Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the High-level Plenary Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

Madam President,
 
I commend the PGA (President of the General Assembly)’s leadership in convening this High-level meeting to commemorate and advance the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
 
Currently, we face a risk of reversing the global downward trend of the number of nuclear weapons. The rapid build-up by a certain country of its nuclear arsenals could ignite a new nuclear arms race involving other countries.
 
We must ensure trust in the NPT regime, which is the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Preventing division in the world is impossible unless nuclear-weapon States proactively fulfil their obligations under the NPT and all Member States respond likewise by maintaining and advancing the NPT regime.
 
The commitments expressed by G7 leaders last May in the “Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament” provided a solid platform for our pursuit of a world without nuclear weapons, in line with the “Hiroshima Action Plan.”
 
However, more can be done, including further reductions in the number of nuclear weapons and increased transparency by nuclear-weapon States.
 
In the policy brief on the “New Agenda for Peace,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the deadlock of existing disarmament institutions. Let us gather our wisdom and work together to revitalize the existing disarmament machinery.
 
The FMCT (Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty) High-level Event hosted by Japan in collaboration with the Philippines and Australia, and the CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty) Article XIV Conference held last week offered excellent opportunities to reinvigorate discussions among political leaders on these key pillars of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.

To further promote “mainstreaming” of nuclear disarmament and bridge the divide between deterrence and disarmament perspectives, Prime Minister Kishida pledged 3 billion yen to establish the “Japan Chair for a World Without Nuclear Weapons” at international research institutions and thinktanks.
 
We are also committed to expanding our global youth network by leveraging the “Youth Leader Fund” in close cooperation with UNODA.
 
Lastly, let me remind all of another important perspective related to today’s subject. A world without nuclear weapons cannot be achieved without nuclear non-proliferation. Japan will cooperate with the international community to advance efforts on nuclear non-proliferation, including addressing the issues related to North Korea and Iran.
 
Madam President,
 
Pursuing a world without nuclear weapons is not a mere dream; it is an attainable goal through our resolute leadership and concerted efforts. Let’s take actions now.
 
I thank you.