Foreign Minister Momen calls for gobal commitment to eliminate nuclear weapons at UN

In a powerful address at the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of nuclear weapons, Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, M.P., Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, emphasized the urgent need for global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons and ensure a safer world.“No one is safe as long as nuclear weapons exist. The death and destruction they cause cut across border, across generations. The total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against this menace,” Foreign Minister Dr. Momen said. 

Dr. Momen reiterated Bangladesh's firm belief in the total elimination of nuclear weapons and its commitment to the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). He welcomed the first State Parties' meeting to the TPNW, its declaration, and a 50-point Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of full implementation by all nations, including nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-umbrella states.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister also highlighted the risks of nuclear use, whether by intent or accident. “There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons,” he said. He called upon the nuclear weapon states to take stringent measures to avoid the risk of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or other unauthorized actors.

In addition, Dr. Momen called for increased investment in research of nuclear technology and exploration of the potentials of the peaceful use of nuclear energy for the benefit of humankind. He also urged the world to stop investing in nuclear weapons proliferation and instead redirect these resources to preventing climate change, promoting sustainable development, ensuring peace and stability.

Foreign Minister Dr. Momen called for a global culture of peace, renewed efforts towards a nuclear-free world, and the resumption of disarmament negotiations.

The High-Level Plenary Meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of nuclear weapons was held today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.