Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

Category: Event Report

UN High-Level Meeting on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
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September 26, 2025 | UN General Assembly, New York

In 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 68/32. The resolution was proposed by Indonesia on behalf of members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (NAM), and it declared 26 September as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Numerous nuclear-armed States skipped the high-level event, namely: France, Israel, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Nihon Hidankyo Statement

Satoshi Tanaka (hibakusha from Hiroshima)

In his statement, Tanaka declared that “humanity is standing at the brink of extinction.” He invoked the Doomsday Clock, set at 89 seconds to midnight, as an urgent call to action. Tanaka implored attendees to engage with Nuclear Weapon States towards progress on the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

His remarks were followed by thunderous applause from Member States and civil society organizations in attendance. Tanaka was also interviewed by the UN Department of Global Communications, watch the interview here.

Member State Highlights

Kiribati

Kiribati echoed concerns over the humanitarian and environmental impact of nuclear weapons. The Pacific State highlighted the enduring legacy of nuclear weapon testing over its skies and ocean, poisoning the land and spreading cancer. Kiribati requested States to support its updated resolution on the legacy of nuclear weapons and affected communities which will be tabled during the upcoming First Committee. Additionally, Kiribati announced its efforts to establish a nuclear justice center on Kirtimiati (Christmas) Island.

Kazakhstan

Calling nuclear weapons “the greatest threat to humanity,” Kazakhstan recalled the very first resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1946 (calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons). Kazakhstan also recalled the over 450 nuclear tests conducted at Semipalatinsk, and highlighted the importance of negative security assurances in the context of States in a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone (NWFZ).

Kazakhstan expressed its concern, echoed by numerous States, over the injection of artificial intelligence into nuclear weapon systems. Kazakhstan highlighted its joint efforts with Kiribati to provide victim assistance and environmental remediation. Lastly, Kazakhstan placed the onus of responsibility on Nuclear Weapon States to limit the role of nuclear weapons in their security doctrines and work towards preventing nuclear buildup.

New Zealand

New Zealand began its remarks by acknowledging the legacy of nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, and commended the establishment of a South Pacific NWFZ. New Zealand lamented the rise of explicit and implicit threats to use nuclear weapons, noting that tensions are at levels unseen since the Cold War. New Zealand articulated four actionable calls:

All States possessing or relying on nuclear weapons to take concrete steps towards disarmament.

All States outside the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to join the treaty as non-Nuclear Weapon States.

All States that have yet to sign and ratify the Comprehensive-Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to do so without delay.

All States yet to sign and ratify the TPNW to do so, recognizing it as the “clearest legal rejection of nuclear weapons.”

Acknowledging the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, New Zealand expressed satisfaction with the UN General Assembly’s adoption of resolution A/RES/79/238 entitled, “Nuclear war effects and scientific research.” The resolution mandates a panel of scientific experts to articulate the effects of nuclear war, presumably to build momentum towards nuclear disarmament.

Austria

Austria began its remarks by noting the “unprecedented strain” on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regimes. Austria invoked the humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons use, and called upon all States to take “concrete steps” towards the elimination of nuclear weapons by joining the TPNW. Austria expressed their satisfaction with the fact that the global majority has now signed or ratified the TPNW.

South Africa

South Africa highlighted how the possession of nuclear weapons imply the potential use of them. In that vein, it declared that the possession of nuclear weapons is incompatible with International Humanitarian Law (IHL.) It also called upon all States to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) without delay. South Africa expressed support for the creation of NWFZs, particularly in the Middle East, and warned against the use of interpretive language and declarations towards the achievement of a Middle East NWFZ.

The Arab Group

Iraq (on behalf of the Arab Group) delivered a statement raising concerns over rapidly rising expenditures on renewing and maintaining nuclear weapon arsenals, and the lack of progress towards the establishment of a Middle East NWFZ. The Arab Group also expressed concern over the integration of artificial intelligence into nuclear weapon systems and decision-making processes.

Implications on the 2026 NPT RevCon

It is evident that States have yet to identify convergences, particularly on actionable items. The lack of participation from Nuclear Weapon States also does not serve the interests of nuclear abolition. The present impasse, despite the inclusion of environmental and humanitarian impacts into the wider framework of nuclear disarmament, persists. From NWFZs to artificial intelligence, a pattern of omissions emerges from States’ statements. The selective concern for some aspects of nuclear disarmament but not others erodes the upcoming 2026 NPT RevCon’s chances of success. Nevertheless, the wheels of progress are moving forward.
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September 27, 2025
2025 Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Article XIV Conference

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September 26, 2025 | UN General Assembly, New York

In September 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted A/RES/50/245 entitled “Comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty.” The resolution designated the UN Secretary-General as depositary of the treaty (CTBT). The treaty now has 178 ratifications and 187 signatures, with Papua New Guinea being the most recent ratifier in 2024.

CTBTO Executive Secretary

Robert Floyd

Recalling the history of the Trinity Tests as well as the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, The Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive-Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization also used text from the NPT’s preamble to call upon all States to support the CTBT. He reiterated the CTBTO’s mission, and highlighted how its International Monitoring System (IMS) has recently played a crucial role in debunking misinformation about earthquakes in Iran being caused by nuclear tests.

Member State Highlights

New Zealand

New Zealand expressed concern over Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT and condemned the DPRK’s nuclear testing activities. New Zealand congratulated Papua New Guinea for joining the treaty, underscoring the Pacific’s collective position against nuclear testing. New Zealand noted the dual benefits of the IMS, commending its scientific and disarmament furthering functions. New Zealand urged States to support the upcoming UN General Assembly resolution on the CTBT.

Austria

Austria highlighted its role as a proud sponsor and host of the CTBTO, reaffirming its commitment to the universalization of the treaty. Austria pointed out that only one nation has violated the CTBT in this century, clearly referring to North Korea. Austria positioned the CTBT as a necessary part of the broader nuclear disarmament architecture, commending its credibility and the urgent need for its entry into force.

South Africa

South Africa called to attention the incompatibility of possessing nuclear weapons and respecting International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It urged all States to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay. South Africa cautioned against empty declarations that obstruct progress towards the establishment of Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zones (NWFZs), and supports the creation of a NWFZ in the Middle East.

Egypt

Egypt recalled its hosting of the 2024 CTBTO workshop in Cairo. It noted that the linkage between the CTBT and NPT relies on Nuclear-Weapon States fulfilling their obligations under both regimes. Egypt lamented the lack of progress towards the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East and the failures of successive NPT RevCons. In that vein, Egypt declared that States have a collective responsibility to ensure that no State remains outside the NPT.

Malta

Malta expressed concern over the CTBT’s delayed entry into force. Malta urged States to observe moratoria on nuclear explosions and highlighted the disproportionate effects of nuclear testing on women, girls, and indigenous communities.

Netherlands

Speaking on behalf of the Friends of the CTBT Group, the Netherlands expressed regret over Russia’s withdrawal of its ratification. It reaffirmed its confidence in the CTBTO as a reliable pillar of the non-proliferation regime, and noted with satisfaction the civil applications of the IMS (such as monitoring tsunamis and earthquakes). The Netherlands pledged to continue supporting the treaty’s universalization.

The Legacy of Nuclear Testing

Acknowledging the origins of the CTBT, it came as a culmination of persistent calls from Non-Nuclear States and civil society. Building upon the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty which only banned nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, the CTBT prohibits all nuclear explosions (including underground explosions). The legacy of nuclear testing is not history, it is a lived reality. Ranging from: Algeria, Australia, China, French Polynesia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, the United States and so on; the legacy of nuclear testing demands victim assistance and environmental remediation. Malta’s remarks on the gendered impact of nuclear testing also shed light on the glacial progress towards achieving the goals of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda — calling for the full and equal participation of women in disarmament forums and peacebuilding.

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September 26, 2025
High-Level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day against Nuclear Tests

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September 4, 2025 | UN General Assembly, New York

In 2009, the UN General Assembly—upon Kazakhstan’s initiative—adopted a resolution declaring the 29th of August as the International Day against Nuclear Testing. On September 3 and the following day, UN Member States gave statements to commemorate this day and shared their national positions against nuclear testing.

i-Kiribati Youth Statement

Oemwa Johnson (Youth from Kiribati)

In her statement, Oemwa recalled the tragic legacy of nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific. She highlighted the lack of civilian protection as the United Kingdom and the United States conducted nuclear testing on Kiritimati Island. Oemwa further explained that nuclear disarmament is not just a security issue, but a humanitarian and environmental imperative. In her touching statement, she shared her testimony witnessing first-hand the health crisis that affected her loved ones and the wider population of Kiribati. Oemwa expressed satisfaction with the efforts led by Kazakhstan and Kiribati to establish an international trust fund for victims of nuclear weapons, and urged that all States join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) without delay. Oemwa shed light on the gendered impact of nuclear weapons by describing the profound impact that irradiated land and waters have had on women and girls’ reproductive health while also spiking cancer rates for everyone regardless of gender.

Oemwa was featured by UN News in an article and in a tweet which garnered over thirty thousand views.

Member State Highlights

Guinea (on behalf of the African States)

Guinea made clear that nuclear tests alongside possession of and threats to use such weapons are unacceptable. Guinea recalled the three landmark nuclear disarmament treaties: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the TPNW, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT); urging non-Member States to any of the three treaties to join “at an early date” and without delay. Guinea also raised serious concerns about the implication of artificial intelligence and its potential integration into nuclear arsenals and decision-making systems.

Iraq (on behalf of the Arab Group)

Explicitly condemning the threat of nuclear weapon use, Iraq went on to qualify nuclear weapon testing and possession as incompatible with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Iraq shared their regret over consecutive failures to reach consensus at previous NPT Review Conferences, and supported establishing a moratorium on nuclear weapons possession and testing. Additionally, Iraq called upon Nuclear Weapon States to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article VI of the NPT, which obligates States party to the treaty “to pursue negotiations in good faith…” towards total nuclear disarmament.

Prioritizing the NPT as the foundation of nuclear disarmament, Iraq called upon Israel to join the treaty without precondition or further delay and to subject its nuclear facilities to IAEA oversight. Citing the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East, the 2010 Action Plan, and UN Security Council resolutions 487 (1981) and 678 (1990), Iraq called for the establishment of the Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons, reiterating that Israel must join the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon State.

Bolivia

Emphasizing the effects on the environment, Bolivia condemned nuclear tests as an attack against Mother Nature. Bolivia also coined the term “Ecocide” in an effort to initiate within the general assembly a declaration to protect Mother Nature’s rights and to constitute ecocide as a crime against earth, striking similarities to previous general assembly declarations such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Bolivia also stated that the CTBT’s entry into force is a key priority, calling on all States to join the treaty.

China

Acknowledging the deteriorating security landscape, China recalled President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) which emphasizes the principle of “indivisible security.” China criticized the deployment of nuclear weapons on foreign soil, and the creation of nuclear umbrella agreements. It also recalled its own history as having never used a nuclear weapon against any State and holding the position that China will never be the one to use nuclear weapons first in any conflict. China ended its statement by highlighting its support for the International Monitoring System (IMS), noting its complete construction of 10 out of the 11 IMS stations hosted by China.

Kiribati

Concerned about the lasting health crisis from the legacy nuclear testing, Kiribati advocated for the establishment of an international trust fund for victims of nuclear weapons and to support radiological studies. Kiribati also urged States to continue supporting Kiribati and Kazakhstan’s annual resolution entitled “Addressing the Legacy of Nuclear Weapons: Providing Victims Assistance and Environmental Remediation to Member States affected by the use or testing of nuclear weapons.”

Kiribati also recalled to the General Assembly its shared role with Kazakhstan as co-chairs of the informal working group on Articles 6 and 7 of the TPNW, and requested that key international agencies (IAEA, CTBTO, UNEP, and UNHRC) should be invited to participate in the first-ever meeting on victim assistance and environmental remediation—chaired by the Secretary-General.

Kazakhstan

Recalling the devastating effects of nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk on the environment, Kazakhstan highlighted its renunciation of inherited nuclear weapons post-independence as responsible State policy. Kazakhstan encouraged States to adopt a people-centered approach to nuclear disarmament, taking positive note of Oemwa Johnson’s earlier youth contribution.

Costa Rica

As former UN First Committee chair, Costa Rica noted the double benefit of science in advancing both disarmament and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Costa Rica praised the work of the IMS and the CTBTO, and urged all States with voluntary moratoria on nuclear testing to transform their obligations into legally binding commitments through treaty and signature and ratification.

Costa Rica’s focus on voluntary action emphasizes norms against coercion and frames sovereignty as a fundamental ground to universalization.

Austria

Austria rejected the notion that international security could be based on nuclear deterrence, calling it a flawed strategy and incapable of achieving “true security.” Austria also condemned Russia’s implicit and explicit threats to use nuclear weapons, reiterating its support for all States to sign and ratify the CTBT and TPNW.

Kazakhstan’s Reception

On 3 September, immediately following the opening plenary session of the High-Level meeting to commemorate the International Day against Nuclear Tests, Kazakhstan hosted a well-attended reception at its Permanent Mission. The event gave delegates and other relevant stakeholders an opportunity to reflect in a more informal setting on Kazakhstan’s steadfast leadership in advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

The reception featured remarks by Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Both speakers commended Kazakhstan for its leadership in ensuring that the legacy of nuclear tests is neither forgotten or ignored. The gathering served as a platform to engage a diverse audience made up of UN diplomats, civil society groups, and journalists.

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September 4, 2025