Published on: 2026-04-27
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Against the backdrop of growing nuclear risks and deepening global distrust, representatives of states from around the world are gathering at the UN headquarters to answer the key question: will the main international mechanism that restrains the proliferation of nuclear weapons be able to withstand. The 11th Review Conference is starting in New YorkTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
This treaty, which came into force in 1970, is considered one of the most important achievements in the history of the UN. It is aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting nuclear disarmament, and the development of the peaceful use of atomic energy. The document has been ratified by 191 countries and remains a cornerstone of international security.
New era of instability
Today, the nuclear weapons control system is experiencingone of the most serious crises of the decade. Many agreements from the time of the Cold War have either lost their force or ceased to be in effect. In particular, the term of the New START treaty between the United States and Russia, which limited strategic nuclear weapons, expired in February.
The decline in trust was reflected in the previous review conferences on the NPT – forums in 2015 and 2022 ended without the approval of final documents.
Current conference, running from April 27 to May 22, should assess the execution of the agreement and determine whether it is capable of ensuring progress in the field of disarmament and international cooperation.
“Collective amnesia”
Speaking at the opening of the conference on Monday, the UN Secretary-GeneralAntónio GuterresHe warned about the return of the nuclear threat and the weakening of the arms control system.
“This conference provides a timely opportunity to unite and protect humanity from the serious threat of nuclear annihilation,” he said.
Guterres reminded that after the Second World War, the world has already lived in a constant state of nuclear catastrophe threat.
“Humanity has lived in the shadow of a possible nuclear Armageddon,” he noted, adding that today the world is faced with a “collective amnesia” regarding these threats.
According to him, the situation is only getting worse. The head of the UN pointed to the growth of military expenditures, which have reached 2.7 trillion dollars, exceeding global development aid by 13 times. For the first time in decades, the number of nuclear warheads is increasing, and some states are openly considering the possibility of acquiring them.
“Have we forgotten that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be allowed?” – the General Secretary asked himself.
Contract under threat
Guterres emphasized that DNNP remains the main international effort to prevent a nuclear catastrophe, but its effectiveness is weakening.
“The obligations are not being fulfilled. Trust and authority are undermined,” he noted.
The Secretary-General called on states for the unconditional fulfillment of their obligations. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening the system of guarantees for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), compliance with the ban on nuclear tests, and the development of measures to prevent nuclear war.
New threats
The UN chief paid special attention to new risks associated with the development of technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
According to him, the agreement must adapt to new realities and take into account the connection between nuclear weapons and modern technologies.
The Secretary-General called on world leaders to abandon inaction: “Let’s overcome this collective amnesia. Let’s restore faith in what we can achieve together. Let’s act without delay to remove the threat looming over humanity.”
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