Joint Statement on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education

Delivered by H.E. Toshio SANO, Ambassador,

Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament

The 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

-Main Committee I (Nuclear Disarmament)-

New York, 6 May 2015

Mr. Chairman,

On behalf of the 73 countries – Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshal Islands, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, and my own country Japan, I would like to deliver a joint statement on disarmament and non-proliferation education.

It gives me great pleasure to note that this year 37 new countries have participated in this joint statement, which proves the growing recognition of the　importance of disarmament and non-proliferation education.

Mr. Chairman,

A world without nuclear weapons is the common objective of the NPT, and thus all States Parties shoulder the responsibility to advance global efforts of disarmament and non-proliferation. In this regard, it is important to raise awareness both in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues among the public, especially the young generations, of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, the threat of diverse risks and the challenges posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as steps required to overcome these challenges. We strongly believe such education fulfills an indispensable role as a basis for strengthening all aspects of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and fostering a global culture of peace and security. Moreover, as the cause of disarmament and nonproliferation is in the interest and the responsibility of all states, it is important for all countries to continue to build their knowledge and expertise to help achieve this great global endeavor.

Mr. Chairman,

The international community notably recognizes the value of disarmament and non-proliferation education. The Final Document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference underscored education as a useful and effective means to advance the goals of the Treaty in support of achieving a world without nuclear weapons. In addition, Action 22 of the 2010 NPT Action Plan encouraged all State 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 (A/57/124)”. The same point is reaffirmed in the biennial UN General Assembly resolutions on the United Nations study, and on the United Nations Information Programme, co-sponsored by a large number of delegations, both of which are adopted without a vote. We call on all State Parties to show their commitment to implement these recommendations.

Mr. Chairman,

Disarmament and non-proliferation education should be undertaken in an inclusive and collaborative way. The 2002 report from the Secretary-General stressed the importance of partnerships among governments and international, regional, and civil society organizations. We emphasize the necessity for the promotion of further cooperation and collaboration among a diverse range of actors. Furthermore, the 2002 report recommended using new information and communications technologies. We encourage Member States to make more use of the communicative and interactive functions of the internet and social media to provide relevant material on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation to the people worldwide, including teachers and students.

Mr. Chairman,

We firmly reiterate that education on disarmament and non-proliferation is crucial to achieve the objectives of this Treaty. In addition to reminding everyone that this year marks the 70th year of the end of World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this important occasion offers an opportunity for all NPT States Parties to advance our vision of a secure and peaceful world without nuclear weapons. It is our strong wish to draw us closer to the common goal by utilizing education more actively. Believing in the potential of education, we call on all State Parties - nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States alike – to take part in this collective endeavor.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.