Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction - Security Council, 9973rd meeting

The 9,973rd meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The agenda is adopted. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. Your Excellencies, as chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1540, a function that I am currently taking on at the United Nations Security Council, I have the honor to address the Security Council to inform you about the work that the committee has done since the last briefing that was held on the 26th of March, 2024. Given that this is the first time that I'm addressing the Council as chair of the 1540 Committee, I would like to express my gratitude to Ecuador for the leadership that they showed during their chairmanship of the committee in 2023 and '24. Resolution 1540 from 2004 remains a vital component of the global non-proliferation architecture, which aims to prevent non-state agents from exceeding to accessing weapons of mass destruction, in particular for terrorist purposes. Member states have made considerable progress to the full implementation of the resolution. Nevertheless, the full implementation of the resolution remains a long-term task. During the period covered by the report, The committee continued its activities pursuant to the mandate, which was extended until the end of November of this year in line with the relevant resolution from 2022 that the Security Council adopted on the 30th of November 2024. In line with paragraph 4 of the resolution, the committee continues to work on the approval of its program of work for the period that ends January 2026. The 2024 review of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1540 was presented to the Council on the 30th of September last year. Last year, there were 7 official meetings of the committee and 2 unofficial meetings. As chair of the committee, since I was appointed chair, there have been 2 official meetings of the committee this year. In line with paragraph 26 of the relevant resolution, the committee organizes an open briefing for member states and international organizations, as well as regional and sub-regional organizations, and this was held in October of last year. In that meeting, the committee's work was presented on all aspects of Resolution 1540, particularly on domains pertaining to assistance. Member states and international organizations, as well as regional and sub-regional organizations, were able at that meeting to present offers of assistance. Member states were able voluntarily to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices on the implementation of Resolution 1540. In 2024, the Committee successfully resumed its practice of co-organizing training courses for national focal points for the resolution. Contact points and focal points have a significant responsibility to promote and drive forward the national implementation of the resolution. Recognizing this important role, in Resolution 2325, the Security Council urged the committee to adopt initiatives to strengthen the capacity of national focal points, inter alia by organizing training courses at the regional level. After a 4-year break as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2024, there were 2 training courses that were provided, one for the Asia-Pacific region and another for Africa. Looking towards the future, the committee is looking into the possibility to organize a training point— training course for focal points for the region of Latin America and the Caribbean next year. The committee continued to participate in outreach activities on the implementation of the resolution at the national, sub-regional, regional, and international levels. Last year, the committee participated in 32 outreach activities. Since the beginning of the year— this year, the committee has participated in 15 outreach activities in different regions during the period encompassed by the report, the committee has been corresponding with international organizations, regional and sub-regional organizations, and member states, and has done so on several occasions on various different matters in order to maintain open channels of communication and dialogue on the best way to implement the resolution. Last year, after the committee made significant efforts to highlight the importance of updating national contact points for the resolution, including for the committee's correspondence pertaining to the outreach activities, 9 member states allocated their relevant contact points for the first time. 42 states appointed contact points or provided updated information about these persons. In 2025, to date, another 11 states have also provided updated information about their respective contact and focal points, and one other member state has for the first time appointed a contact point. That means that the total number of member states with such a contact point for this resolution is now 153. Excellencies, in Resolution 2663, the Council encouraged states who have not yet done so to present without delay their first report on measures to implement Resolution 1540. In 2024, the Committee continued its efforts to facilitate the presentation of these reports, including through direct contacts and bilateral meetings. In this regard, in June of last year, the committee contacted the 8 states who have not yet submitted their initial report to encourage those states to do so as soon as possible. Throughout the year, The chairmanship, with the support of the committee's expert group, also held bilateral meetings with various states who had not yet submitted a report. The number of member states who have submitted their first report continues to increase to 185, which means there are 8 states who have not yet done so. In Resolution 2663, the Security Council also encouraged states to provide additional information on how they have implemented Resolution 1540, and this includes information about their laws and regulations and their best practices at a voluntary level. During the period covered by the report, 2 states have provided the committee with additional information. To date, member states have in total come forward with 539 additional and complementary reports on the measures that have been taken by states to achieve full implementation of the resolution. In paragraph 8 of the relevant resolution, the Security Council also once again encouraged States to prepare on a voluntary basis national action plans. This makes it possible for us to determine the priorities and plans that member states have to implement the key provisions of Resolution 1540. In the period covered by the report, one more state has come forward with this kind of national plan. And that means that the total number of action plans is now 48. The number of states who since 2006 have come forward and presented national action plans to the committee for the voluntary implementation of measures is now 39. Mindful of the fact that member states are those who are in a position ultimately to determine what are the most effective measures to take to implement the resolution, the committee acknowledges the need to promote the exchange of experiences between states. For instance, by peer reviews and other ways to assess and strengthen the most effective practices. Since the last report that was presented to the Security Council, the committee has registered 2 new peer reviews, and the committee will continue to support states who wish to do so to continue to roll out such reviews. In Resolution 2663, the Security Council encouraged the committee to draft and review, as appropriate, technical guidelines on a voluntary basis. As a means of providing guidance to States or other appropriate documents of this type, and they would be prepared with the assistance of the expert group. In 2024, the Committee analyzed what kind of formats the voluntary technical guides should have and what kind of topics they should be referring to. The expert group started to work on a pilot project to draft a technical reference guide which would be used on a voluntary basis and would be based on a concept note agreed upon by the committee. Work on this issue is continuing now. The committee also agreed to start a pilot project on possible activities on paragraph 12 of Resolution 2663 in order to help all member states to implement Resolution 1540. The committee agreed to provide member states with potential useful examples of legislative measures that states from different regional groups have adopted from different legal systems. In 2025, the Committee has continued its work on the agreed pilot project. To ensure that the Committee's support structure has sufficient resources, the Committee underscores the importance of filling vacancies in the expert For different— from different states and other matters. The committee continues to assess the mechanism of assistance that dates back a few years. And in November of last year, the committee agreed on a revised document on assistance which is called Procedures and Model Formulas for the Assistance model, the 2024 review. End of quotation. On the periodic review of requests for assistance, there were 3 reports drafted on the states of requests for assistance last year and one this year. In the most recent report on this topic from June of this year, the committee took note of 33 requests for assistance in total, which were presented by 24 member states. In addition, in the report it was stated that the committee had also received 10 requests for— from member states for direct assistance from the committee on the submission of national action plans and voluntary national reports on how to implement the resolution. The committee has also received one further request for a member state— from a member state, which means that the total number of member states who have requested direct assistance from the committee is now 11. The committee has an important role when providing states with assistance in order to help them to fulfill their obligations under Resolution 1540. That is why matching up states' requests for assistance with offers from assistance, and this also includes assistance from international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, is a task that the committee undertakes. Last year, the committee heard 4 requests for assistance that required matching up. And to date this year, there have not been further requests for how best to meet these requests for assistance. In order to facilitate the provision of technical assistance, and this includes matching up requests for assistance with offers of assistance, this is a task that the committee continues to undertake. And last year, the committee in this regard wrote to all member states, as well as the 39 international, regional, and sub-regional organizations who are involved in this process, in order to invite them to update their offers of assistance as appropriate in order to facilitate this process. To date, updated information has been sent by 2 member states and 1 international organization. In Resolution 2663, the Security Council encouraged the committee to draft in line on working with relevant member states and with the assistance of the group of experts a multiannual outreach program for states. Last year, the committee studied the program for a period between 2024 and '25, and for the first time, the committee sent correspondence to all member states encouraging all of them to inform the committee whether or not they had intended to organize an official visit, as well as any other national or regional activity they had planned for the implementation of Resolution 1540. Your Excellencies, acting in line with relevant resolutions, the Committee continued to strengthen its cooperation with international, regional, and sub-regional organizations. As well as with other bodies of the UN system for the implementation of the resolution. In April 2024, the Committee sent correspondence to international organizations as well as regional and sub-regional organizations asking them for updated information about their contact points or coordinators for Resolution 1540, and encouraged them to improve cooperation and the exchange of information with the committee and member states in the matter of assistance. 4 international organizations provided updated information about their contact points in 2024, and one International Organization provided updated information to the committee this year. During the period covered by the report, the committee, with the assistance of the expert group, participated in activities organized by international, regional, and sub-regional organizations to which. it was invited. The committee's webpage remained a way of informing the public about the committee's work and was the main source of information and resources on Resolution 1540. With the support of the United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs, UNODA, in 2024, the committee finalized an exhaustive update of its webpage in the 6 official languages of the United Nations. And the text was adapted as necessary, bearing in mind the way in which Resolution 2663 was drafted. This meant that obsolete and duplicate information was deleted. In conclusion, I would like to thank all members of the committee for their efforts to support us in our work at the helm of the committee. And I'd also like to thank the expert group and officials from UNODA and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for their valuable support that the committee has enjoyed. Thank you. I once again resume my function as President of the Council, and I will now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to France.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the chair of Committee 1540 for the presentation of the work of the body. And since this was the first one, as you said, I take this opportunity to congratulate Panama on assuming the presidency of the committee and assure you of France's full support as you carry out the mandate. On April 28th last, under the chairmanship of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Security Council held a meeting on the need to preserve the international nonproliferation architecture. As most speakers recalled on that occasion, Resolution 1540 is a key component of this architecture. We're witnessing today how seriously this architecture is under threat at the time when the risks of proliferation have never been higher. The global strategic context has been weakened following Russia's aggression against Ukraine, during which crowd control agents and possibly other chemical agents were used as weapons of war in characteristic violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The proliferation crisis in Iran and North Korea are worsening in defiance of international law. And the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency is being challenged. The opportunities arising from the development of emerging and disruptive technologies in many civilian sectors are a challenge because of the spread of proliferating technologies and knowledge. And these lower the technological threshold for access to weapons of mass destruction, particularly chemical and biological weapons. And this is in a world where innovation requires constant updates to our systems of control and vigilance. In this worsening context, access by non-state actors to weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems remains a threat to international peace and security. To cite just one example, the report published in 2024 by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on the attack carried out in Mariah Syria by Daesh in 2015 confirmed the reality of the chemical terrorism threat. The new situation in Syria must therefore be seized by the international community to move toward the country's complete chemical disarmament. The increasing use of ballistic missiles by armed groups also reminds us of our duty to remain vigilant against the threat of proliferation by non-state actors. The Security Council must remain engaged in supporting efforts to implement Resolution 1540, and I would like to make 3 remarks in this regard concerning the work of the Committee. Firstly, the Committee must support states in their national implementation of Resolution 1540. Efforts must continue to encourage and assist states, if necessary, in preparing their national reports and developing implementation action plans. We commend the committee's work that has been presented to us in developing voluntary technical guides and promoting peer review exercises, which can strengthen the sharing of experiences and best practices on how to implement Resolution 1540. Second, We encourage the committee, in coordination with a group of experts, to continue its awareness-raising efforts as regards the implementation challenges of Resolution 1540, particularly through training activities for national contact points. France will continue contributing to the review and the improvement of assistance mechanisms to better tailor them to the needs expressed by member states. And finally, I would like to emphasize the essential role of the group of experts in supporting the committee in carrying out its mandate. We call for the group to be fully staffed as soon as possible to ensure its mandate is fulfilled. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that the international non-proliferation architecture is essential for our collective security. The international community is its custodian and must support it. The Security Council must remain mobilized around the nonproliferation objectives it has itself established. I thank you.

I thank the representative of France for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. President. I also thank you in your capacity as Chair of the 1540 Committee for your comprehensive briefing on the Committee's work. As we gather today, over 20 years after the adoption of Resolution 1540, Algeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to this pillar of the global non-proliferation architecture. Mr. President, the threat of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of non-state actors remains as real today as it was 2 decades ago. This threat has evolved and intensified. Rapid technological advancement, including artificial intelligence, creates new challenges that demand our collective vigilance and action. Algeria commends the Committee's sustained efforts in promoting universal implementation of the resolution. We note with satisfaction that 185 member states have now submitted their first national reports, demonstrating strong global commitments to our shared objectives. We particularly welcome the continued engagement reflected in the designation of 156 National Points of Contact and the submission of 48 Voluntary National Implementation Action Plans. However, Mr. President, we must acknowledge that challenges persist. Several Member States have yet to submit their initial reports, and significant implementation gaps remain across different regions. This underscores the critical importance of targeted technical assistance and capacity building. Particularly for developing countries. In this regard, Algeria stresses the high priority that should be given to the following areas. First, maintaining the delicate balance between legitimate peaceful use of technology and other materials for development and socioeconomic progress, and the imperative to prevent their misuse by non-state actors. The right to access technologies for peaceful purposes must be safeguarded without discrimination. Second, ensuring that implementation efforts do not create unnecessary burdens or overlapping obligations, especially for developing countries. Sustainable implementation requires national ownership and practical, targeted support, rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Third, strengthening cooperation between the Committee and regional organizations. We call for enhanced partnerships with relevant mechanisms, including the Pillindaba Treaty Framework, and the African Convention on Prevention and Combating Terrorism. Fourth, Algeria appreciates the Committee's efforts to modernize its assistance mechanism, as reflected in the revised procedures adopted in November 2024. However, we stress that the Committee would benefit from dedicated financial resources to provide specific technical assistance. Mr. President, we cannot ignore the operational challenges that have emerged this year. The unprecedented delay in appointing subsidiary body chairs has significantly impacted the Council's work, including the 1540 Committee. Such delays risk undermining the effectiveness of our collective security mechanism at a time when we can least afford it. Mr. President, as we look ahead, Algeria remains firmly committed to the complete elimination of all weapons of mass destruction— nuclear, chemical, and biological. We view Resolution 1540 not as an end in itself, but as part of a broader disarmament architecture aimed at creating a world free from the threat of these weapons. The growth of criminal networks across international borders, and the persistent threat of terrorism demand that we strengthen our collective response. This requires sustained political will, enhanced international cooperation, and consistent support for the Committee's mandate. In conclusion, Algeria stands ready to work constructively with all partners to advance the full implementation of Resolution 1540. Together, we must ensure that this vital resolution continues to serve as an effective barrier against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and deter their threat to international peace and security. The stakes are too high and the consequences too grave for anything less than our complete commitment to this shared endeavor.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Algeria for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana.

Thank you, Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, for your briefing on the work of the 1540 Committee. Guyana welcomes your appointment as Chair and commends your leadership of the 1540 Committee since assuming this position. Mr. President, international peace and security faces a constant threat from the use of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, more so in the current geopolitical climate where states and non-state actors are finding innovative ways to exploit these weapons for warfare. In these circumstances, Resolution 1540 remains vital in addressing the non-proliferation of these weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. The resolution obliges states to refrain from supporting non-state actors in acquiring these weapons. It also requires states to adopt legislation and establish effective national systems to control— national systems of control to prevent the proliferation and trafficking of such weapons. In this regard, Guyana emphasizes the important role of the 1540 Committee, supported by its group of experts, in ensuring the full and effective implementation of Resolution 1540. Mr. President Gein acknowledges the considerable work undertaken by the Committee since its last briefing to the Council in the areas of national implementation, assistance, cooperation, and outreach. In particular, we welcome the adoption of the revised assistance mechanism, the convening of an open briefing for UN Member States and international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, and the submission of the 2024 annual review of the implementation of Resolution 1540 to the Security Council. Guyana also underscores the need for the committee to continue its work and to resolve all pending issues currently under its consideration, including the appointment of the remaining experts. We are pleased with the announcement by Panama of its intention to host a training course for 1540 points of contact. In Latin America and the Caribbean region by the end of the year. Guyana fully supports this initiative and believes that it will help to build the capacities of experts in the region, especially those involved in national implementation efforts. As we move forward, it is critical to highlight the important role that women can play in the work of the Committee. Resolution 2663 encourages the 1540 Committee to give due consideration to the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all its activities, a position Guyana strongly endorses. In conclusion, Mr. President, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the key international instruments, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions. We also recommit to efforts aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Guyana believes that the nonproliferation and elimination of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons are critical for maintaining international peace and security. To this end, we urge all states to uphold the nonproliferation regime. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Guyana for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of China.

President, I thank you for your briefing as chair of the 1540 Committee. I commend the committee for its work over the past year in facilitating the implementation of Resolution 1540 and advancing international nonproliferation cooperation. As the Council's first cross-cutting resolution on non-proliferation, Resolution 1540 has played a pivotal role over the past 21 years in forging international consensus on non-proliferation, promoting global cooperation in this area, and preventing non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Amid an increasingly complex international security landscape marked by multiple geopolitical conflicts flaring up and And terrorism constantly conducting activities and evolving nonproliferation challenges, I wish to share the following observations. First, it is important to steadfastly uphold true multilateralism. Nonproliferation is an issue of global security governance that demands global solutions rooted in multilateralism and broad international engagement. The international community must uphold a security concept that is common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable, creating a favorable regional and international security environment, accommodating the legitimate security concerns of all countries, eliminating the underlying drivers of proliferation, and achieving shared security. Second, it is important to improve the international nonproliferation regime. The nonproliferation regime, constituting international treaties, council resolutions, and multilateral mechanisms, plays an indispensable, crucial role in the maintenance of global peace and security. Such a security governance framework must be reinforced not weakened. All of us must earnestly fulfill our responsibilities and obligations, and on the basis of universal participation and democratic decision-making, work toward establishing a just, equitable, and non-discriminatory nonproliferation and export control order to constantly solidify and consolidate the regime. Third, we must resolutely safeguard the right to peaceful uses. All countries have a legitimate right to benefit from scientific and technological advancements. This principle is confirmed by relevant international treaties, Security Council resolutions, and the UN General Assembly resolution entitled Promoting International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Science and Technology in the Context of International Security proposed by China. In the pursuit of nonproliferation objectives, the international community must commit to lifting restrictions on developing countries' peaceful uses and fostering international cooperation in this area. Fourth, prioritizing capacity building for member states. Member states are the primary actor implementing Resolution 1540. Improving their ability to enforce it remains the priority for the committee. The committee needs to fully consider the specific needs and actual wishes of all countries, especially developing countries. More targeted international cooperation and assistance should be carried out to assist developing countries in filling the gaps in nonproliferation. China firmly opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and attaches great importance to the global nonproliferation regime and the implementation of Resolution 1540. China has consistently and rigorously fulfilled its international obligations while actively advancing international cooperation. Last year, in partnership with the committee, China hosted the 4th Regional Workshop for National Points of Contact in the Asia Pacific in Beijing, supporting capacity building for countries in the region and yielding positive results. Moving forward, China will continue to work with all parties to effectively implement Resolution 1540, strengthen the international nonproliferation system, enhance global nonproliferation governance, and contribute vigorously to the maintenance of international peace and security. I thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, my delegation would like to express its sincere appreciation to Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, the Permanent Representative of Panama and Chair of the 1540 Committee, for his insightful briefing and dedicated leadership to the committee. And since this is the first time the committee is briefing, I would like to congratulate you, Ambassador, and Panama on assuming the chairmanship of the 1540 Committee. You can count on Somalia's full support. We, we acknowledge the notable progress achieved in the committee's work since the previous year. As this year marks the 21st anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1540, we reflect on its critical role as the first Security Council resolution to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-state actors. It stands as a pivotal document and a key component of the global non-proliferation framework. We commend the committee's dedicated work in promoting the widespread implementation of the resolution throughout engagement with member states, facilitating support, and encouraging international cooperation. We are pleased to see the progress documented in the annual review, particularly the submissions of national reports and the creation of voluntary national implementation action plans. Somalia recognizes the primary responsibility for nonproliferation rests with the national government. However, we also believe that developing capacity of all member states must be a shared priority. We are mindful of the obstacles many countries face, such as limited resources and shortage of technical know-how. We therefore urge the international community to continue providing comprehensive support to all nations as they develop non-proliferation strategies tailored to their unique circumstances and work to build their national capacities. We welcome the enhanced cooperation between the 1540 Committee and the international, regional, and sub-regional organizations. These collaborative partnerships are indispensable for facilitating the sharing of expertise, technical assistance, and helping countries meet their obligations under this resolution. We applaud the Committee's robust outreach efforts, including the organization of targeted training courses for 1540 points of contact in the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. These initiatives have been invaluable in fostering capacity building. In conclusion, Mr. President, Somalia reaffirms its commitment to full implementation of Resolution 1540 and will continue to work alongside our regional and international partners to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and foster a safer and more secure world for all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Somalia for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank you for the briefing in your capacity as Chair of the UN Security Council Committee in pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1540. We'd like to use this opportunity and congratulate you on being appointed to chair it, and we support the desire of our Panamanian colleagues to promptly resolve the various issues which the committee has on its agenda. Over more than 2 decades that have passed since a resolution was passed in 2004, Resolution 1540 has proven on many an occasion how relevant it is as a universal international document aimed at depoliticized cooperation among states and helping them in preventing the weapons of mass destruction delivery systems and related materials, preventing all these things ending up in the hands of non-state The Russian Federation has always been committed to the goals and objectives of the resolution, was one of the initiators of the resolution, and directly participated in working out its basic provisions. We are convinced that this document continues remaining its importance and unifying potential. We think that the absolute priority for the 1540 Committee should be ensuring that there is a positive perception of the resolution by all member states. It is therefore important to keep the spirit of 1540, the spirit of cooperation, and ensure that there is a comprehensive and inclusive nature of the specialized cooperation. Delays in the work of the committee only benefit those who are trying to undermine the international nonproliferation efforts. In this regard, we We think that in future any issues having to do with the work of the committee should be avoided. Furthermore, the provisions of 1540, which place serious obligations on national authorities, these provisions should not be used as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of states, and the committee itself should work strictly within its mandate, which is reflected in other specialized Security Council resolutions. Imposing on the committee other functions, including oversight and control functions, is unacceptable. The key task of the committee is to monitor the implementation of provisions of 1540 and coordinating global efforts in providing technical assistance to states upon their request. And in this context, my country has always advocated tactful approaches by the committee to interaction with national governments without exerting artificial pressure on them. The principle— what is of principal nature here is also focusing the attention of the subsidiary body of the Security Council Security Council on its direct tasks having to do with the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It is unacceptable to have a situation where the other topics are brought into the work of the committee outside of 1540 resolutions, such as fighting terrorism, digital development, information security, and sanctions-related issues. It's also important to remember that the group of experts is working strictly accountable to the committee and can only work upon its instructions. We're also interested in swiftly resolving the issue of vacancies within the group of actors, as this can only improve the effectiveness of the work of the committee. Mr. President, in conclusion, I would like to assure you that the Russian Federation is always open to constructive interaction with the committee to fulfill the— its vital tasks it has in front of it. Within this process, it's essential to consider the views and interests of the committee members, as well as all other states. and to continue striving for consensus on any contentious issues. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. Like colleagues, I would like to start by congratulating you, Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, on assuming the position as Chair of the 1540 Committee, and thanking you for your briefing today. Denmark is very pleased to contribute to the work of the committee under your leadership. For more than 20 years, Resolution 1540 has served as a key pillar in the non-proliferation architecture, a landmark resolution that is as relevant today as it was then in preventing non-state actors, including terrorists and other non-state actors, from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Denmark reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the implementation of Resolution 1540 to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and the means of delivery to non-state actors as required by this resolution. Mr. President, we urge all countries to continue to strengthen regulatory controls, to adopt and enforce national legislation, and take measures to fulfill their obligations under 1540. As you mentioned, the number of Member States which have submitted first national reports remains at 185. We commend these countries and call upon the remaining 8 Member States to fulfill this critical obligation. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that every State possesses the necessary capacity to fully implement 1540. The 1540 Committee is instrumental in this regard. It helps to oversee implementation, facilitate assistance, and foster collaboration with international and regional organizations through its outreach efforts. In this regard, we hope that a program of work can be agreed as soon as possible. Mr. President, to achieve the objectives of this critical resolution, we must continue strengthening collaboration and coordination with all relevant international organizations and export control regimes. This includes by allowing the Group of Experts to participate in all relevant events to strengthen partnerships and raise awareness about the committee's work. Such efforts are vital to effectively advance the comprehensive implementation of 1540 in all its dimensions and ensuring that no gaps are left. We commend the Group of Experts for its dedication and professional work. We believe it is important for both the Committee and its Group of Experts to play a proactive role in providing their expertise in support of Member States. We hope that the remaining vacant expert seats will be filled as soon as possible. Mr. President, in closing, Resolution 1540 is a shared obligation that requires our continued engagement. Let me reiterate Denmark's strong commitment to enhancing its full and effective implementation and to effectively contribute to the work of the committee.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank you for convening this briefing and in your capacity as chair of the committee established pursuant to Resolution 1540. I also thank you for your detailed report on the activities of the committee since the last briefing on 26 March 2024. We congratulate you on the assumption of the chairmanship of the committee and assure you of the full support of Sierra Leone. We also extend our appreciation to the group of experts and to the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs for their continued support in advancing the committee's important mandate. Mr. President, at the outset, Sierra Leone reaffirms its support for the full implementation of Resolution 1540 and effective measures to prevent non-state actors from manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, developing, transporting, transferring, or using weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and to establish domestic controls to prevent their proliferation. Sierra Leone also reaffirms its strong support for the resolution, which remains a key pillar in the global non-proliferation architecture. The resolution's focus on preventing non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction is especially critical in light of growing transnational security threats, including terrorism and trafficking in dual-use technologies. We commend the Committee's sustained engagement with Member States to enhance national implementation, including the submission of national reports and voluntary national implementation action plans. Sierra Leone recognizes the value of these instruments in identifying national priorities and legal and institutional measures, and we encourage broader participation from member states, especially those that have not yet submitted initial reports. Mr. President, we welcome the committee's work in promoting peer reviews and development of voluntary technical reference guides. These initiatives, alongside the pilot projects or legislative examples, offer practical avenues to deepen implementation and foster South-South learning among member states. We particularly welcome efforts to ensure these tools are adaptable to diverse legal systems and regional contexts. Sierra Leone underscores the importance of technical assistance, capacity building, and information sharing in enabling member states, particularly developing countries, to meet their obligations under Resolution 1540. We therefore support the committee's efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the assistance mechanism and call for timely matchmaking between requests and offers. We also encourage greater responsiveness from international, regional, and sub-regional organizations in updating their offers of support. Additionally, we also underscore the need for renewed vigilance as technological advancements present emerging risks. The proliferation potential of synthetic biology, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous delivery systems must be addressed proactively through international cooperation and early warning mechanisms, lest they outpace our regulatory frameworks. Mr. President, we take note of the Chair's reference to outreach initiatives and urge further steps towards an inclusive and geographically balanced program of engagement. Sierra Leone supports the development of a multi-year outreach plan that reflects the specific needs and challenges of states in Africa and other regions facing resource constraints or technical capacity gap. In this regard, since submitting our first national report in 2007, We have taken deliberate and sustained steps to fulfill the obligations contained in Resolution 1540. In 2021, we transmitted a comprehensive request for assistance to the Committee, identifying critical legislative and institutional capacity gaps. We are pleased to note that this request catalyzed meaningful engagement with international partners, and has since yielded tangible results. With the technical support of the Verification Research, Training and Information Center, the OPCW and UNODC, we have been able— we are in the final stages of drafting legislation to domesticate both the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention. These instruments will significantly enhance our domestic legal framework by criminalizing the unlawful acquisition, transfer, and use of such weapons and establishing robust enforcement and compliance mechanisms. Furthermore, we are also in the process of ratifying the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Which we view as critical components to the 1540 mandate and to our national commitment to nuclear security and disarmament. Mr. President, we emphasize the need to ensure that the Group of Experts is fully staffed and adequately resourced to deliver on the committee's mandate effectively. Full implementation of Resolution 1540 requires not just commitment, but the necessary human and financial resources to sustain momentum. In conclusion, Sierra Leone looks forward to continuing its engagements with the Committee and other member states to ensure that the objectives of Resolution 1540 are met. We remain committed to collective efforts aimed at preventing the proliferation of WMDs and enhancing global peace and security. In this vein, we extend our gratitude to the Committee members, the Group of Experts, officials in UNODA and DPPA, and staff for their dedication and support in advancing the objectives of Resolution 1540.

I thank you. I thank the representative of Sierra Leone for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, President. I would like to begin by congratulating you on assuming the chair of the 1540 Committee this year. We thank you for your briefing today and for your proactive stewardship. We look forward to working closely with Panama as well as with our fellow Vice Chair, Greece, to advance this committee's vital mandate. President, allow me to make 3 brief points. Firstly, Resolution 1540 is a cornerstone of the international non-proliferation architecture. Since its adoption, however, the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction has not diminished. Instead, new challenges have emerged. Against this backdrop, the United Kingdom reiterates its call for all states to implement their obligations under this resolution in full. Secondly, the United Kingdom remains committed to assisting states in improving their national implementation, including through offering legal and regulatory expertise to help strengthen controls over chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. In parallel, however, and underpinning the full implementation of Resolution 1540, is the need for the 1540 Committee and Group of Experts to be able to function properly. Therefore, we call on all members to engage constructively to agree robust and forward-looking programme of work. This will help enable the Committee to take forward Resolution 1540's ambitions in a full and timely manner. Thirdly and finally, President, we also note with concern that unwarranted objections from some Committee members have prevented the Group of Experts from attending outreach events to focus on specific thematic and regional issues related to implementation. Such activity is critical for the Group of Experts to execute its functions. including to provide insight and technical support to member states in their implementation of 1540. The United Kingdom therefore calls for the immediate reversal of any such action which might hinder this committee's vital work. I thank you, President.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Ambassador Alfaro de Alba for the comprehensive briefings. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Panama and to Ecuador, as last year's chair of the 1540 Committee, for their dedicated leadership and efforts in advancing the committee's important work. As just highlighted by the Chair, there has been notable progress in the implementation of Resolution 1540. However, many challenges still remain. The 2022 comprehensive review of the status of implementation of Resolution 1540 identified several ongoing difficulties faced by some member states, including the lack of technical expertise, legal frameworks, and implementation capabilities. In this context, I'd like to highlight the following points. First, it is essential that the Committee further enhance its support to Member States by organizing various capacity-building activities and providing practical guidance materials. The Republic of Korea has continued to contribute financial resources to facilitate the committee's activities both within Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Most, most recently, we supported the national workshop held in Nigeria in April 2025 and the Point of Contact training course for Africa held in Ethiopia in November 2024. We welcome Panama's initiative to host a similar course for the Latin American Caribbean region later this year. In addition, we hope that the committee can reach timely agreement on the voluntary technical reference guides. These documents, if developed in an inclusive manner, will serve as valuable tools from member states in their efforts to implement Resolution 1540. Second, the Committee needs to reinforce its outreach activities conducted by the Group of Experts, who serve as a critical resource in supporting the effective implementation of Resolution 1540. The Republic of Korea attaches great importance to the the Group of Experts' role and supports their active engagement with Member States and relevant stakeholders, including international and regional organizations. It is regrettable that the Committee has at times been unable to facilitate the Group of Experts' response to certain requests for assistance. The committee should explore ways to ensure the continuity of such efforts. We also hope the committee can reach a consensus to fill the current vacancies in the group of experts. Finally, the committee must remain attentive to developments in emerging science and technology. Resolution 2663 adopted unanimously in 2020 to reaffirm the importance of responding to the evolving risks of proliferation associated with rapid scientific and technological advances. In this context, it is essential for the committee to consider whether the current 15.4 matrix template, which was last revised in 2017, adequately addresses this shifting landscape. Mr. President, before concluding, I'd like to reaffirm the Republic of Korea's firm commitment to strengthen the implementation of Resolution 1540, with a view to preventing weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of non-state actors. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Republic of Korea for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I wish to thank you, Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, for briefing the Council in your capacity as chair of the 1540 Committee on its work, and I would like to congratulate Panama for assuming the duties of Chair of the Committee and to assure you that you have Greece's full support. The 1540 Committee remains a central pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture, which, as recent crises have shown, especially in the Middle East, is essential to preserve in its entirety. At the same time, the Security Council Resolution 1540 plays a key role in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-state actors, including for terrorist purposes. Mr. President, Greece remains fully committed to supporting the effective and universal implementation of this critical resolution. We are particularly honored to assume the role of the Vice Chair of the Committee, and we are ready to work closely with the Chair and all committee members to ensure continued progress towards the implementation of Resolution 1540. Moreover, as member of the European Union, Greece fully supports all EU-led initiatives to support the implementation of Resolution 1540, and especially in assisting partner countries in building their capacities, strengthening non-proliferation efforts, and ensuring global security. Mr. President, we commend the Committee's productive activities over the reporting period, including the submission of the 2024 Annual Review to the, to the Council, its informal and formal meetings, and the open briefing for Member States and international, regional, and sub-regional organizations held on October 9th, 2024. The, this open briefing offers indeed an important platform for enhancing dialogue with member states on the implementation of Resolution 1540, including on assistance matters. Moreover, we highly value the initiative of the previous chair, Ecuador, to reinstate the committee's practice to co-organizing training courses for national points of contact on Resolution 1540. In this regard, Greece welcomes the 2 successful training courses that took place in the regions of Africa and Asia-Pacific in 2024 and is looking ahead with great interest towards the next training course for the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, which Panama is planning to host in the near future. Let me express my delegation's expectation that the training course will be organizing— will be organized soon after in the region of Europe, in which we will engage constructively. Furthermore, Greece is currently considering hosting a national training workshop on issues related to maritime interdiction operations within the framework of Resolution 1540 later this year. Mr. President, while we positively acknowledge the progress It is important to ensure conditions that allow for the Group of Experts to work efficiently on a continuous basis, including through the filling of the vacancies within the Group without further delay. We also fully support ongoing discussions within the Committee on the development and review, as appropriate, of voluntary technical reference guides prepared with the assistance of its Group of Experts, in line with Resolution 2663. Finally, my delegation underscores the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the 1540 Committee and international, regional and sub-regional organizations, as well as other UN bodies, in particular with the European Union, in advancing the implementation of Resolution 1540. In conclusion, Mr. President, Greece reaffirms its strong commitment to the universal and effective implementation of Resolution 1540 as an integral pillar of international peace and security. I thank you.

Agradezco al representante. I thank the representative of Greece for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Mr. President, I thank you for convening today's briefing and presentation of report. As a chair of the 1540 Committee, we congratulate you on assuming this important position and assure you of our support in fulfilling the mandate of Resolution 1540. Mr. President, Pakistan has always held that international instruments on disarmament arms control and nonproliferation should be developed through inclusive negotiated processes, fully utilizing the role of the Conference on Disarmament as a single multilateral disarmament negotiating body. This approach ensures the application of universally agreed principles, including equal and undiminished security.

Thank you.

for all states. Nevertheless, as a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan participated actively as a Security Council member in the formulation and negotiation of Resolution 1540. Pakistan attaches the highest importance to global non-proliferation norms and the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 1540. Thank you. Pakistan has successfully implemented its obligations under Resolution 1540 and has established a robust command and control system, a rigorous legislative, administrative, and enforcement mechanism to regulate the transfer of sensitive goods and technologies and to ensure their safety and security at all stages. And a comprehensive export control regime at par with the highest international standards. For the implementation of Resolution 1540, Pakistan has so far submitted 6 reports, including the comprehensive metrics. We have appointed the national point of contact and adopted a voluntary national action plan. We have also offered technical assistance to several countries to help implement 1540 Resolution and lent our support for the promotion of regional cooperation for effective implementation of the resolution. We also hosted a regional seminar on implementation of 1540 Resolution to share best practices and national experiences.

Thank you.

Pakistan has also voluntarily adhered to the Nuclear Suppliers Group guidelines and expressed interest in joining various export control regimes. Mr. President, multilateral export control regimes could play a crucial role in strengthening global nonproliferation efforts. These regimes must avoid cartelization and should not be seen as exclusive clubs prioritizing political and commercial interests. Effective nonproliferation requires a non-discriminatory, objective, and criteria-based approach. Instead of advancing political objectives masked as nonproliferation concerns, on a selective basis, efforts should focus on collective interests to promote global and regional strategic stability. Furthermore, nonproliferation efforts, important in their own right, must not impede international cooperation in the peaceful uses of dual-use technologies, which is vital for the economic development of the Global South. The inalienable right of all countries to utilize their— utilize nuclear energy and technologies for peaceful purposes consistent with their respective non-proliferation and international legal obligations must be respected and ensured. In this respect, we reiterate our proposal to establish an all-inclusive open-ended working group under the UN auspices to ensure equitable access to technologies and to address the denial cases that hinder development. Mr. President, non-proliferation is a shared global objective. It must be promoted within the framework of the principles of the UN Charter. Pakistan would continue to promote the objectives of the 1540 Resolution, including through our active contribution to the work of the 1540 Committee across all sectors, including national implementation, assistance, and cooperation, as well as by sharing our expertise with other countries for their capacity building for implementing the Resolution 1540. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

President, let me first join others in welcoming your appointment, Ambassador, as the new chair of the 1540 Committee. We wish you every success in fulfilling this, this important responsibility. I also wish to thank you for today's briefing. In our view, Resolution 1540 remains one of the most significant instruments in the international community's efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-state actors. It is one of the essential pillars of our collective commitment to maintain international peace and security. At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, the Committee's work is vital in ensuring that this resolution remains effective and relevant. Mr. President, we have taken a good note of the Chair's report of the Committee's activities in 2024 and would like to highlight the following key points. First, we welcome the Committee's review of its assistance mechanism procedures and the adoption of new assistance mechanism procedures and templates, which will enhance the effectiveness of support provided to Member States. The Committee's efforts to better align assistance offers with the needs of Member States have also been commendable. Second, the full implementation of Resolution 1540 remains a long-term undertaking that requires continuous efforts at the national, regional and international levels. In this regard, we commend the 1540 Committee for its ongoing engagement with Member States and regional organizations. The open briefing held last October highlighted the importance of dialogue, the sharing of best practices, thereby reinforcing the global effort to prevent WMD proliferation. It is important to maintain this practice. Third, the Committee's tailored capacity-building initiatives, such as regional training programmes, have been an important instrument in strengthening national capacities to implement the 1540 Resolution. We are pleased that after a 4-year hiatus, 2 training courses for Points of Contact were conducted again, one for the Asia-Pacific and one for Africa, And we welcome your announcement that Panama will be hosting one for Latin America. However, despite all the progress, we note with concern that the committee was not able to adopt its program of work for 2025 and failed to fill all vacancies in the group of experts. In this regard, we believe that increasing the inclusion of women experts in the group would lead to more effective and stronger implementation. We also hope that the appointment of a new coordinator for the Group of Experts will be finalized soon. Mr. President, rapid advancement of technologies, including artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, presents new proliferation risks requiring proactive and adaptive measures. Additionally, it is essential to expand existing partnerships with regional organizations, civil society, industry, and the private sector to foster a truly comprehensive and inclusive approach to non-proliferation. Many Member States continue to face challenges in fulfilling— in fully implementing Resolution 1540. In this context, Slovenia continues to express its full support to the UN Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament activities, including by financial donations. We also remain a strong supporter of all efforts of both the 1540 Committee and UNODA in assisting States with the resolution's implementation. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Slovenia for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. President. The United States expresses its gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your exceptional leadership as Chair of the 1540 Committee. Despite challenging circumstances, including the absence of a formal program of work, you have shown unwavering commitment to advancing the committee's mission. And we thank you for that. Your efforts have been instrumental in resuming the committee's work mid-year and ensuring UN Security Council Resolution 1540 remains the cornerstone of global efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by and to non-state actors, including terrorist groups. The United States is pleased to note positive developments within the committee. In 2024, the Committee finalized the Assistance Procedures Document, establishing effective internal procedures that clarify the roles of all stakeholders coordinating assistance. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring Member States can assess the support they need to fulfill their obligations under 1540. Additionally, the Committee co-organized 2 National Points of Contact training courses in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, resuming these efforts after a 2-year hiatus and strengthening national implementation of the resolution. However, these successes are overshadowed by persistent obstructionism, which threatens the Committee's ability to fulfill its mandate. This obstruction prevents valuable lessons learned from reaching member states and international organizations working to implement UNSCRID 1540. Furthermore, the Russian Federation has hindered the participation of the Group of Experts in 1540-related events, trainings, and conferences, particularly those sponsored by Western countries or addressing sensitive topics such as synthetic pathogen development or chemical weapons investigations. The Russian Federation also recently objected to the participation of a 1540 Committee expert in the Stakeholder Forum on National Implementation of the BWC, despite significant overlap between 1540's and the BWC's objectives. These events are crucial for States seeking to better understand and fulfill their 1540 obligations. China has also complicated the committee's work and prevented the committee from achieving consensus on the 2025 program of work through its promotion of a false narrative regarding the impact of nonproliferation export controls on commercial trade. This misleading campaign undermines the legitimacy of multilateral nonproliferation related export control regimes and spreads disinformation to developing countries about export controls. We must ensure member states understand the obligations established in Resolution 1540 enable high-tech global trade and development while still combating WMD proliferation. These obligations provide the ideal framework for safe and secure trade. The United States calls on all committee members to reinitiate the collaborative approach that characterized the adoption of Resolution 1540 in 20— in 2004. It is imperative obstruction by certain Security Council members ceases so the committee can make meaningful progress in combating WMD proliferation. The strategic environment demands nothing less. In closing, Mr. President, the United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts. We will continue advocating the completion of technical guides and the assessment of implementation within various areas of the resolution. Together, we can ensure Resolution 1540 is fully implemented and safeguarding global security and preventing the catastrophic consequences of WMD proliferation. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the United States for his statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as a representative of Panama. Your Excellencies, in my national capacity, I would like to provide some comments and some thoughts about Panama's priorities when it comes to the implementation or the role of the 1540 Committee. We think that it is of paramount importance to promote and drive forward the implementation of Resolution 1540 and its successive resolutions because it is a shield against the latent threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction either by state or non-state actors. Our country remains concerned by the risk that non-state actors with sufficient financial resources could access materials and knowledge to create these kind of weapons. To quote Mohamed ElBaradei, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and the erstwhile Director General of the IAEA, and I quote, given the increasing technological sophistication of extremist groups, this should no longer be considered to be a sinister fairy tale. Nevertheless, concerns about proliferation cannot be seen as tools to be used or ignored according to geopolitical purposes. Once again quoting Mr. ElBaradei, he said that legal norms— in order for legal norms to continue to be legitimate, they must be uniformly applied. Otherwise, As an international community, we'll be guilty of applying double standards. End of quotation. In this regard, we think it is critical to continue beefing up export controls to avoid export deficiencies remaining one of the main concerns in the domain of nonproliferation.

That the 1540 Committee could increase its presence in all regions, particularly in the regions that are lagging furthest behind in the implementation of the resolution. Technical assistance should be a bridge, not a hindrance. That is why we are in favor of strengthening the provision of technical assistance, ensuring that it reaches countries who need it, including directly. We stress the role of regional and sub-regional organizations in this task because many of them have a great deal of understanding about the regional realities and they can therefore tailor responses that are adapted to each context. Panama hopes that we can make further headway in the presentation of the first reports. We also recognize the importance of having voluntary national action plans to facilitate the full implementation of the resolution. In these efforts, visits to states who request it can be a viable option, not just to fulfill the request, but also to strengthen capacity and to build bridges of cooperation. Many of these needs have been outlined in Resolution 2663. It will therefore be useful to help move forward in complying with the aforementioned priorities, for instance, by developing the voluntary technical guidelines and offering clear rules for states to translate commitments into specific actions. All of these initiatives Persistent challenges. We are honored to express our interest in organizing a regional workshop for contact points in Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama City at the end of this year. We would be pleased to have the support of the 1540 Committee in this initiative, and we'd also like to see the participation of other member states. This would make a significant contribution to strengthening regional capacities and the exchange of good practices as well. We also think that the HIFIN 40 Committee should continue to participate actively in fora and events to which it is invited. These fora make it possible to maintain its presence, visibility, and relevance in the international discussions on nonproliferation. We deeply value the voluntary contributions that have made this kind of participation possible through contributions to the UNODA Trust Fund. We're sincerely grateful to those states who have shown this tangible commitment to the work. And we respectfully encourage other countries to join this effort because it strengthens the committee's work and it helps it fulfill its mandate. Your Excellencies, lastly, bearing in mind the information provided in the— by the chairmanship of the committee, we express our deep thanks to Ecuador for the valuable work that they did at the helm of the committee in 2023 and 2024. And we'd also like to thank the support structure of the committee as well. We call on members to be flexible so that we can fill the vacancies in the expert group as soon as possible because their valuable work warrants our full support. Thank you very much.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. Apologies. I recognize China.

Thank you, President. Just now, the U.S. Representative, in his statement, accused China of obstructing the adoption of the committee's program of work. I would like to briefly respond as follows. Nonproliferation and peaceful uses are not opposed to each other. It is instead a symbiotic relationship. Peaceful uses of science and technology and their relevant international cooperation are what international legal instruments such as NPT, BWC, and CWC established as inalienable rights of all nations. It is one of the important principles for the international non-proliferation regime. Security Council Resolution 1540 clearly states that prevention of proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons shall not hamper international cooperation in materials, equipment, and technology for peaceful purposes. Subsequent resolutions 1810, 1977, and 2663 on committee's mandate renewal also reaffirmed this. As a result, China's push for the Committee's program of work this year to reflect the above international consensus is completely legitimate and reasonable. The U.S. wanton obstructionism on this is totally unreasonable. We have also taken note that the U.S. State Department on its website described Resolution 1540 as, quote, helping to keep sensitive material out of the hands of terrorists and other criminals while preserving legitimate commercial and peaceful uses of related goods and know-how, unquote. It is clear that the U.S. also supports supports peaceful uses of science and technology, but why does it block the inclusion of such content in the committee's program of work? Is the peaceful uses referred to by the U.S. different from the peaceful uses known to the international community, and does it need another standard to measure it? President, China urges the international community to jointly safeguard the rights of developing countries to the peaceful uses of science and technology, and while having export control in place, fulfill their obligations to promote the peaceful uses of science and technology in accordance with international law and support relevant international cooperation and avoid setting unreasonable obstacles to the peaceful uses by developing countries. Thank you, President.

Thank you for your statement. Thank you to China for that additional statement. The representative of the United States has asked for the floor to make another statement. I give you the floor.

Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. President. I do think it's unfortunate that China is struggling to accurately recall what transpired last year. The draft program of work put under NOP was a result of months of good-faith negotiations. Let me be clear: The sole reason that this program of work was not adopted was that a certain council member insisted on the inclusion of non-consensus language. While we can all agree nonproliferation controls should not hamper international cooperation for peaceful purposes, disparaging export control regimes on that basis is disingenuous and runs counter to this committee's mandate. It is our responsibility to facilitate states' implementation of Security Council Resolution 1540, including its obligations to establish, develop, review, and maintain appropriate, effective national export and transshipment controls. We urge China to reflect on the dangers of its campaign to undermine such controls.

Thank you.

Which are in place to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their means of delivery. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the United States for that additional statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list. The meeting is adjourned.