S/PV.9205 Security Council

At the outset of the meeting, on behalf of the members of the Security Council, I should like to express our deepest sympathy to the Government and the people of China on the passing of former President Jiang Zemin. Former President Jiang Zemin will be remembered by the international community for his dedicated contribution to global peace, security and development and for his role in China’s reforms, its opening up, modernization and economic development. His passing, as we understand it, is a great loss to China and to the international community. On behalf of the Council, I ask that all here stand and observe a minute of silence in memory of former President Jiang Zemin.

I now call on the representative of China.

I thank the Security Council for this special moment of silence. The passing of Mr. Jiang Zemin, former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and former President of China, is an incalculable loss to the Communist Party of China, the Chinese Government and the Chinese people. During his tenure as China’s top leader, he made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, as well as to the promotion of friendly and cooperative relations between China and the rest of the world. I will convey to the Chinese Government, the Chinese people and the family of Mr. Jiang Zemin the sympathy and condolences just expressed by the President of the Council on behalf of all Council members. Adoption of the agenda

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2022/881, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by Mexico. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2663 (2022). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

At the outset, on behalf of my delegation, may I extend our condolences to the Government and the people of China on the passing of their former President, Jiang Zemin. I would also like to strongly commend Ambassador De la Fuente Ramírez and his team for their efforts in guiding the work to a successful conclusion of the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004). It was a difficult and challenging role, and his work and that of his team was exemplary in guiding progress by the Committee established pursuant to the resolution. His diplomacy, professionalism and patience resulted in the adoption of resolution 2663 (2022) today. Ireland attaches great importance to resolution 1540 (2004), which forms an essential part of the global non-proliferation architecture. The full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) can ensure that non-State actors are prevented from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction. That is why we supported and welcome the adoption of the resolution today, which provides a renewed mandate for the 1540 Committee. Building on resolution 1540 (2004) and its successors, it will provide an important basis for the work of the 1540 Committee over the next 10 years. The full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) remains essential, and we encourage States to continue to take seriously their responsibilities under the resolution. The 1540 Committee and the Group of Experts do vital work in that regard. Similarly, international and regional organizations and civil society, including academia and the private sector, also have a significant contribution to make in helping to ensure the robust implementation of the resolution. It is important that, under its new mandate, the Committee look at the key challenges in this area. That includes the evolving nature of the risks of proliferation arising from rapid advances in science, technology and international commerce. We would also point to the need to identify and prevent the financing of activities involving the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery by non-State actors. Finally, the reference to the need for the Committee to address the full, equal and meaningful participation of women is welcome. However, we hope to see further work by the Committee to come into line with other parts of the disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, as well as the wider United Nations agenda on this issue.

We voted in favour of resolution 2663 (2022), as the United Kingdom is steadfast in its commitment to preventing the proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a key pillar of the non-proliferation framework. We call on all States to implement their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004) in full. We pay tribute to the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and to his team in guiding us through the review process and to a new 10-year mandate for the Committee. We thank the Group of Experts and its Coordinator for their support to the Committee in its work. The obligations set out in resolution 1540 (2004) remain as relevant as ever, but the context in which States are implementing them has changed since 2004. We are disappointed that, due to the resistance of one Council member, the new mandate did not go further in strengthening the 1540 Committee’s support to Member States as they implement the resolution, including on the important issue of proliferation financing. We look forward to continuing cooperation with all Council members through the 1540 Committee. The risks of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors are grave. Collectively, we must redouble our efforts to address them.

Let me join you, Mr. President, and colleagues in expressing our condolences to the Government and the people of China on the passing of former President Jiang Zemin. We welcome today’s adoption of resolution 2663 (2022) and thank Mexico for the effort and commitment in advancing the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), as well as for their very patient efforts and the leadership shown to achieve consensus. In that regard, the adoption of resolution 2663 (2022) today sends the right message, with a new mandate for the 1540 Committee to meet current challenges and make it more effective in the future. My country attaches special and continued importance to the implementation of treaties on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. We remain fully committed to strong international cooperation in order to prohibit the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the materials necessary for the development of such weapons by non-State actors, and resolution 1540 (2004) is an essential element of the global non-proliferation architecture. Needless to say, its full and effective implementation remains essential. The fight against threats of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a long-term and continuous task. We need to maintain our focus and always adapt and improve. And in that regard, we regret that improvements proposed to the text were not agreed. The proper implementation of the resolution requires close cooperation between the 1540 Committee and its Panel of Experts, primarily in the area of assistance to Member States. We welcome the support and contribution of regional and international organizations and the involvement of representatives of civil society, industry and academia. Lastly, we also support the strengthening of the meaningful participation of women in the decision-making process for the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).

First of all, I would like to once again thank you, Mr. President, and other members of the Security Council for offering their condolences on the passing of former President Jiang Zemin of China. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery is a matter of concern with regard to world peace, security and stability. Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of the international community, the international non-proliferation regime has seen improvement over the long term and the non-proliferation process has made increasingly significant progress. At the same time, we continue to see a dire international non-proliferation situation, in which the risks and challenges related to the acquisition of WMDs by non-State actors remain. The unfair and unreasonable aspects of the international non-proliferation regime remain striking, while the right of the majority of developing countries to the peaceful use of science and technology continues to be subject to many restrictions. Resolution 1540 (2004) was the first Council resolution dedicated to non-proliferation and is important for strengthening the implementation of the international non-proliferation regime and advancing the international non-proliferation process. Since its establishment in 2004, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) has done a great deal of constructive work pursuant to its mandate and has effectively promoted international cooperation on non-proliferation. The current situation makes the Council’s adoption of resolution 2663 (2022), which extends the mandate of the 1540 Committee for 10 years, exceptionally significant. Looking ahead to the next 10 years, the Committee should remain aware of its priorities, develop reasonable plans, improve efficiency and promote the implementation of the resolution. We would like to propose the following. First, the Committee should adhere to the mandate conferred upon it by the resolution, closely focus its work on the core purpose of preventing non-State actors from engaging in proliferation activities and appropriately address the evolving risks related to proliferation. Secondly, the Committee should support States in setting priority objectives and areas in order to implement the resolution, in accordance with their international obligations and country-specific circumstances, and it should respect the leading role of States in non-proliferation efforts. Thirdly, the Committee should fulfil all its responsibilities, especially by stepping up its contribution in terms of technical assistance and international cooperation and effectively helping developing countries to strengthen their non-proliferation capacity-building. Fourthly, while effectively addressing the risks of proliferation, the Committee should fully respect the right of developing countries to the peaceful use of science and technology, without discrimination, as well as international cooperation, in order to strike a better balance between security and development. Non-proliferation is a long-term task that the international community faces, and the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) will also involve a long-term process. We hope that all parties will abide by our shared, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, take advantage of the extension of the 1540 Committee’s mandate as an opportunity to jointly promote the comprehensive and effective implementation of the resolution, and jointly strengthen global non-proliferation governance. China will also continue to make efforts and contributions to that end.

At the outset, I would like to offer the sincere condolences of the United Arab Emirates to the People’s Republic of China on the passing of former President Jiang Zemin. His tenure will be remembered for China’s economic prosperity and stability. Under his leadership, China galvanized international efforts to promote global development and uphold the rights of women by hosting the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. His legacy lives on. Turning to the adoption of resolution 2663 (2022), I would like to thank Ambassador De la Fuente Ramírez and the Mexican delegation for their able leadership and tireless efforts as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), leading the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and achieving the adoption of the landmark resolution 2663 (2022). The United Arab Emirates welcomes the unanimous adoption of the resolution, which enhances the work of the 1540 Committee and its essential role in further assisting Member States in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2022) and builds upon the outcomes of the most recent comprehensive review, including the deliberations of Member States and other stakeholders during the Committee’s open consultations. The United Arab Emirates also takes this opportunity to highlight its view of the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all disarmament and non-proliferation activities and discussions consistent with the Council’s women and peace and security commitments. While recognizing that the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) is a long-term endeavour, the United Arab Emirates believes that, with the support of its Group of Experts, the successful mandate renewal of the 1540 Committee for another 10 years will provide the Committee with the necessary framework to address the continually evolving nature of the risks of proliferation within its mandate.

At the outset, on behalf of our delegation, let me also convey our deepest condolences on the passing of former President Jiang Zemin of China. Norway would like to thank Mexico for its efforts as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) in moving the Committee’s work forward over the course of the past two years. We are very supportive of the professional manner in which work has been undertaken by the Chair, including in the context of the Committee’s comprehensive review and its mandate renewal. We appreciate that Mexico has strived to hear all voices and pursue an inclusive and balanced approach throughout its chairmanship in the face of a difficult environment. Norway voted in favour of resolution 2663 (2022) to renew the mandate of the 1540 Committee. Norway is working towards balanced, mutual, irreversible and verifiable nuclear disarmament and to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The 1540 Committee has an important role to play in reaching that goal. Norway remains strongly supportive of the role of the Group of Experts and hopes that the Committee will begin to review its internal guidelines as soon as possible in order to allow the 1540 Committee to better utilize its expertise. Norway is pleased that the resolution was able to reflect the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women with regard to matters related to non-proliferation. The inclusion of that reference is based on inputs raised by a cross-regional group of Member States during the 1540 Committee’s open consultations. Ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women is central to harnessing diverse expertise, sharpening technical assistance and building new areas for cooperation, capacity-building and training in relation to the work undertaken by the 1540 Committee. The nineteenth preambular paragraph of the resolution also reflects the approach outlined in the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament and is in line with resolution 1325 (2000), which recognizes that women’s participation is of great importance for issues relevant to international peace and security. In conclusion, the prospect of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery is of real and continuous concern, especially considering the continuously evolving nature of proliferation risks, including the rapid advances in science, technology and international commerce. Therefore, please be assured of our full support for the work of the 1540 Committee.

At the outset, allow me to express our condolences to our Chinese friends following the passing of the former President of China and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, Mr. Jiang Zemin. The name of this outstanding statesman is inextricably linked with an important period in China’s recent history, marked by major accomplishments in economic and social development and the strengthening of his country’s international standing. As a co-sponsor of resolution 1540 (2004), the Russian Federation attaches great importance to that unique Council instrument in the area of non-proliferation, which retains its full relevance today. We are wholly committed to the aims and objectives of the resolution, which requires all United Nations Member States to establish and improve national control systems for nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, their means of delivery and related materials in order to prevent their falling into the hands of non-State actors, including terrorists, which allows us to formulate a global response to global non-proliferation challenges. Today an important decision was unanimously taken to extend for 10 years the mandate of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) . That decision was the result of the serious efforts, constructive approach and flexibility demonstrated by all Council members, thanks to which the document is truly consensus-based in nature. We are grateful to all partners for their work. We highly appreciate the efforts of the Mexican chairmanship of the 1540 Committee. Mexico’s professionalism has enabled us not only to adopt resolution 2663 (2022) but also to successfully conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Mexico assumed the chairmanship of the Committee almost two years ago and was able to ensure the proper organization of all stages of that complex process, including by holding open consultations of the Committee with Member States. The outcome of the review and the extensive consultations allowed for agreement on a report of the 1540 Committee to the Security Council that turned out to be factual, balanced and consensus-based, with its provisions forming the basis of the resolution adopted today. We trust that with the adoption of a new substantive resolution, that important subsidiary body of the Security Council will be able to more effectively carry out its assigned tasks of monitoring and documenting national measures to implement resolution 1540 (2004), as well as coordinating efforts to provide technical assistance to States upon their request. We are convinced that the key to the success of the Committee’s work, including in the new areas approved by the members of the Security Council in resolution 2663 (2022), is its respect for all United Nations Member States, while fully taking their interests and needs into account and providing timely responses to the requests it receives. We hope that its work will continue in that vein. For our part, we reaffirm our commitment to continue constructive cooperation with all partners and preserve in the Committee the inherent spirit of resolution 1540 (2004), with a view to ensuring the full and successful implementation of the resolution by all Member States. That will allow us to move forward in addressing global non-proliferation challenges and combating weapons of mass destruction terrorism. In conclusion, given that this is the last Security Council meeting scheduled for November, on behalf of my delegation I would like to thank the Ghanaian presidency for its effective, able and professional leadership of the Council throughout November.

I thank Ambassador De la Fuente Ramírez for his superb leadership of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) over the past two years and his constructive and collaborative work on resolution 2663 (2022) adopted today. His tenure serves as an example to future Chairs of the Council’s subsidiary bodies. The United States voted in favour of the resolution, which more than any other in the Security Council’s remit seeks to address the existential threat of non-State actors potentially acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction. We also welcome today’s unanimous renewal of the 1540 Committee’s mandate for another 10 years. The Committee remains a critical tool for addressing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. Importantly, the resolution emphasizes the central role of the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts, which comprises exceedingly talented independent experts in the substantive and technical fields relevant to the work of the 1540 Committee. They monitor and support the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and its successor resolutions and assist Member States in strengthening their implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), consistent with their obligations. With the new mandate, the Council reaffirms the importance of transparency and accountability in the work of its subsidiary bodies by increasing its interactions with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, industry and academia, and by making available technical information resources that Member States may find useful in their efforts to implement resolution 1540 (2004). While we are pleased with the unanimous adoption of resolution 2663 (2022), we were disappointed that one Council member blocked efforts to make the work of the 1540 Committee more efficient and effective. Elements proposed by the Chair in the course of the resolution’s drafting would have given the Committee and its Group of Experts the tools they need to support Member States more equitably, consistently and promptly in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to and by non-State actors. However, we were pleased to note that thanks to the strong efforts of the Chair, the resolution calls upon the Committee to review its guidelines — a review process that we hope will lead to the enhancement of the Committee’s work that we had hoped to see in the resolution itself. With regard to those Committee members from whom we see recalcitrance and cynicism, we very much hope that future generations of stewardship of resolution 1540 (2004) and the 1540 Committee grow more agile and more visionary. We hope that they can guide the Committee towards the most effective possible disposition and capability in addressing that gravest of threats. Today the Council unanimously voted in favour of a more effective, more transparent and more accountable 1540 Committee, which will continue to support Member States in their efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to and by non-State actors for another 10 years. That success was not preordained — it is due to the dedication and hard work of the majority of the members of the Council and the steadfast and exemplary work of the Chair of the 1540 Committee. We are very grateful for those efforts — the stakes could not be higher.

India welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2663 (2022) to extend the mandate of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). As others have done, I would like to place on record our appreciation for Mexico for shepherding consensus on the resolution and its leadership throughout the comprehensive review process. India voted in favour of the resolution, as we accord high importance to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and the role of the 1540 Committee in facilitating it. With the pronounced threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), their means of delivery and related materials, equipment and technology to terrorist groups and other non-State actors, the full and effective implementation of the resolution assumes far greater importance today than when it was adopted 18 years ago (see S/PV.4956). Therefore, the Committee should continue to work with Member States in addressing the rapid evolution of proliferation risks, particularly the risk of access to WMDs by terrorist groups and other non-State actors due to advances in new and emerging technologies. We hope that with its renewed mandate, which enhances the Committee’s outreach with Member States and focuses on refining its assistance mechanism, including through a regional approach involving countries with the relevant expertise, the Committee will be in a better position to assist Member States in their implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We also welcome the strengthening of the Committee’s cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations and other Security Council Committees.

At the outset, I would like to express my condolences, on behalf of Mexico, to the People’s Republic of China for the sad passing of former President Jiang Zemin. Mexico thanks the members of the Council for the support that enabled the unanimous adoption of resolution 2663 (2022), which renews the mandate of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). As evident from the statements we have just heard, it has not been a simple process, nor has it been free of obstacles. No process is. Nevertheless, in the face of differences in positions, expressed numerous times, Mexico made every effort to find solutions that would facilitate convergence, taking into account the differing points of view of all delegations. We are therefore pleased that an agreement was reached and that the Council has extended for 10 years the mandate of a Committee that has as its main task supporting States in their efforts to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction. This extension will also further strengthen the assistance that States require to fulfil their obligations. In substantive terms, this resolution takes into account the deliberations that took place during the comprehensive review, which Mexico had the opportunity to chair and in which all States Members of the United Nations could participate, if they so desired. The resolution again provides for two comprehensive reviews over the next 10 years, which is essential if the Committee is to be responsive to the concerns of the international community. For Mexico, a country with a feminist foreign policy, it is a matter of great satisfaction that, for the first time, the Security Council is encouraging the Committee to pay due attention to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all its activities. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and the Ghanaian team for the excellent conduct of our work during November, wish every success to the Indian delegation in December and thank the members of my delegation who participated in this delicate negotiation.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Ghana. In its national capacity, Ghana would like to reiterate its condolences to the Government and people of China, as well as to the family of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who passed away earlier today. We acknowledge his unique contribution to global peace and development and to China’s unprecedented progress and prosperity. His legacy will certainly be remembered. We welcome the unanymous adoption of resolution  2663 (2022), which renews the mandate of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), following its comprehensive review. It is auspicious that this mandate renewal occurred during our cycle of membership in the Council, and we believe that the role of the 1540 Committee remains pivotal in dealing with existing global challenges regarding disarmament and non-proliferation, especially as it relates to non-State actors. We acknowledge the dynamic nature of science and technology and know that, among other factors, this makes the full and effective implementation of the 1540 mandate a long-term task. In that regard, as part of efforts to enhance the implementation of the mandate of the 1540 Committee, Ghana notes that the holding of periodic open briefings for Member States and international regional and subregional organizations, as stipulated in the resolution, would be useful. Such meetings would present essential opportunities for the voluntary sharing of experiences on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) among Member States, as well as recommendations on practical ideas for its improvement, while exploring more ways in which the provisions of resolution 1540 (2004) can be addressed at the national level. We also believe that the effectiveness and efficiency of the Committee’s mechanism for matching offers and requests for assistance constitutes an indispensable aspect of the Committee work necessary for the accomplishment of the resolution’s ultimate goals. Additionally, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the implementation of disarmament and non-proliferation efforts is important for the ultimate and long-term achievement of the resolution’s goals. In conclusion, we wish to thank the Chair of the 1540 Committee, Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, for the open and inclusive manner in which he conducted negotiations. We also reiterate our appreciation to the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Group of Experts for their continuous joint efforts in assisting the Committee in carrying out its mandate. Since this is the last meeting scheduled under our presidency, I would also like to thank all delegations for their cooperation and support, as well as for the kind words expressed today in this meeting. I also thank the Security Council Affairs Division for its effective backstopping of the work of the presidency. We are equally grateful to the interpreters and the conference officers, who facilitate the effective functioning of the Council’s monthly work. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.