7 September 2022
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests, held on the 29th of August.
This date was chosen to commemorate the closing of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan 31 years ago, on the 29th of August 1991.
This yearly observance is a means of remembering all those who tragically lost their lives to nuclear tests.
But, my friends, on this date, we are also reminded of the serious impacts these tests have on human health and on the environment, both of which can last for generations.
Excellencies,
We must stop nuclear tests, for good.
We must ensure that we have a strong, united – and most importantly, global front, in our mission to ban all nuclear testing.
We must implement all existing instruments toward this end.
The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty provides a strong legal framework for this endeavor.
25 years after its adoption, we must redouble our efforts topromote its universalization and implementation.
In this regard, let me reiterate my call to Member States who have not yet signed the Treaty to do so without delay.
I particularly urge the remaining Annex 2 states to do so, as their ratification is needed for the Treaty to enter into force.
Excellencies,
Our meeting today takes place at a time where we are faced with uncertainty and complex challenges.
Global geopolitical landscape, dominated by the ongoing military confrontation in Ukraine, is rife with tension, which inurn has exacerbated the looming threat of a nuclear catastropheby accident. This has increased the urgency of nuclear disarmament efforts.
Excellencies, I sincerely urge all all parties work to exercise maximum restraint and promote dialogue and diplomacy. Weneed to commit to making nuclear weapons-free world a reality.
The only way to eliminate this ominous threat is by simply eliminating the existence of nuclear weapons altogether.
As we speak, there are is an estimated stockpile of 13,000 nuclear warheads around the world.
This is a major concern and is quite frankly at odds with the United Nations’ values.
All member states, without exception, must fulfill their commitments towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
I welcome the holding of the 10th edition of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York from 1-26 August 2022, after being postponed several times due to COVID-19.
While the Conference failed to adopt an outcome document, I commend State Parties’ commitment and efforts during the intensive negotiations.
Going forward, I hope that the State Parties continue to engage in a constructive and a meaningful dialogue to reaffirm their commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as the “cornerstone” of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
As we mark the International Day against Nuclear Test, let us recommit by working together and taking concrete action.
The only way of bringing hope to the people is by delivering a world free of nuclear weapons.
Let us work together to achieve that world.
I thank you.
