National Statement at high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day against Nuclear Tests

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Mr. President, Excellencies, Collogues, 

Sweden fully aligns itself with the EU statement; and I have the honor to present the following remarks in my national capacity.

Given the present global security situation and the pressure on the disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, strengthening existing disarmament and non‑proliferation tools is essential. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is one such instrument.

Sweden currently serves as co‑president of the Article XIV process of the CTBT. This reflects our firm commitment to the Treaty and its crucial role in the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime.

This year marks the CTBT’s 30th anniversary, with key achievements:

1. Near‑universal support — 188 signatories, 179 ratifications, including recent accessions such as Tonga in July.
2. A strong norm against nuclear testing — thousands of tests before 1996, under a dozen after.
3. A functioning verification regime — the International Monitoring System (IMS) and data centre detect all DPRK tests and provide rapid information. The IMS also supports civilian uses such as tsunami warnings.

However, there are still challenges. In 2023, Russia revoked its ratification of the CTBT, taking us further away from entry into force and undermining ongoing disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. We’ve also noted with concern allegations earlier this year of nuclear tests by another state. This leads us to the conclusion that even greater efforts should be put to bringing CTBT into force. 

The Treaty’s normative strength cannot replace a permanent, non‑discriminatory, verifiable, legally binding prohibition on all nuclear explosions. Entry into force would also enable additional verification measures, including on‑site inspections.

Sweden calls on all States — especially remaining Annex 2 States — to sign and ratify the CTBT without preconditions or delay. All States should uphold the moratorium on nuclear explosions of any yield and refrain from actions contrary to the Treaty’s object and purpose.

Thank you.