1 March 2023
Distinguished delegates,
Almost 80 years ago, humanity was confronted with the most devastating weapons ever invented.
Pained by the horrors of nuclear bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the international community made a promise to never again use nuclear weapons, and to undertake all efforts to destroy them.
This month we mark 53 years since the entry into force of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Yet we are in a time of grave danger.
The Doomsday Clock is at 90 seconds to midnight, and the shadow of nuclear warfare is once again looming large.
That is an unconscionable threat, with potentially catastrophic global implications.
Let me be clear: a nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought.
I urge all Member States to uphold their commitments towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and continue to work together to overcome mistrust.
On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, we unite in a common desire to spread the message of peace, and to advance non-proliferation efforts.
We must ensure that the present and future generations do not choose the path of destruction, the path leading to Armageddon.
I express my appreciation to Kyrgyzstan, which, with the support of the Office for Disarmament Affairs, has shown a strong commitment to promoting awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public.
In this time of unprecedented challenges, let us take action to prevent the worst errors that humanity could ever make.
I thank you.
