UNGA reaffirms UN-CTBTO cooperation
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution reaffirming the continued strong cooperation between the United Nations and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
The resolution, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization”, was adopted by consensus on 23 November at the 75th session of the UNGA. It was presented by the delegation of Algeria in its capacity as 2020 Chair of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.
“The activities that the Preparatory Commission and the Provisional Technical Secretariat are performing, pursuant to the Treaty and the CTBTO resolution establishing the Preparatory Commission to foster non-proliferation and security, contribute to the fulfillment of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” the Algerian statement said.
“Close cooperation between the United Nations and the CTBTO Preparatory Commission therefore serves the interests of the international community. Synergies are in fact mutually beneficial and need to be pursued with determination.”
What I ask of you, the Member States of the United Nations, is to focus on our mutually shared goal of a legally binding, verifiable end to nuclear testing. This is a crucial step in the path towards a nuclear weapon free world, and will reinforce the essential role of multilateralism in advancing international peace and security.
Addressing the UNGA session in a video message due to COVID-19 restrictions, CTBTO Executive Secretary Lassina Zerbo emphasised the value of multilateralism and underlined the strong record of partnership between the UN and the CTBTO to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
“We cannot pursue narrow self-interest and expect to build a better future for the next generation. Seeking multilateral solutions to twenty-first century challenges remains the only viable approach,” Zerbo said.
Reporting on CTBTO’s work to promote the entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and build its unique verification system, Zerbo said the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic had confirmed it as a “mature, competent and effective Organization” with a high level of operational readiness.
“We are ready for the world,” he said. “With every new signature and ratification; with every new station built; and with every additional voice of support for the CTBT in international forums, it is increasingly clear that the world is ready for us.”
The resolution was co-sponsored by: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Ukraine.
While underlining support for the CTBTO, the adoption of the resolution also ensures that the issue remains on the biennial agenda of the UNGA, to be introduced again at its 77th session.
Read the full message by CTBTO Executive Secretary Lassina Zerbo here
.
Read the full message from CTBTO head Lassina Zerbo here (PDF)