Chair,
In addition to the statement delivered by the European Union and the statement delivered by Australia on behalf of the IPNDV, I would like to offer the following remarks in my national capacity.
Chair, excellencies, and distinguished delegates,
Nearly a century ago, in a laboratory at Cambridge, two pioneering physicists split the atom for the first time. While I am tempted to say that the rest is history, the reality is that we are still very much living in an atomic age. Nuclear technologies have become deeply embedded into modern life and shape how we think about the future.
Nuclear technologies span a wide array of applications. From generating clean energy to carbon-dating historical artifacts, controlling animal diseases, and of course treating cancer. A prime example in the Netherlands is the construction of the Pallas reactor, which addresses a growing demand for medical isotopes.
While nuclear technology holds potential for good, it can also be a means to do harm. Since the end of WWII, the international community has taken steps to safeguard humanity from the catastrophic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. States
that possess nuclear weapons must recognize that with great power comes great responsibility — and act accordingly. Today, amidst growing geopolitical tensions, this sense of responsibility appears to be fading.
The Netherlands has continuously advocated and will continue to advocate for the reduction of the global nuclear stockpile, while firmly condemning nuclear sabre rattling and denouncing any backsliding on our shared commitment to non-proliferation.
In this period of geopolitical strain, we must preserve the progress achieved previously. This includes preserving verification mechanisms that have proved instrumental to arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. In this context, we strongly deplore the withdrawal by Russia of its ratification of the CTBT and the so-called suspension of its participation in New START. We urge Russia to return to full compliance with both treaties. Moreover, we underscore the critical need for a successor agreement to New START before its expiration in 2026.
But we cannot afford to stand still and merely preserve the status quo. We must also prepare for the future. This requires a healthy dose of idealism to imagine a better future, coupled with a measure of realism that encourages us to see where incremental progress is possible against the background of the current security environment.
Chair,
The NPT remains the foundation of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime. While we regret the lack of concrete progress at the 2024 Preparatory Committee in Geneva, our commitment to further strengthening the NPT Review Process remains unwavering. As we look toward the 2025 PrepCom meeting and the 2026 Review Conference, our focus must lie on uncovering even the smallest patches of common ground, using them as stepping stones toward broader agreement, rather than getting lost in our differences.
The five NWSs under the NPT bear a unique responsibility. The Netherlands calls upon them, as well as on other states that possess nuclear weapons, to engage in talks on nuclear doctrines, risk reduction measures, and ultimately, arms control and disarmament. Such talks should proceed regardless of ongoing conflicts. In parallel, we urge all states to uphold their commitments by enforcing safeguards and facilitating robust verification measures, and further the work on peaceful uses.
The use of the standardized reporting framework proposed by the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) can further enhance transparency by enabling states to clearly communicate their disarmament and non-proliferation activities. Increasing transparency and building mutual confidence are essential to fostering an environment conducive to negotiations.
Chair,
We all share the responsibility to continue our pursuit of a Global Zero. We have a responsibility to strive and prepare for better times. The Netherlands is committed to working collaboratively and across divides in achieving this goal.
I thank you.