High-Level UN General Assembly Plenary Meeting on International Day Against Nuclear Tests Held in New York

New York, August 29, 2023 – The high-level plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, which became annual at the initiative of Kazakhstan, was convened by the President of the UN General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi on 29 August in New York.

Statements by the President of General Assembly, UN Under-Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Robert Floyd, Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) UN Office in New York Vivian Okeke were supplemented by representatives of civil society and member states of the World Organization.

The speakers underscored the historical significance of Kazakhstan's decision to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site as a foundation for the global prohibition of nuclear testing, paving the way for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

UNGA President Csaba Kőrösi highlighted the escalating arms race and heightened tensions, including around the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of collective action towards achieving the global ban on nuclear tests and expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its initiative in annually observing the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

UN Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu noted that August 29th represents Kazakhstan's unparalleled contribution to the establishment of an international ban on nuclear tests, the lingering consequences of which are still felt by the population of the Semipalatinsk region. Nakamitsu expressed gratitude to the people and government of Kazakhstan for their unwavering efforts in highlighting the importance of banning nuclear tests.

CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd called upon nuclear-armed states to reaffirm their commitments to refrain from nuclear testing. He specifically highlighted Kazakhstan's invaluable role in closing the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and supporting the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Vivian Okeke, Head of the IAEA Office at the UN, reported on the agency's work in ensuring compliance with nuclear non-proliferation commitments by member states. She also expressed gratitude to the Government of Kazakhstan for its support of the IAEA and effective collaboration in environmental restoration at the Semipalatinsk test site.

Young civil activist of Algerian origin, Elias Merad Taouli, drew attention to the catastrophic environmental consequences of nuclear tests conducted by France in his country. He noted that Algeria, along with Kazakhstan and several Pacific island nations, has been affected by radioactive contamination due to nuclear testing and is working to prevent the recurrence of such testing and the use of nuclear weapons in the future.

The meeting also saw participation from representatives of states in their regional and national capacities. This year witnessed an unprecedented number of regional statements.

Kazakhstan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Akan Rakhmetullin, highlighted the nation's commitment to uniting efforts of states and all segments of society, including youth, to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. The Kazakh diplomat once again called upon UN member states to engage in dialogue and concrete actions towards nuclear disarmament.

To draw attention to the global initiative supporting the ban on nuclear testing, the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the UN, in collaboration with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, organized an event for youth representatives. They were invited to cover a symbolic distance of 8.29 km (8 representing August, 29 – the day), thereby promoting a healthy lifestyle and involving youth in the global movement to popularize the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

Renowned Hollywood actor Michael Douglas also joined this initiative, posting on social media in support of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests and the efforts of youth and the UN in this direction.