In the introduction of their statement of alignment, Bangladesh discussed the disheartening history of disarmament efforts, “Born out of the horrors of the Second World War, the UN envisioned a world free of nuclear weapons in its very first resolution. 76 years have since passed. Sadly, the promise of disarmament remains elusive.”

The topic of nuclear disarmament dominated conversation throughout Thursday’s general debate. Nations shared collective concern over recent missile launchings from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), continued nuclear threats from the Russian Federation, and conflict in the Middle East. Japanese representative Mr. Ogasawara Ichiro reflected on the tragic Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings that took place 77 years prior. Here, at the 77th Session of the General Assembly, Mr. Ichiro expressed great concern over North Korea’s nuclear missile launches—one of which flew over Japan merely two days before.

Japan was not alone in having worries about nuclear weapons, as Nigeria’s representative referred to them as “ultimate agents of mass destruction” and urged nations to think of the catastrophic effects they are capable of producing. As a preventative action, many nations pushed for further establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZ), which are one step towards the elimination of nuclear weapons. Algeria’s representative highlighted the successful creation of an NWFZ in Africa and explained how applying these steps in the Middle East was of high priority. 

Disappointment with the failed ratification of the 10th Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Conference Resolution was further expressed, but nations urged each other to remain dedicated to the NPT and strive towards a successful consensus in the upcoming year. 

by Nicole Piusienski