Formal cooperation between existing NWFZs is currently limited to the Conferences of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia that are held every five years (since 2005) in the lead up to the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Conferences of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia

The First Conference of State Parties (CSP) to the Treaties establishing NWFZs, and Mongolia took place in 2005 in Mexico City by the initiative of OPANAL. The goal of the First CSP was to examine mechanisms of cooperation among NWFZs in order to strengthen the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, to contribute to the disarmament and non-proliferation process, and to achieve the universal goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. As a result, a declaration was adopted that included statements on common objectives such as: the elimination of nuclear weapons; the establishment of new NWFZs, urging the NWS to sign and ratify additional protocols to the NWFZ Treaties and to provide negative security guarantees to the NNWS; universalization of the NPT; a comprehensive ban on all nuclear testing; and the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation education. NWFZ representatives had an opportunity to exchange information and experiences, with a view to establishing a rotating conference chairmanship among the NWFZ treaties in the future. Thus, the conference laid the groundwork for possible further cooperation.

In 2009, in preparation for the Second CSP, Mongolia hosted the first meeting of the focal points of the NWFZs to discuss the issues of coordination and cooperation. Both the importance of universalizing the NPT and the necessity for entry into force of the CTBT were reiterated. Preparations for the 2010 NPT Review Conference and its third Preparatory Committee meeting were also discussed. As a result of the meeting the focal points for the first time adopted a joint statement, which was delivered at the 2010 NPT Review Conference, identifying issues of common importance and concern for the NWFZs.

The Second Conference, chaired by Chile, convened in New York in 2010 in the lead up to the 2010 NPT Review Conference. In the Outcome Document of the Second CSP NWFZs expressed their intention to continue cooperation among themselves and to explore means to maintain regular contact and exchange information among the zones between the conferences. However, this decision has not yet led to the establishment of a sustainable communication channel, nor have the NWFZs established a predictable rotation of the chairmanship of the conferences.

In April 2015, the interested States Parties convened in New York for the purpose of holding the Third CSP. However, due to a procedural dispute triggered by political differences between several States Parties of one of the zones, which were not germane to the subject matter of the Conference, the participating States failed to commence formal discussions and adopt a final report or a declaration.

In October 2018, Member States of the United Nations that are States Parties or Signatories to the Treaties that establish Nuclear-weapon-free zones and Mongolia, formally decided to hold ‘The Fourth Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia’ on 24 April 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conference was postponed to a period in 2021 to be decided by the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session.

Mongolia, who was collectively selected for the role of coordinator of the Fourth Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia, served in this capacity from 2018 to April 2022 and convened a number of informal preparatory meetings in during that period.

Linkage with the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament

In his Agenda for Disarmament, Securing Our Common Future, the Secretary-General has pledged to work with Member States to strengthen and consolidate nuclear-weapon-free zones, including by facilitating enhanced cooperation and consultation between existing zones, encouraging nuclear-weapon States to adhere to the relevant protocols to the treaties establishing such zones, and supporting the further establishment of such zones, including in the Middle East (Agenda Action 5).

On 28-29 August 2019, UNODA co-organized with Kazakhstan a seminar for representatives from all existing NWFZs and Mongolia as part of the preparatory process for the Fourth Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia. The Republic of Kazakhstan, as the host of the seminar, produced a summary containing a set of recommendations aimed at revitalizing and systematizing cooperation between the zones in alignment with Action 5 of the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament.