Mona Juul, Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, was elected Chairperson of the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) on 18 July.

Q: With so many nuclear issues in the news this past year, nuclear disarmament was understandably at the forefront of the First Committee's work during this session. Several delegates expressed concern about the "dual-use character" of scientific and technological advancements, notably in the realm of nuclear energy. How have delegates addressed this, and how can the UN help?

A: I do not have the exact number of delegations addressing this issue, but they were several. It is not difficult to understand the concerns expressed. The dual-use problem is real. Governments have a national responsibility to prevent irresponsible exports of dual-use technologies, material and equipment. At the global level, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has as a main task to control and oversee that nuclear technologies are applied for peaceful purposes only.

Q: Member States have called for increased transparency in nuclear activity, specifically determining the character of nuclear activity and technology. The case of Iran has emerged as an example of a situation with ambiguous goals. How can the United Nations hope to increase nuclear transparency from within its diplomatic framework?

A: First and foremost, the international community has to work through the IAEA with respect to nuclear transparency. Member States should express their support to these efforts, whether it is in the IAEA Board of Governors, in the UN or in other arms control fora.

Q: The First Committee recently approved a draft resolution on the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. In such high-stakes issues, where it only takes one party to endanger an entire region, how effective are measures that are not universally accepted?

A: While not addressing the specific situation in the Middle East, I do believe, in general terms, that measures which are not universally accepted are less affective than those that are subscribed to by all. This is why we can never give up achieving consensus resolutions to security problems, even if these problems are as protracted as in the Middle East.

Q: What does the term "confidence-building" refer to, and how can it help bridge the kinds of divisions that we've been talking about?

A: Confidence-building means measures or processes aimed at building trust-or at least reducing mistrust-among parties to a conflict. In today's world, it is almost incomprehensible that conflicts can be solved without confidence-building measures.

Q: A Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, specifically condemning the recent nuclear tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, was adopted this year by a vote of 175 to 2. Many people believe this to be one of the biggest steps that the United Nations has taken towards a true nuclear weapons ban. In your view, what is the future of this comprehensive ban?

A: A vast majority of States call for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Political realities in a few capitals will most likely prevent this from happening in the near future. Meanwhile, it is important to call on all nuclear-weapons States to abide by a moratorium on nuclear testing.

Q: Conventional arms-as opposed to small arms and light weapons, which have been a big focus in recent years-re-emerged as a topic of discussion during this session. What are conventional arms? How will the newly adopted "arms trade treaty" shape a UN strategy for modern arms control?

A: I will not embark upon a definition exercise of conventional arms. This is an issue that must be addressed in the course of negotiating a possible arms trade treaty (ATT). Even if the ATT resolution were adopted without consensus in the First Committee, it would be of importance for the international community and for the UN that all States participate in the preparatory process for these negotiations.

Q: In a general sense, Member States agree that disarmament has become increasingly important in recent years. Yet, in most recent discussions of the Committee, solid agreements could not be reached. Where is the disconnect?

A: The disconnect is the prevailing lack of mutual trust due to a very difficult global security situation. Until more mutual confidence is achieved among key stakeholders, the absence of consensus will continue to be the rule, rather than the exception, in the First Committee.

Q: What was it like to chair the First Committee? What was the most difficult aspect? The most rewarding?

A: In spite of my response to your previous question, it was a true pleasure to chair the First Committee. Delegations may disagree on substantive issues, but they all performed with great dignity and professionalism. I invited delegations to extend their cooperation to the Chair and that is certainly what they all did. No procedural problems occurred during this session, thanks to the considerable flexibility shown by all delegations. In this respect, the First Committee could be a positive example for other bodies of the General Assembly.