STATEMENT BY MS JESSIE LIM, DELEGATE OF THE PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE, AT THE 78TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FIRST COMMITTEE THEMATIC DISCUSSION ON CLUSTER ONE: NUCLEAR WEAPONS, 16 OCTOBER 2023

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

Singapore aligns itself with the statements delivered by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN, and by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

2 The elimination of nuclear weapons is a paramount imperative of the UN. The international community has made significant progress in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and landmark agreements like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). However, this progress is being threatened. New challenges and a divided international security environment have stymied positive momentum in the nuclear disarmament circuit and in some cases, even regressed to escalatory nuclear rhetoric and actions. At the Nagasaki Peace Memorial in August, the Secretary-General warned that the risk of nuclear catastrophe is at its highest level since the Cold War. He has also prioritised the elimination of nuclear weapons as the first recommendation for action in his New Agenda for Peace. Let me make three points in this regard.

3 First, Singapore underscores the importance of the rule of law and adherence to international obligations. Like other small States, our security and prosperity depend on the international rule of law. Singapore reiterates our commitment to the NPT as the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) must remain firmly committed to their obligations under the NPT, including under Article VI. We urge NWS to take practical steps to curb the modernisation of their nuclear arsenals, practice accountability and transparency in their nuclear weapon programmes, and refrain from actions that contravene the objective and purpose of the Treaty. Non-NPT States must also be involved in disarmament discussions, as we work towards the universalisation of the NPT.

4 Singapore reiterates our strong support for the entry into force of the CTBT. We are encouraged by recent ratifications by the Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka this year, and urge all countries, particularly the remaining Annex 2 countries, to sign and ratify the Treaty as soon as possible. We also support the commencement of long overdue negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty under the Conference on Disarmament.

5 Second, we emphasise the need for continued dialogue, especially in today’s geopolitical climate, where hardening positions increase the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation. International cooperation and dialogue on the global disarmament agenda cannot be allowed to stall or unravel. We welcome discussions at the First Preparatory Committee for the 11^th NPT Review Conference on reducing the role of nuclear weapons in security doctrines, strengthening IAEA safeguards, and nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict. We call upon all NPT States Parties to continue constructive dialogue towards concrete and verifiable measures for nuclear disarmament. We also encourage negotiations on restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and strategic dialogue between major powers on existing arms control frameworks. Countries must renew their commitments and take a forward-looking approach to ensure our cooperative mechanisms remain relevant and effective.

6 Third, regional approaches, including the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones under Article VII of the NPT, are practical contributions towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world. Singapore reiterates our full commitment to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ). We look forward to the NWS’ signing and ratification of the SEANWFZ Protocol, without reservations. We also support efforts towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East, including through the upcoming Third Session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Mr Chairman,

7 At a time of increasing challenges to peace and security, the international community must make full use of our existing disarmament tools and adhere to our obligations. What we do, or not do, will set the precedent for addressing future challenges. Singapore reaffirms our full commitment to working with all Member States to achieve our shared goal of a world without nuclear weapons, for the security of all.

8 Thank you.

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