ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United Nations have discussed practical measures to strengthen cooperation among nuclear-weapon-free zones and advance the implementation of recommendations from a new UN comprehensive study on the subject.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted a forum in cooperation with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) on Oct. 27 to discuss cooperation among nuclear-weapon-free zones. Photo credit: MFA.
The forum was hosted by Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in cooperation with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) on Oct. 27. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Semipalatinsk Treaty and the publication of the new UN study, the first comprehensive assessment of nuclear-weapon-free zones in 50 years.
Discussions focused on implementing the study’s recommendations, strengthening cooperation among existing nuclear-weapon-free zones and engaging with nuclear-weapon states.
Participants included UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, Mexico’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Porfirio Thierry Muñoz Ledo, Nuclear Threat Initiative Vice President Paul Dean, diplomats from UN Member States, representatives of international organizations and experts in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Ryan Musto of William & Mary in the United States moderated the discussion.
In his opening remarks, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Kairat Umarov said rising nuclear risks underscored the need to strengthen effective cooperation mechanisms. He called for the study’s recommendations to serve as a basis for concrete joint initiatives and highlighted Central Asia’s contribution to regional security and the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Nakamitsu commended the longstanding partnership between the UN and Kazakhstan, highlighting their joint efforts to promote cooperation among nuclear-weapon-free zones. Earlier, Kazakhstan and UNODA organized international workshops in Astana in 2019 and 2024 to strengthen cooperation between the zones and improve consultation mechanisms.
Describing the Semipalatinsk Treaty as an example of successful regional diplomacy, Nakamitsu said the study’s lasting value would depend on the practical implementation of its recommendations. She reaffirmed UNODA’s readiness to support further efforts.
Muñoz Ledo emphasized the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of nuclear-weapon-free zones while accounting for their regional differences. He also called for continued dialogue with nuclear-weapon states on legally binding security assurances.
Dean highlighted the potential of nuclear-weapon-free zones to reduce nuclear risks, drawing on the experiences of Kazakhstan, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina. He also outlined plans for an interzonal meeting in Vienna and the development of a dedicated online learning resource for diplomats.
During the open discussion, the ambassadors of Brazil and the United Kingdom stressed the importance of regular consultations among nuclear-weapon-free zones and constructive dialogue with nuclear-weapon States. Experts and civil society representatives proposed stronger coordination, information-sharing and educational cooperation, including initiatives to engage young people.
A representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross highlighted the complementary nature of nuclear-weapon-free zone treaties and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Concluding the forum, Umarov proposed closer coordination among the five regional nuclear-weapon-free zones and Mongolia to advance shared priorities in dialogue with nuclear-weapon States.
As a follow-up, Kazakhstan, with UNODA’s support, will prepare a concise summary of the discussions outlining participants’ key proposals and potential areas for further cooperation.
