Kazakhstan Chairs Third Conference on Nuclear Weapons Prohibition
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan has officially commenced its chairmanship at the Third Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), as announced by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
In his opening address, Conference President and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, emphasized that despite the complex global landscape, there is a growing number of advocates for the total elimination of nuclear arsenals and the establishment of a world free from nuclear threats. He highlighted that 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, underscoring the collective belief in the necessity of implementing measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
As part of the Treaty’s framework, Kazakhstan prioritizes support for victims of nuclear testing, both within its borders and globally. In this regard, ongoing efforts to establish an International Fund aimed at assisting affected individuals and restoring the environment have been widely acknowledged.
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, welcomed Kazakhstan’s leadership of the conference, recognizing the nation’s substantial contributions to the global nuclear disarmament process.
Throughout the week, the conference will feature thematic debates with leading international experts in nuclear disarmament and in-depth discussions on the future direction of the Treaty’s implementation. These discussions will involve government representatives, civil society members, youth organizations, and survivors of nuclear testing from numerous countries, including Kazakhstan.
Following the conclusion of the forum, participants intend to adopt a political declaration and approve a series of decisions addressing the most pressing issues related to the Treaty’s implementation. The conference has gathered 75 delegations from Treaty member states and observer nations, along with more than 150 representatives from civil society and non-governmental organizations worldwide.
Kazakhstan’s leadership at the conference reinforces its longstanding commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, further strengthening international cooperation toward a world free from nuclear weapons.
