S/2021/325 Security Council

I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the briefing provided by Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, Permanent Representative of Mexico, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), as well as the statements delivered by the representatives of China, Estonia, France, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, the Niger, Norway, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Viet Nam in connection with the video-teleconference on “Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction” convened on Tuesday, 30 March 2021. In accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 7 May 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, this briefing and these statements will be issued as a document of the Security Council.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to brief the Security Council, as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), on the work of the Committee since the previous briefing (see S/2020/1143), as contained in the Chair’s letter dated 25 November 2020. I wish to express my gratitude to my predecessor, Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, and his staff for their steady chairmanship of the Committee, followed by a smooth handover to my team. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a vital component of the global non- proliferation architecture aimed at preventing non-State actors, including terrorists, from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction. States have made significant progress in the full implementation of the resolution. Nevertheless, some gaps remain, and the Security Council recognizes that the full and effective implementation of the resolution is a long-term task that will require continuous efforts at the national, regional and international levels. During 2020, owing to travel and other restrictions imposed so as to manage the coronavirus disease pandemic, the Committee took precautionary measures in conducting its business, which it did largely by virtual means. The Committee held one in-person meeting and undertook no in-person visits to States. In contrast with 59 in-person events in 2019, in 2020 the Committee participated in 19 events, most of them virtual, organized by States, international and regional organizations, and other United Nations bodies and committees to promote the full implementation of the resolution by all States. By virtual means, 24 informal consultations were also undertaken with Member States to discuss and clarify additional information they provided relevant to Committee matrices. Two virtual meetings were also held to discuss assistance requests, submitted to the Committee by Mongolia and Panama. The Committee finalized the updating and review of all matrix information in preparation for the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) that was initiated in 2019. On 2 March 2020, the Committee sent draft updated Committee matrices to all Member States, inviting comments and additional information on national implementation so as to provide the Committee with a more accurate set of data to assist in discharging its responsibilities. A total of 66 Member States responded to the invitation, of which 56 provided substantive comments and additional information. In December, the Committee finalized the review of 193 Committee matrices and published on its website updated matrices in respect of 190 Member States with their consent. To date, 184 countries have submitted initial reports providing the Committee with information on the measures that they have taken, or plan to take, to comply with their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). The effectiveness of the practical steps taken by States to implement the resolution is important. One of the activities in that respect is for States to develop voluntary national implementation action plans, as encouraged by operative paragraph 5 of resolution 2325 (2016). These help to identify actions to close any gaps and vulnerabilities in regulations and national control frameworks, foster inter-agency cooperation and identify areas where assistance may be required. In 2020, Colombia and the Dominican Republic submitted their second national implementation action plans, and the number of States that have submitted such plans to the Committee since 2007 now stands at 35. Member States are in the best position to identify effective national practices, to be shared with the 1540 Committee and other partners. During the last few years, an increasing number of States have undertaken peer reviews. In 2020, the Committee received reports from the Dominican Republic and Panama, and from Paraguay and Uruguay, respectively, on the outcome of two peer reviews organized in 2019, with a view to sharing experiences and good practices in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). To date, five peer reviews have been held globally, three of which were in the Latin American and Caribbean Group region. The Committee looks forward to hearing about the results of further peer reviews and will continue to support States that wish to conduct them, where appropriate. With regard to the national points of contact, in support of the resolution’s implementation, to date a total of 127 Member States, compared with 119 in 2019, have informed the Committee of their points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004). No regional points of contact training courses were conducted in 2020 owing to restrictions related to the pandemic. The Committee plays an important role in facilitating assistance to Member States to fulfil their 1540 obligations by matching assistance requests from States with offers of assistance, from States or international, regional or subregional organizations. In 2020, States submitted six new requests for assistance to the Committee, compared with 11 in 2019. The Committee received assistance requests from Chile, Colombia, Panama and Zambia, and two from Mongolia. The Committee web page lists States and international, regional and subregional organizations that offer 1540-related assistance. The Committee stands ready to add new programmes or updated information on assistance to its website. In addition to assistance provided by States and international, regional and subregional organizations, the Committee will undertake visits to States, at their invitation, to discuss national reporting, national implementation action plans, Committee matrices and assistance on implementation measures. The Committee continues to use its website for outreach to the public. For example, a message from the Chair is published every quarter to those who have subscribed through the website. In accordance with operative paragraph 3 of resolution 1977 (2011), the Committee is conducting a comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) prior to renewal of its mandate in April 2021. The review is an inclusive process. Contributions by Member States are particularly important, and the Committee will invite States, as well as international, regional and subregional organizations and the relevant civil-society organizations, as appropriate, to participate in open consultations. The Committee began its preparatory work for the comprehensive review in October 2019, but, owing to delays caused by the pandemic, and in order for States to be able to plan accordingly, the Chair informed the Security Council, by means of a letter dated 27 August 2020, that the Committee had decided that all remaining activities related to the review, including the open consultations, should be postponed until 2021, with the exception of the process then under way of revising the Committee matrices, and any other activities that could be undertaken in an online format. Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations can submit written comments to the review. In that regard, on 2 June letters were sent to United Nations bodies and international, regional and subregional organizations, inviting them to submit written inputs. To date, 12 have done so. A central theme of the comprehensive review is the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) by the States Members of the United Nations. The Committee will also address its role in facilitating assistance matchmaking, its outreach activities and its collaboration with relevant international, regional and subregional organizations and other United Nations bodies. The Committee is mandated to include recommendations, if needed, on adjustments to its mandate. A report on the comprehensive review will be submitted to the Security Council. The Committee has made progress in the discussion on the period of the technical extension of its mandate, as well as on the contents of its programme of work. Although consultations are still under way, I look forward to reaching agreement on those issues in the near future. The 1540 Committee regards the successful completion of the comprehensive review as its highest priority. I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to brief the Council today.

China congratulates Ambassador de la Fuente Ramírez, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), on assuming this important post, and welcomes his briefing to the Council on the work of the Committee. Since last year, the 1540 Committee has actively adjusted its work model to minimize the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It has done a lot of work and achieved positive results in promoting the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), advancing the comprehensive review process and updating information on countries’ implementation of the resolution. China appreciates the efforts made by the Chair, the Group of Experts and the Secretariat, and hopes that all parties will continue to improve their communication and cooperation in a constructive manner for the success of the Committee’s work this year. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery puts international peace and security at stake and poses a common challenge to the international community. Resolution 1540 (2004) was the first Council resolution dedicated to non-proliferation and is an important part of the international non-proliferation regime. Over the past 70 years, we have deepened international consensus on non-proliferation and made steady progress in advancing the non-proliferation regime and building cooperation in this area. At the same time, the risk of proliferation by non-State actors is on the rise, and the economic and social impact of COVID-19 has also affected international non-proliferation efforts. The situation remains grave. In view of the current international security situation, especially the developments in the field of non-proliferation, China wishes to make the following propositions to facilitate the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) and advance international non-proliferation process. First, we must achieve non-proliferation goals through multilateralism. Non- proliferation is a global challenge. As such, it cannot be solved without multilateral cooperation and the guidance of the United Nations. All parties should be guided by the shared vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable global security, accommodate the legitimate concerns of all countries, eliminate the root causes of proliferation and seek common security. It is imperative to strengthen the collective security mechanism, with the United Nations at its core, to uphold the authority of the Council and to address non-proliferation via political and diplomatic means through dialogue and consultation. Secondly, we must consolidate and improve the international non-proliferation regime. The international community should further enhance the universality of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention so as to ensure their comprehensive, effective and balanced implementation. The tenth NPT Review Conference, the ninth BWC Review Conference and the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) should be used as opportunities to strengthen these treaties and mechanisms. Thirdly, we must consider the proliferation risks associated with emerging technologies. New technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, gene editing and synthetic biology can be used for the proliferation of WMDs and their means of delivery. Countries should bolster Government monitoring and cooperate with international partners to effectively prevent non-State actors from abusing new technologies for proliferation activities. At the same time, we must not sacrifice scientific and technological progress for the sake of achieving non- proliferation goals. Fourthly, we must promote the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) through the comprehensive review, which should enable the Committee to fairly evaluate each country’s implementation of the resolution. While fully respecting each country’s sovereignty, the Committee should objectively assess evolving proliferation risks and support each nation’s efforts to develop priority goals and areas for implementation, in accordance with its international obligations and specific conditions. More targeted international cooperation is needed to support developing countries in building non-proliferation capacities. Efforts should be made to ensure an open, inclusive and transparent comprehensive review process, in which all countries, especially developing countries, can participate and have a say. China firmly opposes the proliferation of WMDs and their means of delivery. China has always fulfilled its international non-proliferation obligations and taken concrete actions to contribute to strengthening the non-proliferation regime at the national, regional and international levels. China’s export control law entered into effect in December. It marks a shift in China’s non-proliferation export control from an administrative model to a law-based model, and fully demonstrates China’s will and determination to strengthen non-proliferation export control. China was a pioneer in training national points of contact and — with the Committee — organized three training workshops for national points of contact in the Asia-Pacific. We are ready to continue to play a role in strengthening capacity- building in the Asia-Pacific and promote the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), and will actively participate in international cooperation and exchange with regard to non-proliferation legislation, enforcement, outreach and more. China will continue to work with all parties to promote the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), advance the comprehensive review of the resolution and make positive contributions to strengthening the global governance of non-proliferation.

Let me begin by thanking Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez for his briefing and for his and his team’s work since he assumed the position of Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I also wish to commend the dedicated and professional work of the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts. Their expertise and knowledge provide greatly support the work of the Committee and have been instrumental in strengthening the implementation of the resolution. The risk of terrorists or other non-State actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction is a real and serious threat to international security. The use of chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, the proliferation of missiles and its components to non-State actors in the Middle East are some recent reminders of the risks involved. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains one of the most critical instruments for preventing and countering those threats. Over the years, it has demonstrated its relevance in guiding Member States to take all necessary measures to prevent non- State actors from acquiring nuclear, chemical, biological or radiological weapons, or the equipment necessary for their production. We need to ensure that the resolution and its implementation remains effective and strong. In that context, it is encouraging to see that the number of States that have submitted their first reports to the Committee has reached 184. We encourage those States that have not yet submitted their reports to do so without delay. We also agree with the Chair of the Committee that national implementation action plans are useful tools for identifying gaps and vulnerabilities in regulations and control mechanisms so that necessary and appropriate action can follow. We like to see that States continue to submit their national implementation plans and share their best practices. Assistance and cooperation measures can help make the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) more effective. We welcome the Committee’s efforts to provide assistance by matching States’ requests with offers of assistance from other States or international, regional and subregional organizations. We also welcome its active engagement and cooperation with the Office for Disarmament Affairs, with international organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and INTERPOL, as well as with civil society, industry and academia. The biannual Wiesbaden Conferences are a good example of how private sector engagement can provide support by identifying measures to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Despite the disruptions caused by coronavirus disease pandemic, we are hopeful that the Committee can soon finalize the comprehensive review on the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). The comprehensive review is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the scope of the resolution and the mandate of the Committee and its Group of Experts. Estonia stands ready to ensure that the review process is inclusive, thorough and substantive, and that it takes into account the evolving nature of risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As terrorists and non-State actors adapt to new realities and technologies and the threat landscape evolves, so too must our responses. Resolution 1540 (2004) is an essential part of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. Estonia remains fully committed to supporting and contributing to the work of the 1540 Committee.

I too would like to thank Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez and assure him of our full support as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). For more than 15 years, resolution 1540 (2004) has been a pillar of our collective security system. Today, the threat remains and is evolving. The channels of proliferation are diversifying. The risk of biological, chemical and nuclear materials falling into the hands of terrorists remains high. In that context, the 1540 Committee is more essential than ever. I would like to highlight three aspects of the Committee’s work. First, the resolution must be implemented in a very concrete way. That includes securing sensitive materials and goods, strengthening border controls, setting up a legal framework to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery and establishing export control mechanisms. The prevention of proliferation financing must also improve. Like others, France has a solid national legal framework in that regard. Secondly, France attaches particular importance to its coordinating role in the Assistance Working Group. We stand ready to help States that request assistance. We must also strengthen cooperation with the relevant organizations, particularly the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Biological Weapons Convention, the export control regimes, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al- Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism. Finally, the full review of resolution 1540 (2004) continues this year, despite difficult health conditions. The work on the matrices has been largely completed and we can congratulate ourselves on this. We hope that the Committee will very soon be able to agree on an extension of its mandate, which must be long enough to allow an in-depth review. It is also urgent to agree on the work programme and the timetable of activities associated with it. In conclusion, let me pay a heartfelt tribute to the Group of Experts, whose analytical and advocacy work remains indispensable.

I thank my dear friend Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for his briefing on the Committee’s activities. I would also like to express my appreciation to his predecessor, Ambassador Djani, of Indonesia, for his chairmanship of the 1540 Committee. Let me begin by reaffirming India’s firm and unwavering commitment to global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Access to these weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors adds a serious dimension to the threat such weapons pose to international peace and security. Resolution 1540 (2004) identifies terrorists and terrorist groups as key non- State actors who may acquire, develop, traffic in or use weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. My country has been a victim of terrorism for several decades. As such, we are fully cognizant of the cataclysmic dangers that terrorist access to WMDs could entail. In that regard, since 2002 India has consistently co- sponsored the annual resolution in the General Assembly on measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, which was adopted by consensus (resolution 75/58). Preventing non-State actors, including terrorists, from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction is among the most important responsibilities of the international community. Biosecurity and biosafety measures have assumed particular salience in the context of the pandemic in order to prevent non-State actors, especially terrorists, from taking advantage of the situation. The focus on non-State actors, however, should in no way diminish State accountability in preventing access of non-State actors to these weapons, criminalizing and controlling such access and dismantling its support infrastructure of non-State actors. In that regard, my delegation accords great importance and support to the 1540 Committee’s mandate and its work. In furtherance of its long-standing commitment to global non-proliferation, India has established a strong law-based export control system to implement resolution 1540 (2004). I am happy to note that India is among the few countries that regularly provide the Committee with national reports on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We have also offered to share our knowledge and technical expertise in various areas as part of the Committee’s assistance framework. In that context, India — in collaboration with Germany, the 1540 Committee and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs — hosted a two-day India-Wiesbaden Conference on “Securing Global Supply Chains through Government-Industry Partnerships towards Effective Implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004)” in New Delhi in April 2018. India also hosted the “Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism” in February 2017. We fully support enhanced cooperation with international organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other relevant United Nations bodies in order to prevent non-State actors from acquiring WMDs. The Committee’s work last year was affected by the coronavirus disease pandemic, which is why much of the Committee’s planned activities could not take place. But the Committee can derive satisfaction from the fact that it was one of the few committees to hold an in-person meeting in 2020. We recommend that the Committee should take a similar lead this year as well and set an example. The year 2021 holds great significance for the 1540 Committee. Understandably, the focus should be on the comprehensive review, which has already been delayed by a year. As part of the review, this year, we expect the Committee to undertake a series of activities that will chart the future course of the Committee and its mandate. The completion of a robust comprehensive review before the end of the year should be a common objective and priority. We are therefore concerned that the Committee’s programme of work for 2021 has not yet been adopted. The Committee has already lost two months, and we urge it to adopt the programme of work as soon as possible so that its activities can commence without delay.

I would like to thank Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez for his briefing on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I would like to assure him and his team of our full support in the demanding task that lies ahead of them. Ireland attaches great value to the work of the 1540 Committee. Any threat or use of weapons of mass destruction is quite simply abhorrent. The full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) will ensure that non-State actors are prevented from acquiring and using such weapons. Resolution 1540 (2004) forms an essential part of the global non-proliferation architecture in this regard. We encourage States to continue to take their responsibilities under this resolution seriously. This year much of our focus will be on the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). The review provides an opportunity for us to reinforce our collective resolve to advance our work under the resolution. We thank Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani and his team for the work carried out last year. The restrictions caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have meant that much of the work still needs to be completed. Ireland sees monitoring, assistance and outreach as vital to fulfilling the Committee’s mandate. Through its monitoring, outreach and assistance work, the Committee can help States to identify any gaps and vulnerabilities in regulations and national control frameworks. It can also help in areas where assistance may be required. We hope to see this work further strengthened under the comprehensive review. International and regional organizations and civil society, including academia and the private sector, also have an important contribution to make. The Committee should be open to all views and experiences to ensure the best outcome for the review. It is also important, in our view, to maintain continued cooperation between the 1540 Committee and the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001). However, while the comprehensive review is a key part of the Committee’s work this year, it is also vital that the Committee’s regular work continues in parallel. In the next month, the Council will need to decide on the rollover of the Committee’s mandate. Given the continuing uncertainties caused by COVID-19, it is important that we give ourselves time and flexibility to complete the comprehensive review in the best way possible. For this reason, we see a timeline to April 2022 as the most suitable option. Finally, we hope that the Committee can quickly finalize its programme of work so we can get down to business.

I welcome the briefing by Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez and commend him on his leadership of the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). The work of the 1540 Committee is a critical component of the global non- proliferation architecture designed to prevent non-State actors, including terrorists, from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction. Kenya therefore takes the work of the Committee seriously, as it considers that the threat of weapons of mass destructions remains real and continues to evolve. It is clear to all that the coronavirus disease pandemic has made the logistics of the work of the Committee, and indeed, the Council generally, more complex. However, the past year has also shown that there are innovative ways, to ensure that the important work of the Council goes on. We note in this regard that the Committee took precautionary measures in conducting its business, which it did largely by virtual means. As we consider the way forward for the 1540 Committee, Kenya is eager to see two things: first, that the work of the Committee moves forward, and secondly, that Committee meetings that require the involvement of experts from capitals can attract and receive the broadest possible participation. In this regard, we duly acknowledge the various concerns expressed in relation to the options for extension of the Committee’s mandate and the programme of work. We all agree that the comprehensive review and its open consultations constitute a key part of the work of the Committee, and, with both pending, it is important to remain flexible and open to options that would ensure that the Committee resumes its important work. That is why I wish to reaffirm Kenya’s flexibility on any agreed path that would get us back to the substantive work of the Committee. I reiterate Kenya’s full support for Ambassador De la Fuente Ramírez as Chair of the Committee and reaffirm our readiness to constructively engage in this important work.

I will make a very brief statement in my national capacity. Mexico reiterates its conviction that the multilateral non-proliferation architecture needs to be strengthened to prevent the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of weapons of mass destruction and to build a more peaceful and secure world. The international situation shows us once again how multilateral cooperation is indispensable to addressing global challenges, including those related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Much in the world may have changed with the coronavirus disease pandemic, but if there is one thing that has not diminished, it is the threat of non-State actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction. However, and somewhat paradoxically, advances in science and technology, with all the benefits they bring to humankind, also represent, as noted in this context, a new proliferation-related challenge. Accordingly, the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) offers an important opportunity for members of the Security Council and the wider membership of the United Nations to reflect on what needs to be done to strengthen and adjust the mandate to this new reality. We will also be able to reflect on how to enhance the role of the Committee in supporting States in fulfilling their obligations. I am confident that, together, we will be able to identify elements that will help strengthen the work of the Committee and thereby prevent the continuation of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors.

I would like to thank Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez for his briefing on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), which he chairs. The threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a growing concern, and the work of the 1540 Committee is more important than ever to preventing and deterring the proliferation of these types of weapons and their means of delivery. My delegation welcomes the significant progress made in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) despite the difficulties caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and commends the work of its Panel of Experts as well as the headway made by a majority of States in implementing the resolution. We stress that national Governments have the primary responsibility for ensuring the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and call on them to take the necessary steps to strengthen their capabilities to counter the threats posed by the possibility of terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Equally important is the need to maintain contact with specialized international, regional and subregional organizations, particularly in the area of capacity-building. Accordingly, we call on the Committee to find a consensus on adopting its programme of work for this year, which usually revolves around four main themes: national monitoring and implementation, assistance, cooperation with international organizations and other relevant United Nations bodies, and transparency and media outreach. In conclusion, my delegation has no objection to a possible extension of the Committee’s current mandate, which expires on 25 April 2021, to allow for the completion of the remaining activities of the comprehensive review, which have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Norway would like to thank Mexico and Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez for taking up the task of chairing the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and for briefing the Council today. We would also like to thank the Panel of Experts for its excellent work in very challenging circumstances — not least because of the restrictions necessitated by the current environment surrounding the coronavirus disease. The Panel of Experts has Norway’s full support. We note that a number of activities were postponed as a result of the pandemic. But we are pleased to see that the Committee and the Panel of Experts have been able to adjust to new working methods and that the work on the Committee matrices was completed last year. I have two comments on the work of the Committee going forward. First, the 1540 Committee focuses on the important work of preventing the proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors. We reiterate our concern regarding the continually evolving nature of the risk of proliferation, including the rapid advances in science, technology and international commerce. In this respect, I can assure the Chair of the 1540 Committee that Norway looks forward to constructively engaging with him and all Council members on the comprehensive review, leading up to the renewal of the Committee’s mandate. The open consultations are a key part of the comprehensive review. It is important that these consultations are robust and that a broad range of stakeholders are included. Secondly, to achieve the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), we must ensure that States requiring and requesting assistance receive it. An efficient and regularly updated process that matches requests with offers of assistance is therefore essential. The prospect of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is of real and continuous concern. Resolution 1540 (2004) is a vital component of the global non- proliferation architecture, and the work of the Committee is as important as ever. We look forward to contributing to that work in the years ahead.

We thank the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), the Permanent Representative of Mexico, Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, for his substantive briefing. As this was his first briefing in his capacity as Chair of the 1540 Committee, I would like to wish him every success in his work at the helm of this subsidiary body of the Council. We count on his honourably discharging his role as Chair and brokering the Committee’s negotiations work in a fair manner. Russia consistently and deeply relies on resolution 1540 (2004) as one of the few universal instruments in the area of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Indeed, the resolution has been incorporated as a priority into Russia’s foreign policy strategy. The successful implementation of the resolution at national levels should be promoted by the efforts of this specialized Security Council committee, which should monitor and coordinate global efforts to provide technical support to States in need upon their request. Although the 1540 Committee functions on the basis of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, it is not mandated to force any “services” on the States Members of the United Nations. The resolution does not restrict the sovereign right of States to define their own ways of implementing its provisions. Much needs to be done to meet the basic goal, which is the full and universal implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Unfortunately, the circumstances of force majeure created by the coronavirus disease pandemic have had an ongoing negative impact on the work of the 1540 Committee, with many tracks on the non- proliferation agenda suffering as a result. We nevertheless remain convinced that the interruptions occasioned by this emergency must not undermine the effectiveness of the Committee in its efforts. We are faced with the pivotal task of completing the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), which began last year pursuant to resolution 1977 (2011). We expect the review to be productive and enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), as well as the work of the 1540 Committee and its Panel of Experts. We believe that our main task is to preserve the spirit of cooperation that surrounds the resolution, which is particularly important considering the current turbulence in international affairs. The resolution remains one of the few islands of stability and non-confrontation in multilateral diplomacy. Provision of technical assistance to States should remain a priority track for the 1540 Committee. It is of principal importance that the Committee be the central coordinator of global efforts in relation to the resolution and that it be able to define the goals and priorities of this work. We believe that we all have an interest in enhancing the 1540 Committee’s effectiveness and that the Committee should rely upon the unifying principles set forth in resolution 1540 (2004). Otherwise, our controversies at this non-proliferation platform will play into the hands of those whom resolution 1540 (2004) was designed to counter, namely, non-State entities, including terrorists, who seek to possess weapons of mass destruction and their precursors.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thanks Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez for his informative briefing, and we express our support for Mexico in its ongoing efforts as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a vital element in the global architecture to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery and related materials to non-State actors. The threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to and through non-State actors is constantly evolving. Therefore, it is imperative that perpetrators be held accountable, as the use of these weapons remains unacceptable. The significant progress that States have made since the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) is quite encouraging. However, as mentioned by the Chair, its full and effective implementation is a long-term task that will require continuous efforts at all regional and international levels. In this regard, we are particularly pleased by the precautionary measures taken by the Committee during 2020 to maintain the coordination between the Committee and international, regional and subregional organizations, despite the many challenges posed by the coronavirus disease pandemic. The Committee must be commended for finalizing the review of 193 matrices and for publishing 190 updated matrices on its website. We also applaud the 184 Member States that submitted implementation reports on measures they have taken or plan to undertake in compliance with their obligations under resolution 1540, (2004) as encouraged by paragraph 5 of resolution 2325 (2016). We also take this opportunity to encourage the Committee to continue its efforts in facilitating technical assistance to Member States to review and strengthen their mechanisms for safeguarding against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as to strengthen dialogue and cooperation. To conclude, we reaffirm our commitment to contributing to the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including the implementation of our obligations to enhance the security of nuclear materials and their means of delivery. We reiterate our support for the activities of the Committee and the Group of Experts, and we express our full support for the extension of the mandate of resolution 1540 (2004).

At the outset, I should like to thank the Permanent Representative of Mexico, Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, for his valuable briefing on the activities of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We also welcome the progress made by States in implementing the resolution and commend the efforts of the Group of Experts that assists the Committee and of the Office for Disarmament Affairs to support States’ implementation of the resolution, which is one of the most important components of the international non-proliferation regime and is intended to prevent non-State actors, including terrorist organizations, from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction. The threat of terrorist groups acquiring weapons of mass destruction remains cause for great concern and seriously jeopardizes international peace and security. Efforts to address the threat must be intensified, particularly in the light of emerging trends in terrorism and scientific and technological developments. We look forward to the renewal of the mandate of the Committee, which must continue to provide all necessary information and updates so that States can understand their commitments under the resolution and learn about emerging threats. In the same vein, we call for cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations to be strengthened in order to support the work of the Committee and help Member States to honour their commitments. With regard to the Council’s decision that the Committee should conduct a comprehensive review of the status of the implementation of the resolution prior to the renewal of the Committee’s mandate, we welcome the Chair’s statement in his briefing that Member States, international, regional and subregional organizations and the civil society organizations concerned will be invited to participate fully in the process. Tunisia submitted its first report on the implementation of the resolution in October 2004 and an additional report in November 2019. It has also appointed national points of contact and completed the process of updating the matrix of information on its implementation of the resolution. The matrix was approved by the Committee in December 2020. Tunisia also emphasizes the importance of universal adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction, and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. All States parties must meet their obligations in order to maintain the credibility of the treaties. We reiterate our concern that the continuing lack of tangible progress in the area of disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and successive announcements of programmes for the modernization of nuclear arsenals will weaken the entire non- proliferation regime. The establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is essential to achieving the objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation. The decision to establish such a zone was and remains an integral part of the 1995 deal to extend the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons indefinitely. The Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction, the first session of which was held in 2018, is a positive step towards achieving that goal and deserves full support, particularly from the depositary States of the Treaty, which sponsored the 1995 resolution on the Middle East. We once again call on all parties concerned to participate constructively in future sessions of the Conference. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our conviction that efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction must be strengthened. Tunisia stands ready to cooperate closely in support of those efforts, including through the activities of the Committee.

We would like to thank the Mexican Permanent Representative and his team for their hard work in chairing the Security Council committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We also extend warm thanks to the Group of Experts that supports the committee. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains an essential component of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture that protects all States from the use by non-State actors of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the means of delivery of these weapons. The threat posed by these weapons has evolved since the Council adopted resolution 1540 (2004) in 2004. The United Kingdom remains particularly concerned about non-State actors’ attempted use of crude toxin weapons such as ricin. The comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004), delayed from last year, is essential to ensuring that the Committee’s work remains fit for purpose. There are three key elements to making the comprehensive review a success. First, it should be open and transparent so all States can engage and the Council can ensure that the renewed mandate addresses their needs. Secondly, it should focus on assistance. Tackling the proliferation of these weapons and their delivery means is complex, so we need to ensure States receive the comprehensive and effective assistance they require. Thirdly, the review needs adequate time. Therefore, the Council should agree a sufficiently long extension of the Committee’s current mandate to allow the thorough review process that the Committee previously agreed, despite the current challenging circumstances. For our part, the United Kingdom stands ready to provide legal and regulatory expertise as well as broader support to States looking to meet their obligations and strengthen their national regulatory frameworks, including their ability to implement their laws and regulations governing chemical, nuclear and biological activities. Finally, let me stress that resolution 1540 forms part of the wider international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, which includes the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the various multilateral export control regimes. The strength of this international architecture comes from all parts of it working together effectively, so we continue to support strong cooperation between the resolution 1540 (2004) Committee and the Group of Experts with these institutions.

Let me start by thanking Ambassador de la Fuente Ramírez, as others have done, for his briefing and for Mexico’s leadership of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including to terrorists and other non-State actors, remains among the most serious threats facing the international community. Our collective efforts to address this threat are as important now as they have ever been. The 1540 Committee continued to undertake important work this past year, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The United States very much appreciates the engagement of the Committee’s Group of Experts with other international organizations. Those include the International Atomic Energy Agency, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. Similarly, the Committee’s regional collaboration with the Organization of American States, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Caribbean Community has also helped promote the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We appreciate their efforts with the regional offices of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs over the past year. These are important instances of the cooperation and outreach undertaken by the Committee and its Group of Experts. Their work protects us from the worst consequences — non-State actors acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction. Their actions save lives. While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the scheduled comprehensive review from taking place in 2020, we, like others, look forward to a technical extension of the mandate of the 1540 Committee for a period of one year, through April 2022. A technical extension should leave sufficient time for the Security Council to benefit from the robust discussions of the comprehensive review before undertaking a substantive update to the Committee’s mandate. On the comprehensive review’s content, we need to further focus and streamline the 1540 Committee’s engagement with Member States. States must have access to the Committee’s information and its resources. And they must have the opportunity to collaborate with the Committee to best formulate their national assistance requests. The Committee, in turn, will then be better able to identify appropriate assistance providers. The Committee must also adapt to evolving proliferation threats. That includes making all States aware of emerging technologies, like synthetic biology or unmanned aerial vehicles, that could be used to deliver weapons of mass destruction. We also must fully empower the Group of Experts to independently promote the Committee’s work to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. This includes the panel’s engagement with Member States, regional and subregional organizations, 1540 regional coordinators and civil society. In the meantime, Member States can take forward steps even before the comprehensive review to help promote the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). One simple step would be to appoint national 1540 points of contact. National points of contact are an important resource for enhancing States’ interactions with the Committee and for promoting effective coordination within Member States as they seek to implement the resolution. We encourage all Member States to identify their 1540 points of contact for the Committee to aid in these efforts. We look forward to working with the Chair, the members of the Council and all United Nations States Member to ensure a successful comprehensive review. This is one of the few established, authoritative international measures in place to address the threat of weapons of mass destruction being acquired and used by terrorists or non-State actors. The comprehensive review and the 1540 mandate renewal can have a defining role in our efforts to address the threat. We ask the members of the Council to be united in ensuring that we are successful. The stakes could not be higher.

I thank Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for his first briefing to the Security Council. I would like assure him of my delegation’s full support and cooperation for the success of this important Committee. The implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) has achieved many positive results since 2004. The high level of cooperation among States stands out, as manifested by their submissions to, and interactions with, the Committee and with each other. However, the threat landscape on weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) is continuously changing. Terrorism and proliferation continue to pose a grave threat to international peace and security. We are concerned over the complexity of the issue and potential proliferation threats, as well as risks of WMDs falling into the hands of non-State actors and risks of new technologies being used by terrorists. The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic reminds us of the importance of preventing such great forces from being used by malicious entities. We must not let our guard down. We therefore stress the importance of the implementation of all non- proliferation frameworks, especially the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention and resolution 1540 (2004). This year is special, as we will hold the tenth NPT Review Conference and the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004). We need to ensure the success of these reviews for better and more effective implementation on the non- proliferation of WMDs in the coming years. We note with appreciation the efforts of all Committee members, its four working groups, the Chair, the Group of Experts and the Secretariat in promoting the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We commend the Committee’s efforts in discussing the technical extension of its mandate, as well as on the contents of its programme of work and the completion of its important tasks of updating and reviewing all matrices for the preparation of the upcoming comprehensive review. We specially commend the efforts of the Committee to continue to engage with and assist Member States virtually over the past year in the context of COVID-19. Looking ahead, I would like to stress two areas of focus for the Committee. First, the Committee should further strengthen its assistance for States in need of capacity-building and technical assistance, including with a tailored approach that responds to regional and national particularities. Secondly, it should strengthen the cooperation among relevant regional and international organizations and other Council’s committees, especially in terms of the sharing of information and best practices among themselves. Viet Nam reaffirms its consistent policy of supporting the non-proliferation of WMDs with a view to their general and complete disarmament, as well as the right of States to peaceful applications of related technologies. We have been continuing to strengthen our domestic implementation of all non-proliferation obligations, including through solidifying the legal framework and implementation mechanisms, and actively participate in international cooperation frameworks at regional, interregional and global levels. In conclusion, we are committed to the full implementation of all the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1540 (20040. We will continue to support the work of the Committee and its Chair, the success of the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004)this year and the global non-proliferation regime at large.