New York, 22 October 2024
 

Madam Chair,

My Delegation is convinced of the urgent need to advance the pursuit of nuclear disarmament at a time when the threat of the use of nuclear weapons is at its highest level in many generations.

It is deeply worrying that the world is currently facing an unprecedented risk of a nuclear conflict, characterized by alarming threats and an unrelenting arms race. This escalation not only raises global tensions, but also increases the risk of both intentional and accidental nuclear deployment. Such a scenario could have a profoundly detrimental impact on humanity and our common home, with the potential for irreversible and catastrophic destruction.

It is regrettable that, in the context of instability the international community, neglecting important treaties on arms control, disarmament and transparency, has opted for division rather than embracing a spirit of fraternity. Consequently, the international disarmament framework remains ensnared in a state of deadlock, hindering progress and exacerbating global risks. It is imperative to overcome these obstacles and renew the commitment to collaborative efforts, thereby advancing towards a safer and more stable world free from nuclear weapons.

To achieve these ambitious goals, and to reject the logic of fear and mistrust, it is imperative to dispel a major misconception: there can be no peace through deterrence. “Peace and international stability are incompatible with attempts to build upon fear of mutual destruction or the threat of total annihilation”. [1]

Moreover, the possession and production of nuclear weapons is not only immoral, it also diverts resources that could be used to achieve genuine global security.[2] As Pope Francis said: “How many resources are wasted on military spending which, as a result of the current situation, sadly continues to increase! I sincerely hope that the international community understands that disarmament is first and foremost a duty: disarmament is a moral duty. Let us keep this clearly in our minds. And this requires courage from all members of the great family of nation, to move from an equilibrium of fear to an equilibrium of trust”.[3]

In this regard, the Holy See expresses its disappointment at the growing polarization and mistrust observed during the Second Session of the Preparatory Commission for the 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that may impede progress towards consensus at the next Review Conference in 2026. Despite these difficulties, the Holy See hopes that the Third Session of the Preparatory Commission will foster an environment of dialogue, trust and respect that will allow for constructive negotiations and pave the way for a consensual agreement at the next Review Conference.

In this spirit of hope, the Holy See looks forward to the convening of the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and encourages the broad participation from States not yet party to the treaty. My delegation hopes that the 3MSP will adopt a comprehensive and ambitious program of work based on the Vienna Action Plan. Such a program should serve as a guiding framework for advancing nuclear disarmament and reinforcing the non-proliferation regime, paving the way for a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Thank you, Madam Chair.
 

[1] Pope Francis, Address on Nuclear Weapons, Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park (Nagasaki), 24 November 2019.

[2] Pope Francis, Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, 8 January 2024.

[3] Pope Francis, Angelus, 3 March 2024.