UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c1/80/9 First Committee, 9th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session — First Committee — 17 October 2025 Language: en Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record. --- 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [0:03]: The ninth meeting of the Disarmament and International Security Committee the first committee of the ATF session of the General assembly is called to order. Distinguished delegates, the Committee will continue this morning with its general debate on all disarmament and international security agenda items allocated to it. Before proceeding further, I would like to inform delegations that 13 speakers remain for the general debate. I would draw to your attention the decision of the Committee at its organizational meeting on the 3rd of October that the Committee will devote at least half a meeting 90 minutes to hear statements by representatives of civil society in an informal setting at the end of the general debate today. That exchange will take place at 3pm today. I would further remind delegations of its decision of 30 October to begin listening to statements under the nuclear weapons cluster in the thematic discussions today should the need arise. This change to the program of work is without prejudice to the schedule of panels and briefings set out in document A C1 80 CRP2. We will now turn to our list of speakers for today and I urge all delegations taking the floor to kindly keep in mind the suggested time limit for four statements. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia. You have the floor. Georgia [1:35]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Let me begin by congratulating the Chairman of the First Committee and the members of the Bureau on being elected and on assuming new roles. I would like to assure you of the Georgian delegation's readiness for constructive and fruitful cooperation. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, as we convene at this important session of the General Assembly, Georgia stands firm in its commitment to the principles of peace, security and cooperation among nations. In a world increasingly defined by complex and unexpected challenges, the role of multilateral dialogue has never been more crucial. Yet again, our session takes place against a backdrop of unprecedented security challenges. As unresolved conflicts continue to violate the United Nations Charter, undermine the rules based international order and erode global disarmament and non proliferation regimes. European as well as global security is severely undermined by Russia's aggressive policy towards its neighbors, including Georgia, and Biden's ongoing war against Ukraine, which has already lasted more than three years and a half. Georgia joins the international community in its resolute condemnation of Russia's illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, accompanied by indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We closely follow developments around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and command Ukraine's cooperation with the IAEA to minimize risks and maintain safety. Georgia calls on Russia to cease all military actions around nuclear facilities and withdrew its forces. As such actions pose grave, just boundary consequences for the entire region, we commend the IAEA Director General, Mr. Rafael Grossi and his team for their tireless and courageous work in ensuring nuclear safety and providing impartial first hand information from Ukraine's nuclear sites. Excellencies Addressing the risks and challenges related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear proliferation remains one of the top priorities in today's complex security environment. With nuclear potential comes the responsibility to ensure its safe and secure use. Georgia aligns itself with the IAEA's mission to sanction safety, security and non proliferation and advocates for enforcing international frameworks that uphold transparency, accountability and cooperation among nations. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for the international community to act in the spirit of unity. The universalization of full implementation of internationally agreed mechanism treaties and obligations remain of utmost importance. Georgia has always been a staunch supporter of international disarmament and non proliferation regimes, including the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention, as well as the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We also attach the utmost importance to the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a vital component of the global non proliferation and disarmament architecture. Mr. Chairman, in 2024, Georgia for the first time became an elected member of the IAEA Board of Council Governance. As a responsible member of the Board, Georgia actively contributes to dialogue and cooperation among Member States to promote the core objectives of the IAEA across all key areas. We remain firmly committed to nuclear safety, security and safeguards and will continue to fully support the Technical Cooperation Program which addresses the specific needs and priorities of Member States. Excellencies European security is closely linked with the security of the Black Sea region. As a strategically located country in this vital region, Georgia upholds the highest standards of CBRN security at the national, regional and international levels, thus contributing to global stability. Preventing and responding to nuclear and radioactive threats is essential to our national security policy and effective measures by the Georgia law enforcement have successfully prevented illegal activities. Between 2021 and 2025, the State Security Service of Georgia identified and prevented five cases of illegal trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials. Eight individuals were brought to criminal responsibility. The most recent operation was carried out on 17 July 2025 during which an attempt to illegally sell nuclear material, specifically depleted uranium, was sorted. Bearing this in mind, I would like to draw your attention to the existence of the so called gray zones where internationally grid security measures cannot be implemented. Georgie Sapkhazi and Schnewa regions illegally occupied by Russia pose significant challenges in the context of non proliferation. Georgia has previously detected smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials through these illegally occupied territories. However, the absence of an international presence in the illegally occupied territories makes it impossible to conduct any ratification activities on the ground. Therefore, the threat of proliferation in and from the illegally occupied territories of the Black Sea region remains a pressing concern for both regional and international security for decades. The security and humanitarian situation on the illegally occupied territories of Georgia remains volatile. In breach of the you mediated the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement, Russia continues military build up, land grabbing and the so called borderization process, Restriction of freedom of movement, kidnappings and illegal detentions, grave violations of human rights and the ethnic discrimination of Georgians are a daily practice there. Meantime, the large community of IDPs and refugees are still buried from returning to their homes. All these activities represent a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of international law and contradicts Russia's international obligations. Dear colleagues, the international community should take coordinated measures to effectively address the multidimensional peace and security challenges that that the world faces today, which are not by any means confined with the boundaries of any given country or region and bear wider implication for their global security. I thank you, Mr. Chairman. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [8:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of Georgia for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya. You have the floor. Libya [8:38]: Mr. Chair. It's my honor to make the statement on behalf of the State of Libya. I congratulate you on assuming the Chairmanship of the First Committee during this session. We wish you and the members of the Bureau every success in discharging your duties. We reiterate our State's full support to the work of the Committee in achieving its noble objectives, namely, international peace and security. Mr. Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Libya reiterates its steadfast commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, namely, respect for state sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and our utmost rejection of the use or threat of use of force in international relations. We reiterate our commitment to full and total disarmament, including when it comes to nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, to ensure collective security, one that is underpinned by justice, equality and non selectivity. Mr. Chair, the Palestinian people is plagued by an unprecedented humanitarian crisis due to the wanton Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip and the genocide perpetrated against the Palestinian people. This has killed thousands of civilians, destroyed cities, hospitals and homes, leaving millions of people plagued by a stifling blockade amid suspicious international silence. This aggression constituted A disgrace for the whole of humanity and a full fledged genocide perpetrated against the Palestinian people. It was a testament to selectivity in the application of human rights and international law. On the other hand, Libya welcomes the ceasefire and we call for its consolidation and the opening of humanitarian corridors to enable the UNRWA as well as United nations agencies and international organizations to work freely while holding perpetrators of war crimes and the genocide accountable for their actions as well as the establishment of a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza. We strongly condemn the the attack against the Resilience Fleet including the Libya ship carrying humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people which was intercepted with attacks against its staff in a blatant violation of international law and the freedom of navigation. This crime brings to the fore the attacks not only against the Gaza Strip, but also against all those seeking for justice to be served for the Palestinian people. Mr. Chair, Libya was amongst the states that have voluntarily given up their nuclear weapons programs. We reiterate our steadfast commitment to the Non Proliferation Treaty. We call upon the international community to take serious steps to honor international non proliferation and disarmament commitments, namely by nuclear weapons States which continue to lag in honoring those commitments. We stress that security is not ensured by amassing weapons, but by consolidating trust and establishing a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle east and ensuring that the Zionist entity joins a non proliferation treaty and places its nuclear facilities under the comprehensive safeguards system of the iaea. We support all efforts to prevent an arms race in the outer space and the strengthening of cybersecurity and and the control over the use of AI and military applications ensuring or thereby ensuring human control over weapons systems. We call for stronger control over the trade and small arms and light weapons as they constitute a direct threat to regional and international peace and security, namely in conflict settings. Mr. Chair, Libya, despite the hardship that it went through, namely internal conflicts and security challenges, continues to strongly believe that just peace is the greatest weapon and that stronger trust amongst Member States can only be achieved through a commitment to disarmament and respect of of international law. Libya believes that defending human values and standing beside peoples facing injustice is a moral necessity rather than a political position. We will remain a strong and resounding Arab voice at the United nations calling for justice to be served and for peace to be consolidated. On behalf of Palestine and for Palestine and for all peoples seeking freedom and dignity. I thank you, Mr. Chair. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [14:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of Libya for his statement. Shukran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania, you have the floor. United Republic of Tanzania [14:52]: Thank you. Mr. Chairman. I would like to congratulate you on your election as President of the first Committee for the AID session. As well as members of the Bureau. I wish you all success in guiding the Committee's work for this session and the United Republic of Tanzania assure you for full support and cooperation. The United Republic of Tanzania aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Afghan Group and the non aligned movement. Mr. Chairman, Tanzania remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating state of global disarmament and non proliferation. The continued existence of nuclear weapons poses an extensive threat to humanity. We echo the African Group profound disappointment with the consecutive failures of none of nuclear nonproliferation treat NPT review conferences which erodes the very foundation of our collective security. The ongoing modernization of nuclear arsenals and the inclusion of nuclear weapons in security doctrines are contrary to the spirit of and later of the npt. For Tanzania, the total and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons within a clear time frame is not just a political goal. It's a moral and security imperative. It is the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use. We therefore strongly support the tweet on the prohibition of Nuclear Weapons TPNW and look forward to the third meeting of States Parties in March 2025. We call upon all states, particularly Nuclear weapon States, to sign and ratify this landmark treaty. As a proud state party, the United Republic of Tanzania reaffirms its unwavering commitment to to the Perindaba Treaty which establishes Africa as a nuclear weapon free zone. This treaty is a cornerstone of our regional security prohibiting the testing and stationing of nuclear explosive devices on our continent. We will continue to submit and support the annual resolution on this street and call for its universal adherence. Mr. Chairman, United Republic of Tanzania is gravely concerned by the illicit trade transfer and proliferation of small arms and light weapons. This cody fuels conflict, terrorism and organized crime directly impacting peace and security in our region. Tanzania, as a host to refugees freeing conflicts exacerbated by these weapons, has witnessed their devastating humanitarian consequences firsthand. We remain firmly committed to the UN programs of action on SALW and welcome the successful outcome of the Force Review Conference. We urge strengthened international cooperation, including holding manufacturers accountable to combat the illicit flow of these weapons. United Republic of Tanzania has taken concrete national steps, including building the capacity of our border and port officers to prevent illicit trafficking and we welcome further international support in this critical area. Mr. Chairman, United Republic of Tanzania commitment to these principles is demonstrated by our active participation in the international legal framework. We are a part to key instruments including the npt, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. Through the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, we legally regulate all nuclear and radioactive materials to ensure they are used exclusively for peaceful purposes in health, agriculture and research in full compliance with our IAEA safeguards obligations. We welcome the work of the United Nations Regional center for Peace and disarmament in Africa, UNREC and command its 38 years of service. United Republic of Tanzania has directly benefited from UNREC technical assistance and capacity building initiatives. We join the Afghan group in calling for enhanced support and resources for the center to deliver on its vital mandate. Mr. Chairman, on emerging challenges, Tanzania underscores the importance of preventing an arms race in the outer space and supports the negotiation of a legally binding instrument. We also emphasize that human control must be retained over the use of force, including in discussion on less autonomous weapons and military application of artificial intelligence. Mr. Chairman. In conclusion, Tanzania believes that through renewed political will, trust and a return to genuine multilateralism, we can revitalize the disarmament agenda. We will continue to actively and constructively participate in the work of this committee and lend our support to the Afghan Group resolutions. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and many greetings from Tanzania. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [21:17]: I thank the distinguished representative of Tanzania for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lesotho. You have the floor. Lesotho [21:29]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for giving me the floor. Allow me to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election as Chair of the first committee during this 80th session of the General Assembly. We assure you of our full support and look forward to working with you to ensure a successful outcome. For the work of this Committee. We thank the former Chair and Bureau for the great work done during the 79th session. Lesotho aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of the African Group and the Non Aligned Movement. Allow me to make a statement in my national capacity. Mr. Chairman. As we mark the 80th year since the establishment of the United nations, we are called upon to reflect on the core principles that underpin its establishment and continued existence over the next 80 years. Core among them being the maintenance of international peace and security across the globe. The last eight years have yielded great achievements that must become the basis for a transparent, inclusive, good faith review process under the UNAT Initiative. Lesotho is concerned about the rising geopolitical tensions manifesting in various regions that threaten to set back the strides made to date. The increasing threat to of use of nuclear weapons and other weapons, of mass destruction. Emerging technologies, the development of lethal autonomous weapons systems and increases in defence spending in recent years shatter our hopes for a peaceful world. Conventional arms continue to cause massive humanitarian devastation amidst the uncertainty that new technologies poison pose. Chemical and biological weapons continue to pose a threat to global peace and security. Mr. Chairman, the journey towards complete nuclear disarmament remains fraught with emerging challenges as we see the integration of artificial intelligence technology in nuclear weapons become more prevalent. Therefore, we support the maintenance of meaningful human control over command, control and communication systems of nuclear weapons without full delegation of artificial intelligence systems. As we work towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons, Lesotho is concerned about the possible implications of the unregulated use of artificial intelligence in the military domain and supports dialogue and further research aimed at developing guidelines and compliance standards for the use of such technologies in the military domain. Lesotho recognizes that further research and development into potential opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence systems in the detection, verification, transparency and accountability for disarmament and non proliferation purposes could contribute meaningfully towards nuclear risk reduction and eventual total elimination of nuclear weapons. Mr. Chairman, we wish to underscore that Lesotho is strongly committed to the TPNW and will continue to support the principle of complete nuclear disarmament as the utmost prerequisite for maintaining international peace and security. Mr. Chairman, Lesotho welcomes and supports all efforts towards ensuring the inclusive, meaningful participation of women and youth in the promotion and attainment of international peace and security within the disarmament and non proliferation agenda. Mr. Chairman, we remain hopeful that the upcoming Non Proliferation Treaty Review Conference to be held in 2026 will provide a further opportunity for all Member States to build consensus to achieve the objectives of the NPT. Mr. Chairman, allow me to reiterate Lesotho's support for all United nations resolutions on arms control and disarmament and in particular on the establishment of nuclear weapons free zones across the world which aim to achieve nuclear disarmament objectives and thereby promote and strengthen regional and global peace and security. It is in this spirit that I wish to reaffirm my country's commitment to the Treaty of Pelandaba which paved the way for the African continent to be a nuclear weapons free zone. Mr. Chairman, Lesotho encourages good faith negotiations among Member States, particularly those having major outer space capabilities towards mitigating the threat of an arms race in outer space which the international community agree should be used for peaceful purposes for the benefit of humankind. Finally, I take this opportunity to call on the international community to join hands in prioritizing negotiations aimed at reaching urgent consensus on the regulation of the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in the military domain, especially in lethal autonomous weapons systems. We reiterate our call to nuclear weapons states to sign and ratify the TPNW to ensure that humanity lives in peace without fear of extinction. I thank you. Chair [27:14]: I thank the distinguished representative of Lesotho for her statement. And now I give the floor to the representative of Colombia. You have the floor. Colombia [27:25]: Thank you very much, Chairman. I'll start by congratulating the chair of the session for your appointment as chair and express the support of our delegation for the conduct of this meeting. In a world that is going through a period of uncertainty and renewed tensions where. Where rhetoric of force is. Is resurrected, Colombia reaffirms a deep conviction. International security is not be based on fear, but rather on cooperation. It cannot be guaranteed by arsenals, but rather by PR principles. Nuclear weapons are a moral and political failure of our era. Its mere existence represents the possible destruction of humankind, of the planet of Hope itself. This is why Columbia advocates unambiguously for their full, complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination. No strategic doctrine can justify the threat of annihilating life on earth. Our constitution, our political constitution expressly prohibits weapons of mass destruction and the Tlatelolco Treaty. With that treaty, Latin America has demonstrated that it's possible to build security without nuclear deterrence. My country reaffirms the value of nuclear weapons free zones, which are pillars of trust and they should be extended. Colombia makes an appeal to nuclear states to. To provide negative security guarantees and return to an honest dialogue on reduction of risks and transparency. By the same token, my country defends the peaceful use of nuclear energy under the strict control of IAEA. Science should serve life rather than threaten it. Mr. Chairman. Illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons continues to fuel violence, instability and violation of human rights. Colombia has the honor of presenting together with Japan and South Africa the draft resolution entitled Illicit commerce of Small arms and light Weapons in all its aspects, which traditionally is adopted by consensus. I invite all member states to co sponsor this text as a demonstration of their commitment to traceability and strengthening of program of action and localization. Armed violence does not recognize borders and requires international cooperation, exchange of information, control of transfers and due diligence. With this in mind, the recent ratification of my country of the Arms Trade Treaty reaffirms our conviction that economic interests must never prevail over the principles of international humanitarian law. Allow me to refer to Integrated Action against Mines as one of the most humane and hopeful aspects of our Policy Nine years after the signature of the peace treaty in Colombia, demining has become a concrete tool of building trust. Former combatants, humanitarian organizations and communities are working together to free territories of mines and create hope. In this context, Colombia will continue to work tirelessly to clear all its territory of mines and thanks the support of states parties to this national effort. Colombia expresses its concern due to the recent withdrawal of member states from the Ottawa Convention. This is a major step back from the universalization of this treaty. Each mine that remains active after a war is a war that has not ended. This is why I hail the campaign of the Secretary General on humanitarian disarmament and action against mines, coordinated by en mass and others, and invite all states to join this campaign. Humanity cannot allow backsliding in this area. I want to now refer briefly to the issue of chemical weapons and biological weapons that negate the very essence of humankind. Their use in any place, by any actor constitutes an affront to universal conscience. Colombia has ratified all the relevant instruments and is advancing and creating a national authority for the prohibition of biological weapons which will complement the work of other agencies. Mr. Chairman, Outer Space belongs to all of humankind. Its militarization it threatens the ultimate frontier. Colombia in 2024 ratified the treaty on the principles that should guide activities of states in outer space, defends its exclusively peaceful use and promotes transparency, confidence building measures and adherence to the Hague Code of Conduct. Columbia believes that meaningful human control must be an essential principle of all throughout the life cycle of lethal autonomous weapons. And we believe that before 2026 we should negotiate a legally binding instrument that prohibits unpredictable systems or those incompatible with international humanitarian law. Colombia promotes standards so that systems of AI and for military use should be robust and supervised, and defends multilateral governance in controlling these technologies. Our national project on artificial intelligence reflects coherence between national policy and international efforts. Mr. Chairman, allow me to conclude by emphasizing that the protection of civilians and respect for international law and the inclusion of women and youth in decision making are essential for a lasting peace. As a state that is committed to life, we believe that technology should be in the service of humankind. My country will continue decisively supporting transparency in military expenditures, especially in dual use technology and strengthening multilateral mechanisms of accountability. Thank you very much. Chair [34:01]: De Colombia por su declaracion. I now give thank you to His Excellency, the Permanent observer of the Holy See. Excellency, you have the floor. Holy See · Permanent Observer [34:10]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation would like to congratulate you and the members of the borough on your election and to assure you of its constructive engagement throughout the work of this session. Mr. Chairman, 80 years have now passed since the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the end of the Second World War, and the foundation of the United Nations. However, we must acknowledge that the spirit of diplomacy and multilateralism, which was so carefully forged to protect humanity from the scourge of war, is being increasingly overshadowed by the perilous resurgence of free force and fear as ways to resolve disputes. The consequences of this trend are evident. Dialogue is being weakened. The economic ties that sustain cooperation and integral human development are becoming increasingly fragile, and the cries of those in need and in vulnerable situations, especially children, are coming from too many places around the world, shamefully reproaching humanity's conscience. As Pope Leo says, how can we continue to betray the desire of the world's people for peace with propaganda about weapons build up? As if military supremacy will resolve problems instead of fueling even greater hatred and desire for revenge. People are beginning to realize the amount of money that ends up in the pockets of merchants of death. Money that could be used to build new hospitals and schools is instead being used to destroy those that already exist. There is an urgent need to recommit to disarmament, to overcome divisions, and to make full use of every established forum for this purpose, beginning with the First Committee itself, in order to renew an authentic and constructive dialogue. Mr. Chair, my delegation expresses its profound concern at the renewed rhetoric that raises the specter of the threatening power of nuclear weapons as well as the redoubled efforts to expand arsenals. Even more troubling is the emergence of a new arms race, marked by the integration of artificial intelligence into military systems with enormous destructive potential and the extension of competition into domains such as outer space and missile defense. These developments pose an unprecedented danger to humanity. It is imperative to move beyond the illusory logic of nuclear deterrence and embrace the path of dialogue and comprehensive disarmament. Instead, moral responsibility demands a firm rejection of the proliferation and accumulation of nuclear weapons. The catastrophic humanitarian consequences of their use would have no geographical or geography generational boundaries. In this regard, the OLSE called on all nuclear armed States to fulfill their obligation under Article 6 of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons by engaging in good faith negotiations, particularly in view of the forthcoming Review Conference, the OLSE commenced the verification work undertaken by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. At the same time, the OLSE strongly encourages states to ratify the npt, the ctbt, as well as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which offer a tangible and optimistic path towards liberating humanity from the threat of nuclear weapons while promoting peace for future generations. Mr. Chair, while the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction remains a cause of profound alarm, the challenges arising from the widespread use and proliferation of conventional weapons are equally grave. Tragically, countless innocent people continue to endure the devastating consequences of explosive weapons, which are increasingly being used indiscriminately in populated areas, as well as the ongoing menace of landmines, which continue to maim and kill long after conflicts have ended. Equally troubling is the illicit proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons, which has become one of the most pressing security concerns worldwide. These weapons are produced, sold and trafficked through illicit channels, fueling instability across regions and exacting heavy toll. Tens of thousands of lives are lost each year, with fragile communities bearing the brunt of violence. Criminals, terrorists and armed groups prey on the weakest members of society, particularly women, children and the elderly. Furthermore, the application of artificial intelligence to conventional arms, particularly through development of lethal autonomous weapons systems, poses such a grave challenge that it must awaken the ethical awareness of the entire international community. These weapons, which operate without meaningful human control, transgress every legal, security, humanitarian and above all, ethical boundary. For this reason, the OLSE strongly urges all Member States to support the Secretary General's call to conclude a legally binding instrument prohibiting such weapons by 2026 in order to prevent their development and use before they cast an even darker shadow on the future. Mr. Chair, while progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is faltering, it is unacceptable that military expenditure reached $2.7 trillion in 2024. However, there is still time to change this course. What is needed is a fundamental change in perspective. Moving away from reliance on arms and building peace through dialogue based on a human centered approach that is firmly grounded in dignity and the full respect of human rights and committed to integral human development. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair [41:12]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Holy See, Gratias Tibiago. I now turn to the distinguished representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross. You have the floor. ICRC [41:23]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. The first committee takes place amid steadily increasing levels of armed conflict and the shadow of growing fears of large scale war. Over 130 conflicts are raging today, twice as many as 15 years ago. Wars are lasting longer, growing more complex and trapping entire generations. As International Committee of the Red Cross staff see every day in our work around the world, the human cost is appalling. In parallel, as detailed in the Secretary General recent report, Military Spending has grown to extraordinary levels. Yet the conclusion of the first Special session of the General assembly devoted to disarmament almost half a century ago in 78 remains valid. More weapons means less security. In these grim circumstances, the work of this Committee is all the more important and urgent. Disarmament is a necessary and effective tool to prevent war and strengthen international peace and security. Humanitarian disarmament in particular is also a critical means to mitigate the impact of armed conflict when it occurs. In other words, it gives effect to the principles of international humanitarian law. In times of increased conflict and tension, therefore, the treaties overseen by this Committee must be reinforced, developed and expanded, not ignored, neglected or abandoned. Now is the time for States to redouble their efforts to fully implement existing disarmament treaties, to bring them closer to universality and to develop new treaties and other instruments and mechanisms to address the risk posed by new technologies of warfare. But what does it mean in practice, Mr. Chair? First, states must take concrete steps to turn legal obligations and political commitments into real changes that save lives. For example, through the Pact for the Future and the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons, States have committed to strengthen the protection of civilians and to restrict or refrain as appropriate, from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. But the use of heavy explosive weapons in cities continues to cause unacceptable civilian harm on a shockingly large scale throughout the world. Action is needed to move these commitments from a record of good intentions to an effective means of protecting civilians from the indiscriminate effects of of the use of a weipa. In reality, similarly, proliferation and diversions of conventional weapons exacerbate humanitarian suffering and pose a serious threat to security. The ICRC is deeply concerned about the gap that seems to exist between States obligation to respect and intrispect for international humanitarian law and to faithfully implement instruments such as the Arm Street Treaty and the arms transfer practices of too many of them. The law is straightforward. States must refrain from transferring arms when there is a clear risk that they would be used to commit or facilitate violation of international humanitarian law. Second, States must make progress on nuclear disarmament through universalization and full implementation of the Non Proliferation Treaty, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the CTBT and Regional Nuclear Weapons Free Zones Treaties. This must be done not in spite of the current international security situations, but because of it. Nuclear rhetorics and threat of use, accelerated modernization and strengthened role for nuclear weapons in national security doctrines must be replaced with renewed efforts to deliver on long standing nuclear disarmament obligations and commitments and to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons being used. This must include measures to condemn and suppress nuclear threats and efforts to increase awareness of the catastrophe cumulative consequences of any use of nuclear weapons. Third, States must preserve and protect existing treaties and the norm they embody. The very last thing that States should do in times of insecurity and conflict is to abandon disarmament treaties. We are dismayed that after a State withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Ammunition, six States have now announced their intention to withdraw from or suspend the anti personnel mine buying convention. Not only is this a step backwards that risk eroding life saving protection and threaten decades of global effort to eradicate these inhuman weapons, it also undermines international humanitarian law and the entire multinational disarmament enterprise. Preparing for war by abandoning treaties that provide for a minimum of humanity in conflict is the wrong choice. And may I ask, where would it end? With the Geneva Convention themselves. We must work together to reinforce our common understanding that true security comes from collective adherence to disarmament treaties, not from abandoning them. Fourth and finally, States must accelerate their efforts to limit the human cost of new technologies of warfare. We join States in calling for the peaceful use of new technologies and preventing arms race in areas such as outer space. Yet States must also ensure that if new technologies are used as a means and method of warfare and IHL is applied and fully respected, this requires a range of approaches according to the technologies involved. With respect to ict, we call on stage to build common understanding on how to apply IHL to adequately protect civilian population against the danger of ICT activities during conflict. When it comes to autonomous weapons systems, we join the call of a large and growing number of States to to build on the promising works of the CCW's laws GG and move quickly to negotiate a legally binding instrument on the development and use of AI in the military domain. We call on States to ensure that human control and judgment are preserved in decisions that pose risk to the life, liberty and dignity of peoples affected by armed conflict. Mr. Chair, it is well documented that humanitarian disarmament treaties and commitments save lives, moderate the inhumanity of war and foster peace. They are needed now more than ever. As the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross states in the progress report on the Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law reports that we launched yesterday. I quote, this is not an abstract legal debate. It has irreversible consequences on millions of lives. When warfare abandons restraints and pursue total annihilation, the toll, both human and economic, is catastrophic and the seeds of the next cycle of violence are sown. End quote. Finally, we are heartened by states who are joining disarmament treaties, strengthening their effectiveness and the norm they embody. We congratulate Kyrgyzstan and Ghana for their respective signature and ratification of the tpnw, the Martian island and Tonga for joining the APMBC and Vanuatu for joining the Cluster Munition Convention. We urge other states to follow their example. Thank you very much. Chair [49:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of the icrc. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency. You have the floor. IAEA [49:29]: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, allow me to congratulate you, Ambassador Masari, on your election as Chair of the First Committee as well as SIA Bureau. We assure you of every success in your deliberation. This session of the UNGA is taking place at a pivotal moment. These are extremely challenging times. Acts of terrorism, multiple military conflicts and the erosion of nuclear norms are all happening against a growing gap between poverty and prosperity. The IAEA has been responding to these challenges through its unique mandate, one that spans all the way from reducing the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and ultimately therefore also the risk of nuclear war, to using nuclear science and technology to feed families, live cities and care for children with cancer. Mr. Chair, the stability and effectiveness of the global nuclear nonprofessional regime having the NPT as its corner stone requires the IAES SafeGas being implemented effectively and across the globe. The number of states we safeguards agreements in force remains 191 and 144 of these states have additional protocols in force. When DG Grocery took office in late 2019 10NPT non nuclear weapons state parties had not yet brought comprehensive safeguards agreements into force. And now there are only three remaining. The Director General has called on those three state parties to bring their comprehensive safeguards agreements into force without delay, in line with relevant decisions of the IAEA Board of Governors and the General Conference. DG Grocery has also encouraged states without additional protocols to conclude and bring into force APs. DG Grocery has also called for the remaining 13 states with small quantities protocol based on the original standard test to amend or rescind them as soon as possible. The safeguards system is designed to provide a guarantee of peaceful uses, but the integrity and credibility of the system relies on its robustness and cooperation of states to timely address and resolve safeguards issues. In the current geopolitical context, unresolved safeguards matters have become ever more important. The IAEA continues its work aimed at resolving outstanding safeguard issues in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria. The IAEA is maintaining its enhanced readiness to return to the DPRK when requested by the State and approved by the Board of Governors. But challenges are coming from new quarters, even within some countries in good standing with the obligations under the npt. There are now open discussions about whether or not to acquire nuclear weapons. Think for a minute about a world where instead of a few, we will have 20 or 25 countries armed with nuclear weapons. Reflecting on these developments, DG Grossi highlighted to the UN Security Council at the end of April that the global nuclear non procreation regime is under security significant strain and that we need to protect it. Mr. Chair, it is essential that nuclear technology is used safely and securely. The IAEA continues to support its Member States in nuclear safety by developing safety standards that may be used as the basis for national regulations and by providing upon request a variety of services, including expert review missions. In 2024, the IAEA conducted almost 60 peer reviews and advisory services. The IAEA activities in the nuclear security field have grown significantly over the past years. With considerable technical expertise, the IAEA has played a leading role at the Global Platform for Strengthening Nuclear Security to better assist Member States in preparing for security challenges posed by non state actors. In October 2023, DG Grossi integrated the new Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration center as part of the IAEA Laboratories Complex in cybersoft. It is the world's first international training center with practical hands on training in critical areas such as the fiscal protection of nuclear facilities, nuclear forensics and cyber security. So far, the new center has held more than 70 training events with over 1000 participants. In this context, I would be remiss if I did not mention the IAEA Tails work in monitoring and reporting on the Nuclear Safety Security and Safeguard Station in Ukraine with the aim of preventing a nuclear accident. IAS staff has been deployed as part of the continued presence at all nuclear sites in Ukraine and several deliveries of nuclear safety and security related equipment have been provided to Ukraine. Mr. Chair, cancer is an acute crisis in many developing countries. In 2022, DHG Grocery launched Rays of Hope. This initiative has proven the IAEA can be a catalyst for real, substantial progress in cancer care. Through Rays of Hope, concrete actions have been taken in 40 countries, hospitals have been built, radiotherapy machines have been procured, physics trained and life saved. In a world of abundance, 700 million people should not have to go to bed hungry every night. Atoms for Food provide tailor made solutions that boost food security, support food safety and nutrition, and reduce agricultural strain on the environment. This joint initiative between the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United nations is supporting the use of irradiation to create harder varieties of crops, better manage precious water supplies by using techniques like the isotope hydrology and fighting off pests like the fruit fly and New World screw worm. Microplastics are everywhere. For a source of pollution so ubiquitous, we know far too little about how microplastics travel through our ecosystem and what impact they are having. Nutec plastics, launched in 2020 by DG Grossi, takes a two pronged approach in dealing with plastic pollution. One that supports 100 member states keen to use technology like infrared spectroscopy to monitor and characterize microplastic marine pollution from coastal Africa to the Galapagos Islands. The second supports 52 member states who want to use radiation assisted technology to upscale plastic waste into variable products like construction materials. In the midst of the last pandemic, DG Grocery launched Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action ZODIAC and it has improved the pandemic preparedness of countries around the world. 129 national laboratories have joined the Zodiac network and 151 member states have designated a National Coordinator. More and more potentially devastating pathogens are being characterized and the AIVETNET platform now tracks data from more than 2,400 institutions. Mr. Chair, for decades the world has been lamenting pollution and climate change. For many years it was silent about one of the proving scalable solutions, Nuclear energy. Today, nearly 40 countries are at different stages of development of nuclear energy program. From carrying out initial studies to constructing their first plan plans. More than 20 others are exploring nuclear as part of their future. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [57:33]: I thank the distinguished representative of the IAEA for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. You have the floor. OPANAL · Coordinator [57:53]: Thank you, Chair. It's a pleasure for Brazil as a coordinator to deliver this statement in this multilateral forum dedicated to examining topics related to disarmament on behalf of the Organization for the Banning of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean OPANAL, which is the only international regional organization dedicated exclusively to nuclear disarmament and non proliferation. Mr. Chairman, the Treaty of Tlatelolco established the very first nuclear weapon free zone and is a zone that was densely populated. And this took place in the most critical moment of the Cold War after the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. The treaty established the first explicit prohibition on the development, possession, testing, deployment, the threat of use and the use of nuclear weapons at the regional level and has had a significant impact in the adoption of important international instruments in the sphere of nuclear discernment, such as the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons which is a cornerstone of the non proliferation and disarmament regime which was negotiated after the Tlateloco Treaty as well as negotiation and conclusion of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty will hold its first review conference next year. Also, the Tlateloko Treaty inspired the establishment of five other denuclearized zones around the world, plus Mongolia, which declared itself to be a non nuclear state. That means that 116 countries around the world have stated their rejection of nuclear weapons. These zones have been a major contribution to the cause of disarmament and non proliferation of nuclear weapons and to the reduction of the nuclear risk and to international peace and security. For over 50 years, the treaty of Tlateloco have guaranteed that the territories of Latin America and the Caribbean have remained free of nuclear weapons with a clear stance against these instruments of war, a rejection of the doctrine of deterrence and the need to work even harder to achieve and maintain a world free of these devices. Mr. Chairman Opanal has sought to promote dialogue in the relevant form fora where these topics are discussed. The first committee that today brings us together is a testimony to the importance of this diplomatic dialogue and the building of bridges and reaffirmation of the shared commitment to cooperation and support of a world without nuclear weapons. Building, maintaining and sustaining peace is today one of the main responsibilities of all of us. Opanel, aware of the threat represented by nuclear weapons would appeal to the entire membership to reflect in this context as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United nations to reflect on the disastrous consequences of these nuclear weapons which have been scientifically proven to affect potentially all countries and societies in a world as interconnected as the world in which we live. We must continue advocating for the end of the use or threat of the use of these intolerable and extremely risky weapons. Today, more than ever, we must take advantage of multilateral force forums to build a world that is more secure and peaceful, based on law, cooperation and international solidarity, rather than on armed weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. To conclude my intervention, I would like to state that as in prior years, within this first Committee, Mexico, in its capacity as a representative of the depository state of the treaty and headquarters of the Agency, will present a draft resolution, a triannual draft resolution entitled Treaty of Tlateloco. On that resolution, as in previous sessions of the General assembly, we hope that it will be adopted without a vote. This triennial resolution is example of how it's possible to biennialize and triennialize draft resolutions to be more to. To make the work of the first committee more efficient. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [1:03:14]: I thank the distinguished representative Opanel. And I'm sorry that I didn't introduce you properly. We have had the last speaker in the general debate. 156 delegations participated in the debate this session compared to 153 delegations last year. We are making progress. 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 will begin by first giving the floor to delegations who were unable to exercise their right of reply or the right to a second intervention yesterday due to time constraints. In this regard, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia for its second intervention. You have the floor. Namibia [1:04:13]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Namibia's human rights record and commitment to good governance, transparency and the rule of law, as well as upholding its international human rights obligations, speaks for itself. We do not need to respond to. The baseless allegations from Morocco, a country that clearly disregards international law and treaty obligations. Namibia's statement that was made addressed a factual reference to the suffering of the people of Saharawi, the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic who are denied the right to human dignity and the right to to self determination. The UN has a responsibility to support all those finding themselves without any means of support as a result of their inalienable right to self determination being denied while the resources of their country continue to be exploited by imperial forces. Namibia is not a case at the United Nations. The Saharari Arab Democrat Republic whose people are denied the right to self determine determination are a case before the UN as they continue to suffer under Moroccan colonial subjugation for the last 50 years. What my delegation is asking for and what the UN has been demanding for the Saharawi people is for them to be accorded the respect and dignity in addressing their needs. Let it be known that if perhaps the colonial power could implement the UN General assembly and Security Council resolutions in letter and in spirit, there will be. No need for us to come here. And talk about the aggression of Morocco towards the Saharaway people. Rather, we would make the burden of the UN less. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [1:06:06]: I call on the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:06:18]: Mr. Chairman, we're compelled to exercise our right of Reply in response to a statement delivered by the delegation of Georgia so as to clarify the genuine situation surrounding South Ossetia and apasia, these independent states have been recognized by a whole host of countries, including Russia, on the basis of the free expression of the will of the peoples of South Ossetia and Abazia in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, including the UN Charter. For us this issue has been settled. We'll also respond to the groundless assertions by a number of Western delegations linked to the implementation of the Budapest Memorandum. The Memorandum was adopted as Ukraine acquired nuclear free status and therefore acceded to the NPT as a non nuclear weapons state. Now the Memorandum is a component of a package of political agreements which impose obligations on all participants equally. Since this package was adopted, the Russian Federation has ever since then unswervingly upheld the provisions of the documents it signed. On the Memorandum specifically we reaffirmed vis a vis Ukraine the obligation not to use nor threaten to use nuclear weapons against non nuclear states. Taking into consideration the technical reservations that are standard in such instances. This obligation remains unchanged and has been and is being implemented in full. As for the west, who's historically sought to tear Ukraine away from Russia once and for all impudently interfered in the internal and external affairs of Kyiv. Despite Ukraine initially enjoying neutral status, they dragged Ukraine into a bloc based confrontation with Russia. When radicals seized power in Kyiv after a bloody coup d', etat, they refused to recognize the interest of a significant portion of Ukrainian society. They provoked an acute crisis in Ukraine which raised questions about Ukraine's existence as a unified and capable state. The 1994 agreements were further undermined by the destabilizing course set for unrestrained NATO expansion and military and political expansion across post Soviet states to the detriment of the fundamental interests of the Russian Federation. This is fundamentally at odds with the Budapest package of measures which contains paradigms akin to equal and indivisible security. It also expresses commitment to the collective basis for erecting the European security architecture. All of this was cast aside. Nor did Kyiv itself fulfill its obligations under the Budapest Memorandum, in particular those related to countering the rise of aggressive nationalism and chauvinism. Thus the unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine were shattered by Kyiv's own destructive policies as well as by the nefarious interference of the West. We could not and will not ignore threats to our security emanating from Ukraine's territory. Against this backdrop we are disguited by pronouncements by representatives of the Kyiv regime which not only call into question the viability of the memorandum, but can also be interpreted as a direct appeal to for reconsidering Ukraine's nuclear free status. Some Western politicians and officials suggested giving nuclear weapons back to Kyiv, which would have been a direct violation of all obligations under the NPT taken upon themselves by these parties. Anyone daring to do this, without a doubt, Moscow does not intend to allow for a single one of these scenarios to come to pass. For us, Kyiv acquiring nuclear weapons is absolutely, absolutely unacceptable. This is the real, not the inverted state of the Budapest Memorandum's implementation. I thank you. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [1:09:59]: I call on the representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. You have the floor. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [1:10:07]: Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. My delegation is taking the floor in. Response to the statement of iaea. Representative. DPRK is a nuclear weapon state out of npt. DPRK is not a member state of iaea. IAEA should not unnecessarily keep vigilance on. The defensive measures of non member states. It shall be the useless waste of. The time and resources. IAEA is recommended to concentrate on its own business such as blatant proliferation of nuclear weapons and armed attack against the peaceful nuclear facilities under the broad daylight. I thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair [1:11:02]: I call on the representative of Morocco. Morocco [1:11:05]: Mr. Chair, Morocco will not engage in distractions. But when delegation Delegation seeks to lecture others on principles it does not respect on its own, it only weakens its own credibility. On the referendum since 2001, the Security Council calls for a political solution. Since then, the mandate of minority is strictly restricted to the monitoring of the ceasefire and creating the conducive environment for the political process. Repeating the word referendum like a mantra will not resurrect it. And it is regretful indeed that Namibia rubbishes the Security council resolutions since 2001 and the UN led process conducted by the SDG, the Secretary General and facilitated by his personal envoy, Morocco is constructive, trusted and fully engaged partner of the UN on self determination. Let me clarify one thing to my brother from Namibia. That autonomy is a modern and democratic form of self determination fully in line with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. It embodies the very essence of self determination through democratic participation, representation and self governance in the framework of national sovereignty. Perhaps Namibia could draw inspiration from this model, especially in Caprivi, which was never part of Namibia as it has its own distinct history, culture and geography. Yet Namibia annexed it illegally and maintains it under occupation as the last real and resolved colonial issue on the African continent. We do not forget the human rights violations and it's not what Namibia is saying. Giving lessons. Here are the documents, even from international organizations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, just to name a few. And to add to what the list I detailed yesterday on Namibia's claim about history. Morocco recovered its Sahara 15 years before Namibia became independent. Hearing history lessons from those who were not even present when history was being made is curious. In Africa we respect and learn from our deans, especially those with more than 12 centuries. 12 centuries of making peace and contributing to stability and development, making bridges and uniting people. The wrong side of history is to be stuck in a narrative frozen in the 80s while the world has moved on to call for division and to support terrorist armed groups and separatist groups to threaten the stability and security of other regions, especially far away thousands of miles from Namibia. To have a narrow and selective reading of principles and concepts, especially the concept of the principle of self determination. So in conclusion, Morocco remains firm in its sovereignty and territorial integrity and committed to the UN political process. Frankly to my brother Afshalom, to whom I have big respect and long standing friendships in Geneva 15 years ago, he respectful and his team could do better. Entertaining baseless discussions in this committee. We could easily fix around a coffee outside and not waste the time of this committee dedicated to disarmament and waste the energy and the resources of this committee to bring baseless and frankly speaking useless discussions to deal with and to entertain the member states in this Committee. I thank you. Chair [1:14:26]: I call on the representative of Georgia. You have the floor. Georgia [1:14:32]: Thank you. Mr. Chairman. I would like to exercise the right of reply in response to the remarks made by the delegate of the Russian Federation. Russian delegate mentioned that it recognized Russia recognized so called independence of Georgia's two regions based on the free expression of the popular will. However, there are mere facts that there are up to 500,000 IDPs and refugees from these regions as a result of Russia's aggressive policy towards Georgia throughout decades. And these IDPs and refugees represented the absolute majority of the population in these regions before they were forcefully expelled from their homes. And they are still deprived of the right to return. In this situation it is utterly hypocritical to justify occupation based on the so called free will of the population. As we speak, Russia continues to illegally occupy 20% of Georgia's sovereign territory. All its actions are undertaken in violation of fundamental principles of sovereignty until integrity of the sovereign state which is enshrined in the UN Charter and in blatant violations of the basic human rights in the illegally occupied territories and adjacent areas. We want to reiterate that as Russia exercises effective control over the occupied regions of Georgia, and this fact is well established by the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and International Criminal Court. I thank you, Chairman. Mr. Chairman. 1st Committee · Chair · Ambassador Masari [1:16:09]: Distinguished delegates, the next meeting of the Committee will be held this afternoon at 3pm sharp in this conference room, when we will hear from civil society and thus conclude the general debate and start listening to statements under the nuclear weapons cluster of the thematic discussions. The meeting is now adjourned.