Việt Nam Reaffirms Strong Commitment to Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at Geneva Conference

Geneva, The Gulf Observer: Việt Nam has reiterated its firm commitment to advancing global disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, with Ambassador Mai Phan Dũng, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and other international organisations in Geneva, underscoring the country’s responsible and proactive role in multilateral efforts.

Speaking at the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Ambassador Dũng warned that in the current global context, risks of miscalculation and unintended escalation—particularly nuclear risks—remain a serious concern, posing significant challenges to the multilateral disarmament framework.

He emphasized the irreplaceable role of the Conference on Disarmament as the sole multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament, noting that its unique mandate and broad membership represent both strengths and responsibilities. The ambassador welcomed recent initiatives, including the establishment of subsidiary bodies to facilitate substantive discussions, describing them as constructive steps that should be sustained and further developed.

Ambassador Dũng called for intensified meaningful dialogue, cautioning against politicisation and urging member states to uphold the principles of consensus and inclusivity. Efforts to improve working methods, he said, should strengthen unity rather than deepen divisions. In the current environment, he stressed, the conference must reaffirm its central role in promoting international peace and security.

Việt Nam supports comprehensive, verifiable, and irreversible disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament. The ambassador highlighted the importance of preventing nuclear proliferation and enhancing transparency and confidence-building measures, while reaffirming Việt Nam’s adherence to international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

He also reiterated that Việt Nam’s defence policy is guided by the “Four Nos” principle: not joining military alliances, not siding with one country against another, not allowing foreign military bases or the use of Vietnamese territory against other states, and not using or threatening to use force in international relations.

During the session, Việt Nam outlined several key priorities. The country supports the commencement of negotiations on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, while noting that ongoing discussions within subsidiary bodies could help build consensus on the matter.

Việt Nam further called for legally binding negative security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states to enhance trust and foster a more balanced security environment. Given current instability, reducing nuclear risks must be treated as an urgent priority through greater transparency, improved communication channels, and concrete measures to prevent miscalculation.

The ambassador also highlighted concerns over emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, which are increasingly linked to military applications. He stressed the need to ensure meaningful human control and accountability, alongside strengthened international dialogue to prevent destabilising consequences. Preventing an arms race in outer space was identified as another top priority, with Việt Nam reaffirming that the peaceful use of outer space must remain for the benefit of all humanity.

Looking ahead, member states are scheduled to convene in New York mid-year for the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Ambassador Dũng described the gathering as a crucial opportunity to restore trust, recommit to obligations, and advance the balanced implementation of the treaty’s three pillars: nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

As President of the upcoming Review Conference, Việt Nam is committed to facilitating inclusive, constructive, and balanced discussions among member states. Narrowing differences, reducing polarisation, and strengthening trust will be essential to achieving meaningful outcomes, he said.

Ambassador Dũng concluded by noting that the Conference on Disarmament and the NPT are mutually reinforcing mechanisms. Progress in Geneva can help create a conducive political environment for a successful Review Conference, while achievements at the Review Conference would enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the broader multilateral disarmament system. He affirmed that Việt Nam stands ready to actively contribute to and promote dialogue in both processes.