Joint Statement on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education

delivered by H.E. Mr. Mari Amano, Ambassador,

Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament

Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

-Cluster I-

GENEVA, 25 April 2013

On behalf of the 32 countries – Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, I would like to take this opportunity today to state our views on the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation education.

Mr. Chairman,

The catastrophic humanitarian consequences from the use of nuclear weapons are a concern for everyone, and thus it is our responsibility to advance the efforts of global disarmament and non-proliferation. In this respect, it is essential for countries to raise public awareness, in particular for future generations, of the threats posed by nuclear arms and to foster a global culture of peace. Disarmament and non-proliferation education is a powerful and essential tool to achieve the steps required to address the challenges of the prevention and threats posed by nuclear weapons and achieve our common objective of a nuclear weapons-free world.

Indeed, the international community notably recognizes the value of disarmament and non-proliferation education to attaining that objective. For the first time in its history, the Final Document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference underscored the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation education as a useful and effective means to advance the goals of the NPT. In addition, Action 22 of the NPT Action plan encouraged all States Parties to implement the 34 recommendations contained in the report from the Secretary-General on, “the United Nations Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education”. These recommendations were also reaffirmed in last year’s biannual UN General Assembly resolution on the United Nations study, which was adopted without a vote. We now call on all States Parties to renew their commitment to implement the recommendations in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

Mr. Chairman,

The task of pushing forward disarmament and non-proliferation is too enormous for governments to accomplish alone. The report from the Secretary-General stated that some of the most effective efforts involve partnerships among governments and international, regional, and civil society organizations. Such active engagement could serve as models for future activities. We would like to stress the importance of, and the need for, the promotion of further cooperation and collaboration in disarmament and non-proliferation education among a diverse range of actors.

Mr. Chairman,

Lastly, we firmly reiterate　that disarmament and non-proliferation education is fundamental for empowering civil societies and governments to make progress toward the full implementation of the NPT. Concrete steps must be taken to achieve and sustain a world without nuclear weapons. In addition to appealing for greater action on disarmament and non-proliferation education, we will continue our efforts and share our accomplishments within the NPT review process. In this regard, we call upon other NPT States Parties to join efforts in this field.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.