark on a wide restructuring of the disarmament machinery, we believe that we should at least begin to discuss the feasibility of certain proposals. Chair During Italy's rotating Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament earlier this year, five subsidiary bodies were established to deal with the main topics on the CDs agenda. It was the first time that such a decision was made in January since 1996 and the sixth time it was taken at all during the same period. We viewed this as a positive development and believe this could be a template for future sessions in a spirit of continuity. While we regret that the subsidiary bodies were unable to agree on a final report, our assessment of this year's session is not entirely negative given the current international context. What we did this year was perhaps as far as we could go. The debate was well structured and thorough and could form the basis for renewed discussions next year. We share the frustration of other delegations at the CED not fulfilling its negotiating mandate for many years. We believe, however, that the CD also, by virtue of its composition, remain an irreplaceable forum to discuss sensitive security issues, exchange views and seek common ground. We hope that by building on what we did this year, we can lay the groundwork for negotiations on certain specific questions to start as soon as external conditions allow. For Italy, a priority remains the beginning of negotiations on official material Cut Off Treaty thank you, Vice Chair. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [56:15]: I thank the distinguished representative of Italy for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia. You have the floor. Indonesia [56:26]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Indonesia alliance with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and asean, Indonesia firmly believe that inclusive multilateralism is the only sustainable foundations for disarmament and international security. Security, collective action and shared responsibility are indispensable to building the trust necessary for meaningful progress in advancing global peace through disarmament. It is therefore a grave concern that key disarmament mechanisms remain paralyzed, compounded by mistrust and widening divisions which obstructs meaningful progress. This threat is amplified by dangerous trends of the modernizations of nuclear arsenals, collapse of critical arms control frameworks and the rapid weaponizations of emerging technologies. Chair the revitalization of multilateral disarmament framework is a necessity to ensure the disarmament machinery remain fit for purpose. A cohesive and coordinated strategy is critical, requiring synergy among all disarmament bodies. In this context, 2026 NPT Review Conference represent a critical test of our collective commitment in upholding disarmament machinery. Following two cycle consecutive Review Conferences that concluded without an outcome, Indonesia urged all States Parties to recommit to the Treaty's full implementations and redouble efforts to ensure the success of the Review Conference. We must be clear that another failure would risk bringing the NPT to bring, of course, collapse that would severely stress international security and undue decades of good works. Chair Indonesia remains convinced of the UN Disarmament Commission's unique role in building trust and confidence among Member States. We call for greater efforts to utilize the UNDC as an inclusive forum to discuss various issues. This requires the Working Group one to find an agreement on the recommendations of nuclear weapons and for the working group 2 to chart progress in the discussions of the nexus of emerging technologies with disarmament issues. Concurrently, the Conference on Disarmament must overcome decades of institutional deadlock to remain relevant and fulfill its negotiating mandate. Indonesia acknowledges the effort of the 2025 presidents and coordinator of the five subsidiary bodies in facilitating substantive exchanges. While regretting that consensus of their final reports could could not be achieved. These discussions, however, have helped us sustain dialogue on key agenda items. Looking ahead, Indonesia calls on all member states to demonstrate the political will and flexibility needed to advance the conference towards substantive negotiations. With a nuclear disarmament remaining the highest priority followed by negative security assurances, Indonesia remains committed to ensuring a resilience and responsive multilateral disarmament architecture amidst evolving challenges. Thank you, Chair. Chair [59:19]: I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. You have the floor. Saudi Arabia [59:32]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. We align ourselves with a statement by Indonesia on behalf of naming and the statement by the Sultanate of Oman on behalf of the Arab Group, who wish to make the following statement. In our national capacity, the UN disarmament machinery has produced a number of outstanding guidelines and treaties that have served humanity by strengthening international cooperation, dialogue as well as concerted action to reduce international tensions affecting international peace and security. Hence, promoting the effectiveness of this machinery is a collective responsibility for the international community as a whole. Mr. Chair, we underscore the need to widen the scope and strengthen the UNCD as the only United nations forum mandated to negotiate disarmament treaties to enable it to discharge its duties as required. As for the undc, the sole consultative and competent body at the United nations with universal membership, we commend its efforts to address nuclear disarmament in addition to new and emerging technologies in the context of international peace and security. We welcome the progress made by wg2 in the past years, namely on a number of of topics, including TCBMs in outer space to prevent an arms race in outer space. However, at the same time, we regret the lack of adoption of final recommendations in the Working Group on Nuclear Disarmament and Non Proliferation in the past years, and we hope that this will be rectified in the last year of the substantive session of the UNCD by enabling the Commission to reach substantive outcomes on nuclear disarmament. We commend the work of UNADIR and we stress the need to undertake practical steps to ensure equitable and balanced representation in unidir's state staffing and in the membership of the GGES and expert groups. We also underscore the need to continue to advocate for multilingualism in United nations deliberations and the disarmament machinery. This ensures active participation by all which paves the way for better outcomes. This should not be sacrificed for budgetary reasons. Therefore, there is a dire need to explore innovative means to preserve multilingualism. Thank you, Mr. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:02:30]: Chair, distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia, for his statement I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan. You have the floor. Thank you, Vice Chair. The disarmament machinery established following the SSOD one remains fundamentally sound in its design, procedures and methods of work. It has, after all, delivered landmark disarmament instruments over the decades. Pakistan [1:02:58]: However, in recent years, its output has fallen far short of expectations. This is hardly surprising. The current international security landscape is marked by deepening mistrusts, renewed armed races and conflicts that have eroded even the minimal level of arm understanding once possible during the Cold War. In such an environment, expecting progress on issues that directly engage national security interests is unrealistic. Calls to revitalize the machinery often presume that the problem lies in its architecture or working methods. That is an oversimplification. The real obstacle is not procedural. It is political. States negotiate or withhold cooperation based on their threat perceptions and security imperatives. No change in working methods can override those calculations. A procedural fix cannot solve a substantive security problem. What is needed instead is a realistic assessment of security requirements within the prevailing regional and global threat environment and above all, a renewed commitment to the principle of equal and undiminished security for all states and principles and purposes of the UN Charter. As the world's sole multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament, the Conference on Disarmament remains an indispensable pillar of the UN disarmament machinery. Its paralysis reflects not institutional failure, but the larger strategic climate in which it operates. The same applies to the Disarmament Commission, the First Committee and the various disarmament conventions that face similar political headwinds. Overcoming this impasse in the multilateral disarmament machinery remains a challenging task. However, seeking pathways outside established forums, especially when pursued on a non consensus basis and without the participation of all stakeholders, is counterproductive. In the Pact for the future, Member States agreed to revitalize the UN's role, including by recommending preparations for the SSOD4. This is a welcome step. Yet convening SSOD4 alone will not suffice. It must serve to reaffirm our foundational commitments and to implement them faithfully. Learning from the shortcomings of the past. Any approach must rest on one basic premise. The recognition of the right to equal security for all states in both conventional and non conventional domains and at regional as well as global levels. I thank you, Vice Chair. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:05:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan. You have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Japan [1:05:48]: I would like to begin by celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Unidiya last year, we adopted by consensus resolution 79 73, which recognizes the importance, timeliness, high quality and impact of UNIDIR's work. Japan condemns UNIDIR's efforts to build networks of disarmament experts and to explore emerging areas of disarmament and related disciplines to meet the needs of current and future disarmament dialogues. Mr. Chair, the UNAT reform is the most pressing and widely discussed issue in this session of the General Assembly. Japan commends the efforts of Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mizuzumi Nakamitsu to address this difficult and sensitive task in the disarmament arena. Japan welcomes and supports efforts to streamline resources and eliminating redundancy within the organization to maximize efficiency and productivity. We hope the UN Secretariat will continue to closely consult with Member States with further details on its proposals and thorough assessments of their potential impacts, particularly those affecting the functionality of disarmament machinery both positively and negatively. Mr. Chair, in support of the UN80 initiative, I call on my colleagues to work together to further improve the efficiency of the First Committee's work. We can explore incremental yet realistic steps such as reducing the time dedicated for general statements and rights of reply. In particular, given that the time limit in thematic debates is three minutes, we believe it is reasonable to limit the first intervention under right of reply to three minutes or less and the second intervention to two minutes or less. We should also look at how we can streamline the number of draft resolutions to submit and vote on, while avoiding negative implications on the substantive work of the Committee or the necessary mandates. I thank you, Mr. Chair. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:07:41]: I thank the distinguished representative of Japan for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. You have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Kazakhstan attached the highest importance to strengthening the disarmament machinery. Kazakhstan [1:07:57]: Yet for decades it main institutions, the Conference on Disarmament, the UN Disarmament Commission and the First Committee itself have been increasingly marked by politicization and division. This erosion of credibility of this key fora undermines confidence in multilateral disarmament at the moment when the trust is mostly urgently needed. Our task is not to reinvent structures, but to restore their effectiveness. The Conference on Disarmament, one single multilateral negotiating body on disarmament, has not agreed on a program of work. For almost three decades. The Disarmament Commission has struggled to deliver consensus recommendations and the First Committee, while vibrant, often reflects divisions rather than overcoming them. As a responsible media power that is genuinely committed to the ideals of multilateralism, Kazakhstan had the privilege to chair the disarmion commission in 2023, an NPT preparatory committee in 2024, and the TPNW meeting of state parties in 2025, who also acted as one of the presidents of the CD this year. Kazakhstan believes the way forward lies in inclusiveness and flexibility. We must expand the circle of stakeholders, parliamentarians, scientists, youth, civil society and the private sector. Fresh voices can help generate momentum where governments alone are stalled. At the same time, regional platforms, such as the newly established UN Regional center for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty, demonstrate how disarmament, development and security can be integrated and advance together. Kazakhstan will continue to act as a bridge builder. We will engage constructively to revitalize the city, to reinforce the role of UNDC and to ensure that this Committee produces outcomes that can be transformed into positive actions. Mr. Chair, the disarmament machinery must work for all member states in the interests of collective peace and security. Kazakhstan stands ready to further contribute to this effort, guided by principles of inclusiveness and multilateral responsibility. I thank you. Chair [1:10:02]: I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia. You have the floor. Slovenia [1:10:12]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Slovenia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to offer the following remarks in its national capacity. Capacity the disarmament machinery remains the cornerstone of our multilateral security architecture. Yet today, its credibility and effectiveness are in question. The First Committee, the Disarmament Commission and the Conference on Disarmament were established to serve as complementary and mutually reinforcing bodies to advance international peace and security. Instead, too often the they are seen as forum of paralysis. The confidence on disarmament remains deadlocked. And yet its task to negotiate instruments like the FISA Material Cutoff Treaty has never been more urgent. Slovenia regrets that for the third consecutive year, our participation in the CD has not been possible along with 15 other UN member states by politically motivated objections. Such actions violate sovereign equality, undermine the credibility of the entire disarmament system and harm the principle of multilateralism and inclusivity. Mr. Chair, the disarmament machinery stands at the pivotal moment. It was designed to underpin multilateralism and strengthen peace and security. Yet today its effectiveness is questioned. We have a responsibility to to reinforate and adapt it to meet contemporary challenges. Ongoing discussions about the Union reform present an opportunity to make our disarmament institutions fit for purpose and able to respond effectively to the security challenges of today and tomorrow. Firstly, we must work collectively to restore confidence in the machinery. Dialogue must replace deadlock Inclusivity must be replace exclusion. Constructive engagement is essential to demonstrate that multilateralism can deliver meaningful outcomes. Secondly, implementation must match rhetoric. Too often agreed commitments remain unfulfilled. Without genuine follow through, we risk undermining the trust that is essential for any progress on disarmament. Thirdly, the machinery must also balance part. It must uphold long standing disarmament and non proliferation obligations, but also addressing the evolving challenges on emerging technologies, outer space security and autonomous weapon system. Mr. Chairman, the disarmament machinery must be a driver of cooperation, not an emblem of deadlock. It must be reformed and revigured. In this regard, Slovenia supports the French German on paper, on rest rationalizing the work of the First Committee. Slovenia is ready to engage constructively on practical reforms aligned with broader UN efforts to ensure this architecture continues to safeguard international peace, security and stability. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:13:14]: I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq. You have the floor. Iraq [1:13:25]: Thank you. Mr. Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statement by Sultanate Ovaman on behalf of the Arab Group. The statement made by Indonesia on behalf of NAM. Mr. Chair, we underscore our strong belief in the importance of multilateralism in many areas, including the disarmament. Once again reiterate the importance of the role of the United Nations Disarmament Conference as the sole multilateral deliberative organ on disarmament, it enjoys a great record of success. It would be remiss not to recall the paralysis faced by the UNCD due to a lack of agreement on a program of work that responds to the concern of all Member States in line with its rules of procedure so as to enable progress on topics at hand. Based on the aforementioned, we underscore once again the need for all Member States to show necessary flexibility and political will to allow for the resumption of deliberations in the UNCD and to prevent this paralysis from undermining successful outcomes that promote international peace and security. Mr. Chair, we reiterate the important role of the UNDC as the multilateral deliberative organ mandated to address disarmament issues at the United Nations. We welcome the adoption by the UNDC and by consensus of recommendations on practical or on new technologies in the context of outer space. And we hope that this will be translated into practical measures to promote international peace and security as well as the safe use of modern technologies in this regard. And we hope that we will, through our deliberation, achieve success in the best interest of all Member States. Chair [1:15:40]: Which representative of Iraq for his statement, I now give the Floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal. You have the floor, Nepal [1:15:49]: Mr. Chair. Nepal aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. Effective and robust disarmament machinery is imperative for achieving disarmament goals. The UN disarmament machinery has been contributing significantly to fostering dialogue and facilitating negotiations on landmark instruments on disarmament and non proliferation. It is concerning that these mechanisms have come under stress with growing mistrust, heightened polarization and persistent setbacks in the realms of disarmament, non proliferation and arms control. We need to fix this before our divergence has become too big to close in. Mr. Chair, we are concerned that the Conference on Disarmament continues to face a prolonged deadlock, stalling its vital role as the primary body for disarmament negotiations. Nepal underscores the early commencement of negotiations on a legally binding instrument on negative security assurances and the fissile materials cut of treaty within the city. While acknowledging the United Nations Disarmament Commission's indispensable role in recognition recommending actionable solutions on disarmament issues to the General assembly, we regret that its substantive session earlier this year concluded without a tangible outcome. Nepal urges all, particularly the Nuclear Weapon States, to fulfill their obligations and commitments under the NPT as we convene the 11th NPT Review Conference in June next year. We call on NPT States Parties to demonstrate utmost political will and genuine action to make progress progress towards nuclear disarmament. We call for convening the fourth special session on disarmament to translate the recommendations of OEWG report on SSOD 4 and the commitments in the Pact for the Future into tangible progress on the ground. As the host of the UN Regional center for Peace and Disarmamented Asia and the Pacific, Nepal stresses its strengthened role in fostering dialogue, supporting multi stakeholder participation, including women and youths, and advancing national and regional disarmament process. We urge Member States and other partners to support the center, including through voluntary financial assistance and foster meaningful collaboration. Disarmament works Mr. Chair. Nepal has stabled a draft resolution on UNRCPD content in L49 for the committee's consideration under this cluster. We extend sincere gratitude to the esteemed Member States who have already co sponsored the draft resolution and request others to do so on a priority basis. We are confident in receiving continued valuable support from all delegations for the adoption of this draft resolution by consensus. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:18:22]: I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines. You have the floor. Thank you, Chair. The Philippines aligns itself with the statements delivered by Singapore on behalf of ASEAN and by Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. Philippines [1:18:40]: The Philippines remains deeply concerned that the conventional and nuclear arms control architecture is under severe strain. Heightened power rivalry, surging military spending, the weaponization of emerging technologies and of outer space and deadlocking negotiating forums all contribute to a growing threat to humanity and global stability. My delegation believes that member States must now act with with renewed urgency and boldness. Such allow me to highlight three interlinked themes. First, the need for effectiveness through reform of the multilateral disarmament machinery. Philippines urges the Conference on Disarmament to intensify its consultations to agree and implement a balanced and comprehensive program of work to open up trajectories for negotiating on fissile material cutoff, prevention of arms races in outer space and emerging technologies. Strong conference is indispensable to multilateral disarmament. Second, the value of inclusivity and trust building through universal mechanisms. The United Nations Disarmament Commission, with its universal membership, retains a unique role in building confidence in exploring emerging issues. The Philippines welcomes the three year cycle of the UNDC and looks forward to substantive discussion on nuclear disarmament and non proliferation and on emerging technologies in the context of international security. Our delegation also underscores that equality is a core principle of the United nations and multilateralism. However, that equality remains elusive after 80 years. The Philippines laments that not all UN member states can participate in the conference and disarmament on equal footing despite continuing to fund the holding of its meetings. Third, the need for renewed political impetus for disarmament. We support the convening of a fourth Special session of the General assembly on Disarmament as a timely platform to review the disarmament machinery to raise ambition and to interface disarmament with a broader UN agenda on development, climate and digital security. The Philippines believes that an SSOD4 would provide a clear political spotlight, renew multilateral momentum and help translate normative commitments into concrete time bound action. Mr. Chair, the Philippines reaffirms its strong commitment to strengthening the UN disarmament machinery. Look forward to working with all delegations on this path including leveraging the Philippines regional experience and capacities and continuing to safe to contributing to a safer world for our people and future generations. Thank you, Mr. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:21:18]: Chair. I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency, the Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament of the Republic of Korea. You have the floor, Excellency. Mr. Republic of Korea [1:21:33]: Chair, at a time of deepening geopolitical tensions and growing challenges to the existing disarmament and non proliferation framework, the role of the disarmament machinery has become more vital than ever. It serves as a platform to exchange ideas, bridge divides and catalyze collective action toward a safer, more secure world. In this context, the Republic of Korea wishes to highlight a few points. First, regarding the First Committee, we appreciate the diversity of perspectives being put forward in the form of resolutions. Yet we must continuously assess whether our resolutions genuinely contribute to disarmament and international security, while ensuring our deliberations remain both effective and relevant. My government is closely following how the UN wide reform will impact disarmament and arms control machinery. We support efforts to enhance the efficiency of the overall UN system while underscoring the need to preserve the core functions and member driven nature of disarmament and arms control process so we can successfully address the new challenges such as artificial intelligence and space security. Next, with regard to the United Nations Disarmament Commission, the Republic of Korea reaffirms its commitment to this unique deliberative body. While recognizing its mandate and potential. We must acknowledge the limited progress in declining participation in recent years. To revitalize Commission, innovative and issue focused approaches should be explored. Turning to this Conference of Disarmament, we appreciate that substantive, albeit limited, discussions have taken place within the framework of the Subsidiary Bodies. While overall progress under the current system remains less than satisfactory, it is essential that the CDE maintain at least a minimum level of continuity next year to demonstrate its ongoing relevance, particularly in the lead up to 2026 NPT review conference. We also underscored the importance of continued efforts to enhance the CD's efficiency within the broader context of the UN ad reform process. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research UNIDER remains an indispensable partner in addressing today's complex disarmament challenges. Having actively collaborated with UNIDER on projects related to artificial intelligence in the military domain, space security and youth engagement, the Republic of Korea underscores the importance of preserving UNIDER's autonomy and ensuring it continues its specialized mandate amid ongoing reform discussions. I thank you. Chair [1:24:23]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea for his statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency, the Member of the Government of India. Excellency, you have the floor. India · Member of Government [1:24:34]: Thank you. Chair. Good evening. Distinguished colleagues. In accordance with the Charter has a central role and the primary responsibility in the context of international peace and security. India is committed to multilateralism and the ideas enshrined in the UN Charter. A reformed and effective UN is essential for it to successfully discharge its mandated functions. India attaches high priority to the work of the UN disarmament machinery as laid out by the SSOD 1. Chair. India Accords importance to the Conference on Disarmament as a single multilateral disarmament negotiation forum. The Conference has a mandate, membership and rules for negotiating LBIs on crores item under its agenda. The Conference this year once again was able to successfully adopt a decision on its work and its implementation. This is all the more noteworthy because the decision was accomplished in the midst of geographical stress and conflict. While the Subsidiary Body reports could not be agreed this year. India values a substantive deliberation that took place as a main deliberative body within the UN on disarmament issue. The Commission's role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation bringing together universal membership cannot be understated. The Commission has made several important achievements in this past, having successfully adopted several notable guidelines and recommendations. Chair India also looks forward to the convening of the SSOD 4 to take stock of the progress and to revitalize disarmament machinery. India values the important efforts and publication by UNI Dir. India attaches importance to disarmament education. The fifth education of the fully funded annual Disarmament of International Security Fellowship program by India was held in January this year which saw participation and diplomats from 33 countries. Chair the first committee is mandated by the SSOD one brings together all UN member states to address questions relating to international peace and security. India hopes that our work will, despite the turbulent global security environment, contribute to the pursuit of collective and pragmatic solution. India stands ready to contribute and work with fellow members States in a collective endeavor to achieve shared objectives. I thank you, Sir. Chair [1:27:17]: I thank the distinguished representative of India for her statement. Our office Colapalabra. I now give the floor to the Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament of Spain. You have the floor, excellency. Spain · Ambassador to CD [1:27:32]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Spain aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union. The worsening of international security means it is absolutely vital to ensure that we have a disarmament machinery, the disarmament machinery that we've built together. And that is appropriate in the context of the UN80 initiative. We believe that we must work to ensure that our disarmament machine has the adequate tools it needs to address today's challenges. The unity cannot simply be an exercise designed to cut costs, but it must also be a process to achieve efficiency gains and achieve the results that have evaded us for so many years. We will not obtain these results without political will. But this political Will must go hand in hand with a plan. It is for this reason that Spain supports the the Franco German document and its list of proposals for streamlining. As a starting point to guarantee greater effectiveness in the work of the First Committee, Spain wishes to highlight on record the exceptional and above all independent work of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. We also wish to underscore the important work done by the United Nations Office of Disposition Disarmament Affairs. We must guarantee that this Office has the adequate human and financial resources for the work that with growing interest, frequency and intensity, we entrust to it. As Member States, we must reach a political agreement rather to break the deadlock of the Conference on Disarmament as happened in early 2025 under the Italian chair. This conference must now, in 2026, be able to reach an agreement on its progress program of work and on the program of work of its subsidiary bodies. But first and foremost, it must be able to perform its core function, that is Negotiate. If the opposite happens, that means that it is unable to address the challenges facing it. YEARS AFTER YEARS CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT Country Countries that finance the Conference on Disarmament apply to be observers. Year after year they are blocked from doing so. 2025 one sole delegation stopped 12 countries of the European Union and an additional three countries from becoming observers. Inclusivity has been cast aside in favour of exclusion. We staunchly support the admission of all observer countries that request to join this forum. Finally, we reiterate the importance of preserving and nurturing multilingualism also in the disarmament working groups and Forum. Multilingualism is at the very heart of everything the United nations embodies and we are staunchly opposed to it being sacrificed in order to make budgetary savings which can and must be achieved via other avenues. Thank you, Chair. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:30:23]: I thank the distinguished representative of Spain for that statement. His Excellency, Ambassador for Arms Control of Finland. Excellency, you have the floor. Finland · Ambassador for Arms Control [1:30:42]: Thank you, Chair. In addition to the statement by the eu, I will make the following remarks in my national capacity. The UN disarmament machinery is an important pillar of rules based global governance, contributing to our collective security. It is our common responsibility to ensure it remains relevant and delivers results. Finland remains committed to defending the multilateralism at all times. We stress the importance of the First Committee which addresses challenges to international peace and security by advancing disarmament and non proliferation. In line with the UN 80 initiative, we see ways to improve the Committee's efficiency. We believe that incremental yet realistic improvements should be considered Finland supports the NON paper submitted by France and Germany which outlines ideas to develop the work of the Committee. The time allocated to statements could be permanently reduced, which would result in less meetings for general and cluster debates. We also support the idea of submitting only resolutions that that include new mandates or important updates, as well as introducing omnibus resolutions. Merging clusters 6 and 7 would come at no prejudice to discussions on the substantive issues. With these measures, the time allocated to the work of the Committee each year could be shortened. The Pact for the Future and the General assembly revitalization resolution provide a framework to reinvigorate multilateralism. We support participation of stakeholders such as regional and intergovernmental organizations, academia, civil society, affected communities and industry in disarmament deliberations. We underlined full, active and meaningful participation of youth and women. Mr. Chairman, we regret that the Conference on Disarmament, despite some positive developments, continues to be deadlocked. We support the enlargement of the CED, which currently comprises of only 65 members. Regrettably, 16 states were blocked from participating in the 2025 session as observers. Finally, adequate financing is essential for the functioning of the UN disarmament machinery. We are deeply concerned by the financial situation across the UN system. We urge all states to pay their contributions in full, on time and without conditions, to enable the functioning of the multilateral institutions and instruments. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:33:29]: I thank the distinguished representative of Finland for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil on behalf of a group of States. You have the floor. Brazil · Group of States (listed) [1:33:44]: Microphone for Brazil, please. Thank you, Chair. On behalf of Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guatemala, Hungary, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Portugal, Senegal, South Africa, the Maldives, Uruguay and my own country, Brazil, I would like to deliver a joint statement on the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Program. The program is a foundational initiative that fosters international peace and security by equipping young diplomats from around the world, particularly those from developing countries, with an in depth understanding of disarmament, non proliferation and arms control. By emphasizing experiential learning and engagement with experts from different regions, the program ensures that participants return home with technical knowledge and a renewed commitment to advancing global disarmament objectives. We default command the ODA's ongoing efforts to implement the program. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the only time in history that nuclear weapons have been used against the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, many young people today are growing up without fully understanding the grave dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore, new threats have emerged, including illicit trafficking of small arms, advances in technology and international terrorism. In this context, education is becoming increasingly vital and initiatives such as the Fellowship must be given stronger support. The Program was established by SSOD1 and the General assembly later mandated its continuation in recognition of the positive outcomes achieved since since its inception. The Program's contributions are also acknowledged in the Secretary General's report on disarmament and Non Proliferation Education and in the biannual resolution on the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Training and Advisory Services Adopted without a vote, the UN Disarmament Fellowship Program holds particular significance for developing countries. It allows future leaders to experience international best practices and diplomatic engagement firsthand. It also broadens the Fellows perspectives on the disarmament and on proliferation regime by presenting institutions from developing countries and thus providing examples of successful diverse models. This was the case with the Brazilian Argentina Agents for Accounting Control of Nuclear Materials ABAC, which had been included in the fellows itinerary since 2019 but was not part of the current year's program. In light of ongoing efforts to to reform the UN system, we emphasize that the Program's strength lies in its experiential learning focus. This approach fosters dialogue and a nuanced understanding that cannot be fully replicated through virtual platforms. Study visits, especially those diversified across different continents, enhance the capability of Fellows to navigate complex security challenges in their regions. A purely virtual experience experience would deprive new generations of the Program's main objective of promoting international peace and security and would not contribute to improving the effectiveness of the UN system. I thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:37:03]: I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:37:15]: My delegation aligns itself with the statement of the NOM delivered by Indonesia. Disarmament issues closely linked to national security must be addressed through transparent, inclusive and consensus based processes within the UN multilateral framework. Iran attaches great importance to multilateralism and reaffirms the continued relevance of the UN disarmament machinery established by the current paralysis of this machinery, particularly the Conference on Disarmament, is not due to procedural rules but to the absence of genuine political will among certain nuclear weapon states and their allies. Yet the CD and the UN Disarmament Commission have proven their effectiveness in the past by negotiating major instruments through consensus. Their mandates and methods therefore remain valid. Revitalizing the disarmament machinery requires sincere commitment from nuclear weapon States to fulfill their obligations toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons. The Israeli regime's persistent opposition to establishing a Nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle east starkly illustrate this lack of political will. The disarmament machinery must ensure effective implementation of the relevant General assembly resolutions calling for the regime's prompt accession to the npt. While the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons represents progress, it must be complemented by a Comprehensive Nuclear Weapon Convention. We therefore support the early commencement of such negotiations in the city, as repeatedly urged by the General Assembly. We also express concern over the U.S. compliance report, which based unbiased and politically motivated information undermines the authority and technical integrity of the IAEA and opcw. Regional Centers for Peace and Disarmament play a vital role in promoting understanding and cooperation. We emphasize the importance of inclusion, enhancing the inclusiveness of the activities carried out by the United Nations Regional center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and Pacific. Finally, the international community must ensure equitable geographical representation within UNODA and expert groups in the field of disarmament. As a participant in the 2024 UN Disarmament Fellowship program, Iran supports the expert expansion of similar initiatives, including those focused on small arms and light weapons, as well as conventional ammunition management and ICT security. We further stress that in person meetings remains essential to guarantee equal participation of Member States. I thank you, Mr. Chair. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:40:07]: I thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland. You have the floor. Ireland [1:40:17]: Chair Ireland Ireland aligns itself with a statement delivered by the European Union. Chair the disarmament architecture is under extreme strain. Ensuring a properly functioning disarmament machinery, one that is fit for purpose and which produces results, is essential for both international peace and security and the credibility of the multilateral system. Chair Breaking the deadlock in the Conference on Disarmament, an important issue for Ireland. We have been a member of the CD for 25 years. In that time, consensus has never been reached on a program of work. This is an unacceptable state of affairs, yet it persists. It places strains on delegations, especially smaller ones, and undermines confidence in the multilateral system. We regret the frequent blockage of observer requests at the CD, including 16 states at the 2025 session by the Russian Federation. Such politicized actions to block and censor have been a frequent occurrence at the CD and are contrary to the body's principles and those of multilateralism. In this vein, we support Both broadening the CD's membership and reforming its operation to help restore its credibility. Tara Ireland also underscores the need to reinvigorate discussions within the UNDC through diligent cross regional engagement in both working groups. 2026 will mark the final year of this three year cycle. Ireland urges all Member States to seize this opportunity to develop meaningful recommendations that we can build on. To this end, we commend the efforts of the Chairs of the Commission and the respective Chairs of the Working Groups towards substantive points of convergence. Chair we should carefully consider the suggestions emerging from the UN Secretary General's UN 80 initiative with the ultimate aim of bringing greater substance and sustainability to our work. Form should follow function. Ireland will do its part to ensure any reforms enhance our collective efforts. Ireland greatly values the work of UNADIR and stresses the value of the Institute's autonomy and impartiality and the importance of sustainable cross regional financing. We are grateful for the work of the often understaffed implementation support units that effectively support our humanitarian disarmament conventions and reiterate the need to ensure their adequate predictable financing and effective governance moving forward. Chair as we Reflect on the 25th anniversary of the milestone UN Security Council Resolution 1325, we see that the disarmament and non proliferation field has a long way to go in achieving gender equality. This goes for both participation and the incorporation of gender perspectives and and advancing of gender responsive policymaking. At this time of global pushback. Ireland will do all that it can to ensure the protection of hard won gains and that we achieve greater progress in the period ahead. I thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:43:04]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jamaica. You have the floor. Jamaica [1:43:15]: Thank you. Chair Jamaica aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of CARICOM and nam. We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the UN in advancing disarmament, non proliferation and arms control. The effectiveness of the disarmament machinery comprising this very committee, the Conference on Disarmament, the Disarmament Commission and supporting entities remains vital to the integrity and credibility of the multilateral system system. These bodies, however, continue to face persistent challenges which underscores the need for the renewal of this machinery to remain fit for purpose and reflective of today's global realities. Chair Jamaica highlights the value of the role of the United Nations Regional center for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its technical assistance and capacity building initiatives have strengthened regional implementation of small arms control measures and advanced the goals of disarmament and sustainable development. Its activities also contribute to the efforts to combat emerging security threats and transnational organized crime. The reality is that for small island developing states like Jamaica, the diversion of Resources from development to armament represents a tangible cost to our people. Strengthening the disarmament machinery is therefore not only a procedural necessity, it is a moral and developmental imperative. Chair Jamaica welcomes the report of the 2024-2025 Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, which focuses on identifying and analyzing the impact of international peace and security trends emanating from advances in science and technology. We note the consideration of how the disarmament machinery can proactively adapt to remain effective and inclusive in capturing the many benefits while addressing risks through the development of principles to ensure that scientific and technological progress serves humanity, that is advancing peace, sustainable development and global equity. We also use this opportunity to commend the leadership of our own Ambassador, Shorna K. Richards, current Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, who served as Chair of the Board during its most recent program of work. In conclusion, Chair Jamaica remains committed to working with all partners to restore confidence in the disarmament process and ensure that the machinery functions as a general a genuine instrument for peace, security and sustainable progress. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:46:11]: I thank the distinguished representative of Jamaica for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria. You have the floor. Austria [1:46:21]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Austria aligns itself with the statement by the European Union. We are living in times of uncertainty and unfortunately, in its current state, the disarmament machinery represents an outdated status quo, insufficiently effective and adaptable to move us forward. The Conference on Disarmament being the most obvious, having failed to produce any substantive work since the negotiation of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Benchmark Treaty. However, we see similar problems in most other disarmament, nonproliferation and export control fora and most seriously, in the npt. Let me point towards three concrete symptoms. First, the consensus principle, when applied in good faith, guides us to solutions and outcomes acceptable to all. But too often, consensus is abused for procedural maneuvers to prevent substantive exchanges. Productive work. This fundamentally undermines multilateral cooperation. Second, the lack of inclusivity active participation by States from different regions introduces a clearer view of the diversity of positions and showcases valid security and humanitarian concerns not sufficiently reflected so far. Attempts to limit the participation of observers and regional organizations from some fora are clearly politically motivated with the aim of silencing critical voices. We are particularly concerned about the infringement on the sovereign rights of States to decide who speaks on their behalf. Third, attempts to limit the participation of civil society, academia and other stakeholders. Our field of work requires a broadening of the discourse based on scientific evidence and input from those directly affected. Mr. Chair, there is an urgent need for broader reform. UN 80 might be the push we didn't want but needed. The Secretary General's recommendation for the new Agenda for Peace and the Pact for the Future highlight the need to actively engage on preparing a fourth special session devoted to disarmament. At the same time, hastened cost cutting measures must not come at the expense of substance. We regret that shortening debate time, while not cutting rights of reply, had led some delegations to misuse replies for extended baseless allegations and politicized narratives. Mr. Chair, the WPS agenda not only requires us to ensure gender equality and the full, effective and meaningful participation and leadership of women, but also to include gender and diversity considerations across the whole range of work on disarmament and non proliferation. We therefore highlight the importance of the Joint Statement delivered by South Africa. AUT Sopdand perhaps's not ore [1:49:01]: Austria remains convinced that it is in the vital security interest of all to strengthen our institutions, stay firm on our established norms, fully implement our treaty obligations and to continue to shape the future of multilateral disarmament regime. I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Austria for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative Chair [1:49:23]: of the United States of America. You have the floor. United States of America [1:49:28]: Chair thank you. Before delivering my statement, I'd like to take a moment to express our thoughts for the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean as they cope with the hurricane that has made landfall today. Chair during this 80th anniversary year, the United States has prioritized peace and the UN's important role in convening sovereign nations to resolve differences and achieve the UN's chief mandate, which is the maintenance of international peace and security. The goal of ensuring that the UN is more effective, efficient and fit for purpose extends to the disarmament machinery. We need more action and results and less talk and bureaucracy. The United States has approached all resolution drafters to request consideration of shifting from annual to biennial or three year schedules. We recognize the importance of many issues in these resolutions and and believe that reducing the frequency of resolutions in no way diminishes their importance. Colleagues more than 50 of the 63 resolutions and decisions we are considering this year run annually. Dozens change only by a document number and date. They cost time and money in translation and document handling and many request repeated Secretary General reports to which few states submit contributions. As the Deputy Under Secretary General for Disarmament affairs reminded us, we all can do better to prioritize our work and we thank those delegations that already have incorporated longer timelines into their resolutions or committed to doing so starting next year. Chair we endorse the Joint Paper. The Joint Working Paper by France and Germany that they submitted to the Committee as food for thought. I believe we can all agree that the shortening of statements this year did not affect the substance and instead resulted in plainer speaking and better understanding of positions. The reduced number of side events prevented competition for audience members regarding the UN AD process and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs. The United States supports restructuring to improve operational efficiency, optimize the use of resources, streamline decision making processes and ensure greater transparency. This could include aligning the organizational structure with modern disarmament challenges while maintaining its focus on arms control, risk reduction and non proliferation priorities. Increasing the use of performance metrics also should be considered to evaluate effectiveness, reduce duplication and prioritize funding for programs that deliver measurable results in advancing global peace and security. Thank you, Chair. Chair [1:52:10]: I thank the distinguished representative of the US for her statement. Peru [1:52:14]: Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru. You have the floor, Mr. Vice Chair. Peru, as the country hosting the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, only REC and continuing on from our statement this morning, wishes to underscore the structural role that this center plays within the multilateral disarmament machinery as the operational arm of the UN system in the region. Since its establishment in 1987, Unlirec has contributed to the effectiveness of the institutional disarmament machinery through the provision of technical, legal and normative assistance to members of the States. Its work has facilitated the implementation of international instruments for self control, ammunition and explosives management and the prevention of their illicit diversion. The work of the Regional center is an example of effective multilateral cooperation and a demonstration of how relevant the UN's contribution is in the region, particularly in pressingly difficult circumstances in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, we are facing a new and highly complex challenge. Challenge which is a threat to public safety, peace and development, that is transnational organised crime. In a context marked by the fact that transnational criminal networks benefit from the illicit trafficking of weapons only, REC plays a decisive role in bolstering national capacity to break the nexus between armed violence and organized crime. Consequently, its work contributes, Vice Chair, to dismantling the illicit trade circuits with which fuel various forms of transnational crime such as drug trafficking, illegal mining, trafficking persons etc. All of this work is rooted in close cooperation between the specialized agencies of the United nations and with strategic regional partners. And we use comprehensive governance and public safety approaches. Over the last reporting period, the centre conducted around 100 activities benefiting more than 2,700 civil services servants in the region. We strengthen three sub regional roadmaps, the Central American Dominican Republic Roadmap, the Caribbean Roadmap with a specific emphasis on the delicate situation in Haiti and the Andean Community Roadmap. With this strategic lens we strengthened inter institutional coordination and we aligned national policies with global disarmament frameworks. Groulac within the context of Groulac, Peru has the honour of tabling the draft resolution on only rec. That text reaffirms its mandate, its substantive contributions to building national capacities and its role as a bridge builder between the pillars of disarmament, sustainable development and public safety. We appeal again to Member States to support this resolution and to continue bolstering the institutional disarmament architecture. Henri Lake is a vital buttress within that architecture and crucial for peace, stability and multilateral cooperation in our region. Thank you. Chair [1:55:10]: I thank the distinguished representative of Peru for that statement. To the distinguished representative of Libya, you have the floor. Libya [1:55:20]: In the name of God, the Merciful, the compassionate Mr. Chair, I am honored to speak on behalf of the State of Libya. We reiterate our full support to the statements of the Arab Group and the Non Aligned Movement and we firmly believe that achieving international peace and security begins with a genuine commitment to full and just disarmament. Libya was one of the first countries that took a historic decision to voluntarily abandon its nuclear program in 2003. This was a step that embodied our conviction that peace and development were the main pillar for international and national peace and regional. We call on nuclear weapons states to follow this approach and to show a genuine political will to meet their obligations as part of the NPT. Mr. Chair, Libya regrets that the. NPT Review conferences were unable to achieve an outcome document. We emphasize the need to make the next the upcoming conference a success through a comprehensive and balanced outcome document that increases the credibility of the NPT and moves towards complete disarmament. We also emphasize the need to establish a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. We call on the international community to support this initiative without selectivity or double standards. We reiterate the need to enable the disarmament conference to take on its negotiation role and to empower unitary and unorder through the equitable and representation. We warn against the increased polarization and competitiveness in disarmament. We call on consolidating paths, especially in terms of outer space and cyberspace, to enhance transparency and pervert an arms race in these fields. We reiterate our commitment to principles of disarmament and non proliferation and our pioneering example of abandoning our nuclear program will be a role model for supporting collective security and building a more safe, secure and just world. Thank you, Mr. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [1:58:06]: Chair. I thank the distinguished representative of Libya for his statement. Distinguished Delegates, we have just heard the last speaker for the seventh and final cluster of the Thematic discussions. Owing to the excellent cooperation of Member States, we have been able to complete the thematic discussion segment one day ahead of the schedule set out in the in indicative timetable contained in document A C1.80 CRP2. This progress provides us with an opportunity to begin the action phase a day earlier on Thursday 30 October. Nevertheless, the chair and the Bureau recognized that delegations may not be ready to vote before 31 October. At the same time, we recognize the time constraints States face every year in being able to make explanations of vote before the vote for proposals submitted under Cluster 1. We would therefore like to propose that the Committee begin hearing general statements and explanations of vote before the vote on Thursday afternoon on 30th October, with the understanding that the Committee would only act on draft proposals on Friday 31st October as originally scheduled. Let me repeat, the Committee would only act on draft proposals on Friday 31st October as originally scheduled. A notice to this effect will also be circulated via Ideate for the information of all delegates, I shall now call on delegations who have requested the right of reply. May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to four and a half minutes for the first intervention and to two and a half minutes for the second intervention. I now call on the representative of the Russian Federation for the first inter intervention. Russian Federation · Representative (Right of Reply) [2:00:01]: Distinguished Chair the Russian Federation categorically rejects the unfounded accusations of the EU delegation against it. With regard to the situation in Ukraine, we provided detailed explanations during the current session on all topics mentioned by this delegation. I think that the EU delegation is capable once again again of reading our statements which are published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Russia in order to better understand our position and to understand the real situation in Ukraine. In addition, we also categorically reject the entirely false accusations of against us of violating principles of inclusiveness and multilateralism with the cd. We emphasize that it is thanks to our proposed procedural decision that it was possible for observers to take part in CD sessions of 2024 and 2025. In addition, it's important to recall that the CED is a negotiation form of restricted composition which acts on the principle of consensus. The Member States of the CD have the responsibility of implementing the Conference's mandate and carrying out effective work on this platform. So members of the Forum are entitled to authorize participation of those that can contribute positively, constructively to the work of the cd and conversely, to refuse to grant observer status to others that are not inclined toward equitable and mutually respectful dialogue and are not interested in working together. I emphasize that all of this is strictly in keeping with the rules of procedure. This approach is more than justified, as we've seen through the practice of previous sessions of the cd. Participation of a number of European countries as observers not only did not facilitate meaningful work at the conference, but on the contrary, only complicated this task and introduce unnecessary politicization. EU member states used their observer status at the CD to level baseless accusations against Russia and other countries and also used it to promote their narrow political interests and those of their bloc without posing any solution to long standing problems and in no way facilitating the foreign substantive work. A similar situation is something that we've seen to this very day during the current session of the First Committee. I'd like to emphasize the Russian Federation has consistently supported inclusiveness in international processes and greatly values the role of observers. However, inclusiveness should not be an end in itself. Decisions on observership should depend on specificities of each forum in particular and be made in accordance with rules of procedure. Accusations against the Russian Federation from the EU delegation are especially absurd because it is the delegates of this of the EU that have consistently flouted the rules of procedure of the cd. They have tried to declaim the position of the EU on a number of issues in the field of adn. Although this organization, the eu, does not have any state status at the conference and is not entitled to intervene in interstate dialogue, we're seeing explicit double standards from the self proclaimed champions of rule of law. We will continue to curb any similar attempts and continue to contribute constructively to the work of the cd. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [2:03:52]: I now call on the representative of Israel for the first intervention. Israel · Representative (Right of Reply) [2:03:58]: Thank you, Chair. Unfortunately, we're compelled to react once again in this cluster as well to a statement made by the representative of Iran, which, frankly saying, seems to be rather obsessed with references to Israel. Chair, Colleagues, after so many important and valuable comments and proposals made by delegations on disarmament machinery and multilateralism, comes representative of the Ayatollah regime, which is a regime that by its course and actions cannot be further apart from disarmament and multilateralism, rather closer to deception and fraud, and again brings the regime's obsessions to the this debate and simply wastes our precious time. Chair, so many statements were made during this committee regarding Iran's impressive record of non compliance by Israel, as well as a long list of other delegations. But here's another few quotes from the leadership of this terror regime which shows truly how pro multilateralism this regime really is. The Supreme Leader Khamenei said already in 2001. January 2001. It is the mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to erase Israel from the map of the region. The Commander of the IRGC, Major General Hossein Salami said in 2019 this sinister regime, Israel must be wiped off the map. This is an achievable goal. An IRGC senior officer, Brigadier General Mohammad Rez Al Nakhti, said in 2015, the destruction of Israel is non negotiable. We will one day raise the flag of the Islamic revolution over Jerusalem. Ezra's previous quotes that we've made in other clusters. We have all this on record and with relevant footnotes if anyone in the room requests. But I think the point is very clear. Iran, the biggest proliferator of arms to terrorists worldwide, a country that has been secretly developing a military nuclear program for decades, a country secretly developing a chemical and biological weapons program, and a country that openly declares it wants another country eradicated, stands here in the UN and calls for adherence to international frameworks. This is a joke. Nothing more and nothing less. Thank you. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [2:06:23]: I now call on the representative of Iran for the first intervention. Iran (Islamic Republic of) · Representative (Right of Reply) [2:06:29]: Thank you, Mr. Chair and distinguished colleagues. Over the past three weeks, I have thoroughly and repeatedly responded to the baseless and absurd allegations made by the representative of the Israeli terrorist and apartheid regime. I will not take the time of this meeting to repeat what has already been addressed in full. I don't want to dignify the baseless and outrageous accusations made by the representatives of the Israeli regime, all of which I categorically reject and condemn. Such accusations don't merit a detailed response from my delegation. This persistent practice of misinformation against Iran seeks to obscure the Israeli regime's dark record of systematic aggression, occupation atrocity and genocide over the seven decades, particularly last two years in Gaza. I thank you, Mr. Chair, Distinguished delegates. 1st Committee · Vice-Chair · Yakub Yaros [2:07:35]: As I noted earlier, the awards ceremony for the 2025 United nations disarmament Fellowship Certificates is scheduled to begin in a few minutes in this conference room. As is customary, the High Representative for Disarmament affairs, represented by by Head Deputy, will address the graduating fellows. For that purpose and in accordance with established practice, I shall suspend the meeting at this point. I kindly ask all delegations to remain in their seats for the ceremony in order to congratulate and encourage our junior colleagues. The meeting is suspended. I now would like to give.