The Third Conference of States Parties to the TPNW concluded on March 7, chaired by Kazakhstan. It reaffirmed global commitment to nuclear disarmament, adopting a Political Declaration. A significant outcome was the approval of an International Trust Fund for victims of nuclear testing. Kazakhstan’s leadership and initiatives to enhance cooperation in disarmament were well-received, focal points of the conference.
The Third Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) took place at UN headquarters and concluded on March 7, chaired by Kazakhstan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press service, the discussions under Kazakhstan’s leadership were productive, resulting in unanimous consensus on significant documents aimed at enhancing the treaty’s implementation.
During the conference, the global commitment to nuclear disarmament was reaffirmed. Delegates adopted a Political Declaration that condemned nuclear threats and highlighted the severe humanitarian and environmental damage that nuclear weapons cause. This declaration signifies a collaborative effort among nations toward nuclear disarmament and accountability.
Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and conference president, expressed the urgent need for nuclear disarmament, pointing to the historical devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk. He stated, “the elimination of nuclear weapons is not a matter of the distant future but a practical and urgent task.”
A significant outcome of the conference was the approval of an initiative by Kazakhstan and Kiribati to establish an International Trust Fund. This initiative aims to aid victims of nuclear weapons use and testing and to support environmental rehabilitation in contaminated areas. The framework for this fund is expected to be finalized by mid-2026, with plans for its launch at the upcoming TPNW Review Conference in 2026.
Delegates also focused on strategies to increase the number of TPNW states parties and enhance collaborations with parliaments, scientific institutions, and civil society, thereby advancing disarmament efforts. Kazakhstan’s leadership in this area was praised, reflecting the country’s commitment to promoting global security and non-proliferation under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The conference included thematic events and exhibitions dedicated to nuclear disarmament. Notable was Kazakhstan’s side event titled, “Semipalatinsk Test Site: The Cost of Nuclear Weapons – A Warning to the World,” showcasing contributions from key institutions. Exhibitions like “Echoes of the Polygon” and the documentary “I Want to Live On” shared personal stories of nuclear testing survivors, emphasizing the human aspect of disarmament efforts.
Kazakhstan’s presidency underscored its leading role in the global anti-nuclear movement, especially during the UN’s 80th anniversary. This leadership reinforces Kazakhstan’s status as a middle power, known for its independent and balanced foreign policy dedicated to nuclear disarmament.
As a significant step in nuclear disarmament efforts, the TPNW, which was adopted in 2017 and took effect in 2021, marks the first legally binding international mechanism focused on the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. Kazakhstan, having renounced its nuclear arsenal and closed the Semipalatinsk Test Site, stands as a forerunner in the worldwide anti-nuclear initiative.
The Third Conference of States Parties to the TPNW, chaired by Kazakhstan, concluded with key agreements aimed at strengthening nuclear disarmament. The conference highlighted the urgent need for global collaboration to eliminate nuclear weapons, showcased Kazakhstan’s leadership, and produced critical initiatives, such as the establishment of an International Trust Fund to support victims of nuclear testing. Overall, the conference reinforced the collective commitment to ensuring a safer, nuclear-free future through enhanced cooperation among states parties.
Original Source: astanatimes.com
