NEW YORK, 7 - 25 APRIL 2025
I congratulate you and other Members of the bureau on your election. Liberia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group and the Non-aligned Movement. I make the following remarks in my national capacity:
Liberia welcomes the convening of the 2025 substantive session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC), especially at a time of heightened global uncertainty and concerns over the decline of international peace and security. Efforts to achieve non-proliferation of nuclear weapons have never seemed more urgent and necessary.
Mr. Chair,
Liberia believes that the UNDC is a vital platform for dialogue on disarmament issues with the mandate to offer recommendations for achieving the objective of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
This is why we commend the Commission for the successful conclusion of the 2024 Substantive Session, and for adopting recommendations by consensus, to promote transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities with the goal of preventing an arms race in outer space. However, the lack of consensus on possible recommendations for achieving the objective of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation is a matter of concern.
My delegation remains hopeful that this session would generate much-needed consensus-based recommendations on this critical issue – such outcome would give the needed political and moral legitimacy to disarmament commitments while reinforcing the credibility of multilateral diplomacy on disarmament initiatives.
Mr. Chair,
My delegation shares the growing concerns, which have been repeatedly expressed over the slow-pace of nuclear disarmament, often perceived to be due to the lack of commitment by nuclear-armed states to reduce their arsenals. This situation threatens not only the credibility of the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) but also heightens the risks of global insecurity.
The NPT remains the central multilateral instrument of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and a critical instrument in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. My delegation underscores the significance of multilateralism, inclusive dialogue, and cooperation in all aspects of disarmament initiatives, and reaffirms Liberia’s commitment to the NPT, urging all member states, including those with nuclear capabilities to adhere to the treaty. Also, Liberia is proudly committed to the obligations under the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty), which reaffirms Africa’s overwhelming commitment to remain free of nuclear weapons.
Mr. Chair,
Liberia wishes to underscore the significance of article four (4) of the NPT, which guarantees the equal right of all states, irrespective of their nuclear capabilities, to access, develop and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. We believe that while the right is “Equal”, the capacity is “Not” - leading to exclusion of most countries, including those of Africa, from the benefits of nuclear science and technology, potentially impacting our collective resolve to achieving global peace and Sustainable Development. Stressing the need to enhance capacity-building initiatives and technical cooperation, ensuring that nuclear science contributes to national development agendas without compromising non-proliferation.
Liberia encourages Member States to cooperate with the IAEA in promoting peaceful nuclear technologies whilst preventing the diversion of fissile materials for weaponization.
Finally, Mr. Chair, the development and use of emerging technologies present challenges and opportunities in a world so dependent on technologies for economic growth and development is susceptible to the malicious use of these technologies, undermining international peace and sustainable development. It is our hope that the outcome of this year’s deliberations is the repeat of past results, obviously with improved outcomes, ensuring promising and constructive deliberations in search of common solutions, knowing that the journey toward a just and safer world for all is guided by our collective action and shared commitment to peace and global security, for Liberia remains dedicated to constructive engagements, transparency, cooperation and continued honest dialogues for the advancement of global peace, security, and progress.
I THANK YOU!
