New York, 23 October 2026

Mr. Chair,

The proliferation and use of conventional weapons to fuel conflicts and perpetuate violence, erode mutual trust, thereby compromising the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

Equally troubling is the relentless surge in global military expenditure, which reached almost 2.9 trillion US dollars in 2025.[1] The vast resources devoted to armaments are in stark contrast to the urgent need for humanitarian aid and development, especially given that millions of persons still live in poverty and lack access to essential services.

Mr. Chair,

The Holy See remains deeply concerned about withdrawals from the Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which threaten decades of progress in humanitarian disarmament. It is imperative that the integrity of both Conventions is preserved and that they are promoted on a universal scale. In this regard, it is crucial to reiterate the necessity to provide integral assistance to victims, their families and affected communities, addressing their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

Mr. Chair,

My Delegation welcomes the progress achieved by the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems this year. In war settings, all systems “must guarantee the possibility of retracing and reconstructing decision-making processes, so that accountability and blame are not collapsed into ‘the machine.’” Furthermore, “the decision to use lethal force cannot be delegated to opaque or automated processes, but must remain under effective, self-aware and responsible human control.”[2] In this regard, my Delegation reiterates its call for a legally binding instrument that establishes clear prohibitions and regulations of these systems.

Mr. Chair,

The devastating humanitarian consequences of using explosive weapons in populated areas are a grave concern for the Holy See. The widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the long-lasting suffering inflicted on affected communities underscore the need to make the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) universal and to implement it effectively.

The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons fuels violence and undermines development. Following the work carried out during the Ninth Biennial Meeting of States, held last June, there is a need for strengthening the implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument.

Mr. Chair,

The resources devoted to armaments could instead serve the urgent needs of those living in poverty, expand access to education and healthcare, and promote integral human development. Redirecting these resources towards such priorities would contribute meaningfully to building a more just and lasting peace.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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[1] SIPRI Fact Sheet: Trends in World Military Expenditure 2025 (April 2026).

[2] Leo XIV, Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas, 200.