As the Tenth NPT Review Conference has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, States Parties should use this hiatus to work together to overcome existing challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities in order to ensure a successful outcome that maintains the NPT’s status as a pillar of international peace and security.
On 28 May 2020, CNS partnered with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS) to organize a webinar on challenges and opportunities for the 10th NPT Review Conference. Senior diplomats and UN officials, joined by CNS’ Dr. William Potter and Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, addressed such questions as the impact of the postponement and the pandemic itself of the Review Conference, the implications of the continuously worsening crisis in US-Russian arms control, the status of past NPT commitments and ways to build on previously agreed steps and measures to advance nuclear disarmament. Nearly 200 participants around the world joined the webinar, underscoring the importance governments and civil society attach to the NPT and the Review Conference that will mark the 50th anniversary of its entry into force and 25th anniversary since its indefinite extension.
Watch the webinar on YouTube[link]
Speakers
Opening remarks
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
Professor William Potter, Director, James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Studies
Panelists
Ambassador Maria del Socorro Flores Liera, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the Conference on Disarmament
Ambassador Aidan Liddle, Permanent Representative of the UK to the Conference on Disarmament
Ambassador Benno Laggner, Resident Representative of Switzerland to the IAEA, Permanent Representative to the CTBTO Preparatory Commission
Discussant: Ms. Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, Director, International Organizations and Non-Proliferation Program, CNS
Closing remarks
Ambassador Gustavo Zlauvinen, President-designate of the Tenth NPT Review Conference
Moderator: Mr. Anton Khlopkov, Director, Center For Energy and Security Studies
