S/PV.9589 Security Council

The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor.

As we said this morning before the meeting on the situation in the Middle East (see S/PV.9588), yesterday during a discussion (see S/PV.9587) about the Security Council meeting that we requested on the twenty-fifth anniversary of NATO’s aggression against Yugoslavia, the French delegation expressed its opposition to the holding of that meeting, despite the fact that the meeting had been previously agreed to and scheduled by the Japanese presidency. Our French colleagues insisted that the Security Council should take all decisions related to the convening of meetings exclusively in the Chamber and that no preliminary decisions are valid. Ultimately, at France’s initiative, a procedural vote was held. Essentially, France and the three Western permanent members of the Council tried to reject another Council member’s request to call a Council meeting. That meeting had already been preliminarily scheduled by you, Mr. President, even though, unfortunately, you did not dare or were unable to confirm it in the Chamber. I note that the proposed agenda item — threats to international peace and security — was not foreign to the Security Council, as it is a matter of international peace and security. However, it was not the agenda item, but the very subject of the meeting, that our Western colleagues did not like. Nevertheless, for some reason the Japanese presidency insisted on holding a vote on the agenda item. We will revisit that issue later in greater detail. For now, given the precedent established by France and in order to avoid misunderstandings, we need to ensure that no Security Council member objects to the conduct of this meeting. If the presidency is not willing to ask that question directly, as we have repeatedly called on it to do, then we suggest that it be done indirectly through a procedural vote on the Council’s agenda item. We are requesting that such a vote be conducted. It is of fundamental importance to avoid double standards and misreadings. Since we witnessed double standards yesterday with regard to the meeting requested by Russia, we must prevent their recurrence today. After all, as our French colleagues made clear yesterday, preliminary agreements  — like the decisions of the Security Council presidency — have no effect. And we will continue to do this until we reach an agreement on a normal modus operandi for the Security Council. Separately, I would like to recall that yesterday in an official letter, Russia requested that the Japanese presidency convene a meeting soon to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of NATO’s aggression against Yugoslavia. That letter was circulated among the membership of the Security Council. We are awaiting an official response from the presidency, as stipulated under rule 2 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.

Throughout the Japanese presidency of the Security Council, it has been our consistent intention to act in accordance with the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. In that context, and in view of the statement made by the representative of the Russian Federation, I intend to put the provisional agenda to the vote now.

The provisional agenda received 15 votes in favour. The provisional agenda has been adopted. Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Council will hear a briefing by Ambassador José Javier De La Gasca, Permanent Representative of Ecuador, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I now give the floor to Ambassador De La Gasca.

As the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I am honoured to address the Security Council on the work of the Committee since the previous briefing, of 23 March 2023 (see S/PV.9293). In April, we will mark the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004). On 28 April 2004, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1540 (2004), a landmark resolution that set out a non-proliferation mandate for the international community and established the Committee to monitor Member States’ implementation of the resolution’s provisions. That recognition by the Security Council of the grave threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to international peace and security was a turning point in the international community’s response to prevent that threat. States have continued to undertake initiatives aimed at the full implementation of the resolution, which remains a long-term task. The Committee is therefore considering the possibility of preparing a presidential statement in connection with the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004). During the reporting period, the Committee continued its activities pursuant to resolution 2663 (2022), adopted on 30 November 2022, in accordance with its mandate, which was extended until the end of November 2032. The 2023 review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) was submitted to the Security Council in the letter dated 29 December 2023 from the Chair of the Committee addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2023/1067). In 2023, the Committee held seven formal meetings and one informal meeting. In 2024, the Committee has held three formal meetings to date. The Committee participated in 33 outreach events in 2023, compared to 29 in 2022. To date, the Committee has attended seven events in 2024. During the reporting period, no States submitted first national reports with information on the measures taken to comply with obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). The number of Member States that have submitted their first reports remains at 185, leaving eight States that have not yet done so. In order to encourage the eight remaining States to expedite the submission of their initial reports on the implementation of the resolution, in May 2023 the Committee transmitted correspondence to those States in which it reaffirmed that the Committee remains ready to provide assistance on that matter or on any other issue related to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In its resolution 2663 (2022), the Security Council encouraged States to provide additional information on their implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including, voluntarily, on their laws and regulations and on States’ effective practices in implementing that resolution. During the reporting period, four States submitted additional information to the Committee. To date, a total of 538 first and additional national reports have been submitted by Member States on the steps taken to implement resolution 1540 (2004). One helpful activity in implementing resolution 1540 (2004) is the development of voluntary national implementation action plans by States, as encouraged by paragraph 8 of resolution 2663 (2022). The number of States that have submitted such plans to the Committee since 2007 now stands at 38, while one State submitted a voluntary national implementation action plan since the most recent report to the Security Council. Acknowledging that Member States are in the best position to identify the most effective national practices, the Committee recognizes the need to promote the sharing of experiences, including through peer reviews and other means to evaluate and reinforce effective practices. Since its most recent report to the Security Council, the Committee has registered five new peer reviews, including three consecutive rounds between some States. 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. In 2023, 23 States nominated or provided updates regarding their points of contact. To date, a total of 148 Member States have informed the Committee about their points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004). No regional points of contact training courses were conducted since 2020, owing to restrictions related to the pandemic and to other circumstances. However, the Committee hopes to resume such training courses this year. The Committee plays an important role in facilitating assistance to Member States to fulfil their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). To do so, it matches assistance requests from States with offers of assistance from both States and international, regional or subregional organizations. In 2023, four requests for assistance requiring match-making were submitted to the Committee, compared to one request received in 2022. In addition, in 2023 the Committee received five requests for support in drafting a voluntary national action plan on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and one request to draft a national report. The Committee web page lists States and international, regional and subregional organizations that offer assistance related to resolution 1540 (2004). The Committee stands ready to include new programmes or updated information with regard to available assistance on its website. In addition to assistance provided by States and international, regional and subregional organizations, the Committee will continue to undertake visits to States, at their invitation, to discuss national reporting, national action plans and assistance on implementation measures. The Committee continued to cooperate with interna­ tional, regional and subregional organizations and United Nations bodies in the context of resolution 1540 (2004) and participated in events organized by various interna­ tional bodies. In 2023, the Committee participated in 18 events organized by different international, regional and subregional organizations. In 2024, the Committee has participated in three events to date. The Committee will continue to use its website for outreach and enhancing the transparency of its activities. Information relating to participation in outreach events, as well as statements, including video messages delivered by or on behalf of the Chair, are regularly uploaded to the Committee’s website. Since the most recent report, a comprehensive website update was carried out, taking into account, in particular, recently adopted resolution 2663 (2022). As for the future, in my letter dated 30 January 2024 addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2024/115), I forwarded the Committee’s twenty-first programme of work covering the period from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025. The programme includes a comprehensive list of the activities that the Committee plans to undertake to promote the full implementation of the requirements of resolution 1540 (2004) by all Member States, covering the areas of Committee outreach, the Committee’s assistance mechanism, cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations and transparency. During the reporting period, in February 2024, the Committee approved the appointment of five candidates to the Group of Experts to fill five of the six positions that became vacant during the period of 19 March to 3 July 2023. The appointment of those five candidates will allow the Group of Experts to be better resourced for assisting the Committee in its work. The Committee will continue to discuss the issue of the remaining vacancy in a spirit of cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council of the Committee’s intention to hold an open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations this year, in accordance with paragraph 26 of resolution 2663 (2022), on the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In conclusion, I want to express my appreciation to the Committee members for their efforts in support of our work and to the Group of Experts, the officials at the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and my own staff for their invaluable support to the Committee.

I thank Ambassador De La Gasca for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

In my national capacity, and on behalf of my delegation, I would like to express my gratitude for the support that all members have given Ecuador in its role as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Among Ecuador’s priorities for this programme of work, I want to highlight how important it is that we have adopted a new model for the assistance mechanism, which improves on some aspects of the model adopted in 2018 and facilitates dialogue with countries that require assistance and the countries and organizations that provide it. In addition, we will continue to promote discussions regarding voluntary technical guides and topics that can be developed from paragraph 12 of resolution 2663 (2022). Regarding the process of selecting candidates for the Group of Experts, I welcome the flexibility that Japan has shown in allowing the appointment of five of the six candidates. I call on all members to maintain a constructive attitude that will enable us to select a candidate from the Asia-Pacific region in the second process planned for this year. Regarding the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004), the Chair presented the initiative to combine the date with the holding of the briefing mandated by resolution 2663 (2022). Twenty years ago, the Security Council, acting unanimously and on behalf of the entire international community, pursuant to Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations, sent a strong message about the threat to international peace and security posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of non-State actors. That threat still exists, which is why it is extremely shocking that a meeting that would have recalled the important step taken by the international community in April 2004 at the appropriate time has had to be postponed until October because of a lack of consensus. The actions of non-State actors, including those with terrorist aims, demand a global response, and to that end the Council has instruments such as the 1540 Committee, which is why its voice must be amplified within the framework of its mandate at every available opportunity. In the past 20 years the mechanisms built based on resolution 1540 (2004) and its Committee have been strengthened. We must therefore continue to help to improve our collective capacity to confront non-State actors and establish effective measures against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

I would like to thank Ambassador De la Gasca, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and Permanent Representative of Ecuador, for his briefing. For almost 20 years, resolution 1540 (2004) has been a major pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture. Unfortunately, its Committee has been affected by a clear lack of trust among its members, which undermines its effectiveness and its ability to implement its mandate. I would like to highlight three examples in that regard. First, the Committee is responsible for implementing resolution 1540 (2004), but it is regrettable that it has not yet been able to take a decision on the subject to be pursued under paragraph 12 of resolution 2663 (2022), 15 months after the resolution’s adoption. While the Chair of the Committee and the coordinator of the working group on monitoring and national implementation have put forward several proposals, the possibility of consensus has come up against the opposition of one permanent member. Switzerland reiterates its flexibility regarding the topic to be chosen and encourages the Committee to choose a theme that addresses the shortcomings identified during the 2022 comprehensive review. We call on all members to work constructively and show flexibility in order to give the Committee an opportunity to implement its mandate. Secondly, we welcome the fact that the Committee has been able to fill the vacancies on the Group of Experts. We would also like to thank the three members of the Group of Experts who have continued their commitment during this difficult period. It should be noted, however, that the selection process for the experts took more than a year. It is also important to underscore that the rules established jointly by the Committee members at the start of the process were not followed. Despite repeated calls from elected members, candidates from Security Council permanent member States were treated differently from candidates from other countries. We call on the permanent members to fully respect the rights of elected members to equal representation and to refrain from taking the nomination of their own experts for granted. Thirdly, cooperation and assistance are the driving forces behind the implementation of this resolution. The Committee and its Group of Experts can play a central role in matching assistance supply and demand. We welcome the initiative to review the modalities of assistance and the successive drafts drawn up by the Group of Experts. Switzerland considers that the version that is now being proposed is balanced and would ensure that requests for assistance receive all the attention they deserve. However, owing to the opposition of one permanent member, the Committee has been unable to agree for more than a year. Switzerland is of the opinion that it should be possible to reach a consensus quickly, given that it is not a question of definitively establishing a new procedure but rather of remedying identified shortcomings, while recognizing the need to adapt procedures on a regular basis. The twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004) should be a propitious occasion for celebrating its achievements and reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead. While we welcome the proposal to negotiate a presidential statement, we nevertheless regret that the Committee failed to reach a consensus on the holding of a public briefing that would give our resolution the required visibility, despite its being mandated by resolution 2663 (2022). If the Committee’s effectiveness is to be restored, it is time to re-establish a minimum of trust between its members, and all States have a responsibility to help to rebuild that trust. In that context, the Pact for the Future provides an excellent opportunity to rebuild a common basis for jointly addressing the threat posed by the acquisition and trafficking of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons by non-State actors. We must assume that responsibility collectively.

I would like to thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), Ambassador De La Gasca, for his briefing. Over the past year, the Committee, under the leadership of Ambassador De La Gasca, has actively carried out its work, strengthened its communications with the parties, facilitated the appointment of candidates to the Group of Experts and made important efforts and contributions towards the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and international cooperation on non-proliferation, for all of which China expresses its appreciation. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004). As the first Council resolution dedicated to the non-proliferation issue, resolution 1540 (2004) is of landmark significance in the prevention of the acquisition by non-State actors of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). It is an important pillar among international non-proliferation efforts. Over the past two decades, thanks to the joint efforts of the international community, the international consensus on non-proliferation has continued to expand, the non-proliferation capabilities of all countries have been continuously upgraded, the international non-proliferation regime has been further improved, and cooperation and exchanges have been increasingly advanced. At the same time, against the backdrop of a deteriorating international strategic security environment, the intensification of geopolitical conflicts and the frequent occurrence of regional hotspot issues, the threat to international peace and security posed by the proliferation of WMDs has continued to grow. For some time now, there have been frequent terrorist attacks around the world, dealing a serious blow to peace and stability in the countries and regions concerned. The shocking terrorist attack that took place in the Moscow region of Russia a few days ago created heavy casualties. The scene at the attack site was horrific. Those bloodstained facts show that the threat of terrorism remains serious. The risk of terrorists perpetrating evil and committing crimes is far from being eliminated. The consequences of WMDs falling into the hands of terrorists are inconceivable. There is still a long way to go and much to do to combat terrorism and prevent terrorists from acquiring WMDs. The international community should take the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) as an opportunity to take stock of lessons learned, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and promote new progress in international non-proliferation efforts. To that end, China would like to share the following observations. First, efforts should be made to strengthen the existing international non-proliferation regime. The international community should further strengthen the universality and authority of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), 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 and ensure that those treaties and resolution 1540 (2004) are implemented in a comprehensive, effective and balanced manner. The 1540 Committee should continue to play its role effectively in the light of new situations and new challenges. Secondly, capacity-building in Member States should be promoted. National Governments bear the primary responsibility for non-proliferation. The international community should fully support all countries in formulating non-proliferation policies in accordance with their national conditions and encourage them to continue to strengthen capacity-building in the fields of non-proliferation and law enforcement. At the same time, full consideration should be given to the realistic needs of different countries, so as to carry out more targeted international cooperation assistance, thus helping them to address and make up for their inadequacies in the field of non-proliferation. Thirdly, efforts should be made to adequately and effectively safeguard the rights to peaceful uses. The use of science and technology for peaceful purposes and related international cooperation are the inalienable rights of all countries, established by the NPT and other international treaties. The international community, while striving towards the non-proliferation objectives, should work to remove restrictions on peaceful uses by developing countries, promote international cooperation in peaceful uses, reject double standards and discriminatory arrangements in the field of non-proliferation and promote the multilateral export control mechanism, to move in a direction that is more just, more inclusive and non-discriminatory. Fourthly, close attention should be paid to the potential risks and challenges associated with emerging science and technology. The explosive development of artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword, opening up new prospects for human production and life, while also bringing new challenges to human survival and security. The possession by non-State actors of AI and WMDs could pose an extreme risk of proliferation and would have catastrophic consequences. The international community must ensure that AI technology remains under human control. Efforts should be made to strengthen government regulation, international cooperation and global governance, so as to effectively prevent and eliminate the risk of non-State actors misusing emerging technologies to undertake proliferation activities. The points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004) have the dual function of internal communication and coordination and external cooperation, and therefore contribute in a significant way to the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In June, in accordance with established practice, China will organize and deliver another training course for the Asia- Pacific national points of contact, in cooperation with the 1540 Committee and the Office for Disarmament Affairs, with a view to facilitating the sharing of policies and best practices in the areas of legislation and law enforcement, export control and combating illicit trafficking. It is our hope that that event will serve as a new platform for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to engage in exchanges and mutual learning and deepen cooperation on non-proliferation issues. China firmly opposes the proliferation of WMDs and their means of delivery. China has always strictly fulfilled its international obligations concerning non-proliferation, promoted the political settlement of hotspot non-proliferation issues, conscientiously implemented resolution 1540 (2004) and actively participated in international cooperation on that issue. We stand ready to work with all parties to continue with positive efforts to promote the complete prohibition and destruction of WMDs, in order to achieve universal and common security for all.

I wish to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Ambassador De La Gasca for his briefing and his excellent leadership in advancing the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). This year marks the landmark twentieth year since the adoption by consensus of resolution 1540 (2004), which continues to serve as a key pillar of the non-proliferation architecture to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). While much progress has indeed been made, the mandate and obligations set out by resolution 1540 (2004) remain more relevant than ever and merit continued attention and effort. The possibility of WMDs being acquired and used by terrorists or other non-State actors continues to be one of the greatest threats to international peace and security. The recent heinous attack in Moscow is yet another wake-up call regarding such threats. Threats of non-State actors acquiring WMDs not only persist but also continue to evolve, with a greater possibility of such actors exploiting rapidly developing technology, including artificial intelligence, as potential enablers. The fight against the proliferation of WMDs is a long- term and collective task that requires sustained outreach efforts and the active engagement of all Member States. With that in mind, the Republic of Korea would like to reiterate our full commitment to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and to the important work of the 1540 Committee under Ecuador’s chairship, notably in supporting Member States in fulfilling their obligations. In that vein, we welcome the adoption of the twenty- first programme of work of the 1540 Committee and the comprehensive list of planned activities. We also express our full support for the Committee’s plan to hold an open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations this year, in accordance with paragraph 26 of resolution 2663 (2022) on the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Korea, through its financial contributions, has con­ tinued to support the activities of the 1540 Committee in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. We will continue to work closely with international partners such as the Of­ fice of Disarmament Affairs and regional organizations to provide necessary assistance and conduct outreach to implement resolution 1540 (2004). Lastly, the Group of Experts is a vital tool at our disposal in the facilitation of effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) by all States. We greatly appreciate the indispensable role of the Group of Experts in providing the Committee with their expertise. In the light of the spirit of unanimously adopted resolution 2663 (2022), which renewed the mandate of both the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts until the year 2032, all Council members should not attempt to undermine or block the relevant process. Instead, we need to reasonably ensure that the Group of Experts is fully functioning and better resourced to be able to undertake their assistance role. In that respect, Korea welcomes the Committee’s latest approval of the appointment of five candidates to the Group of Experts and calls on all Council members to cooperate in reaching a consensus on the remaining vacancy as soon as possible.

We thank Mr. José Javier De La Gasca, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and Permanent Representative of Ecuador, for his comprehensive report on the work of this subsidiary body of the Council over the past year and its plans for the near future. We support the efforts of Ecuador as Chair of the Committee aimed at ensuring that the programme of work agreed on in the Committee in January will be implemented by the end of this year. Two decades after its adoption, resolution 1540 (2004) has retained its relevance as a universal international document aimed at establishing cooperation among States and assisting them regarding issues of non-proliferation, specifically the adoption at a national level of effective measures for preventing weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery and related materials from falling into the hands of non-State actors. We cannot overstate the paramount importance of that objective, including against a backdrop of the threat that terrorism continues to present and which my country recently fell victim to. The Russian Federation is unwavering in its commitment to the purposes and principles of resolution 1540 (2004) and its objectives. We were among the initiators of the resolution, and we took an active part in developing its key provisions. We welcome the fact that even in the current complex international environment it has not lost its potential for uniting us. Resolution 1540 (2004) envisages a number of serious obligations for all Member States. It is essential to develop national legislation and enforcement measures in order to ensure that they are fully implemented. In that respect, we believe that the 1540 Committee’s priority should be ensuring that the entire international community perceives the resolution in a positive light. That is possible only if its provisions are not used as a pretext for interfering in the internal affairs of States, and if the Committee itself does not become an instrument for such interference by being given control and oversight functions. It is also important to continue to support the spirit of compromise and cooperation that is inherent in the 1540 Committee in order to ensure its fulfilment of its key tasks  — monitoring the implementation of the resolution and coordinating global efforts to give States technical assistance at their request. We continue to stress that the Committee’s approach, on this issue or any other, should be tactful and contain no hint of pressure. The Committee has no authority to impose anything by force. In its operations, the Committee must comply strictly with its mandate, whose scope is clearly outlined in resolution 1540 (2004) and other relevant Security Council resolutions. In addition to strict adherence to its mandate, the Committee’s work should continue to focus on finding consensus on any contentious issues. It is not acceptable to impose on this subsidiary body of the Security Council any narrowly focused agendas or interests that have nothing to do with the overall objective of non-proliferation. The introduction of topics that go beyond the scope of resolution 1540 (2004), such as counter-terrorism, new threats and challenges or the issue of sanctions, is not permissible. It is also important to bear in mind that the Committee’s Group of Experts is strictly accountable to it and can function only according to its instructions. The Russian Federation has always remained open to constructive cooperation through the Committee in order to ensure the achievement of the critical objectives entrusted to it in a manner that takes into account the interests of both its own members and all other States. We believe that is the way to ensure the success of our common efforts and to preserve the international community’s commitment to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).

The United States would like to thank the Chair, Ambassador De La Gasca of Ecuador, for his report on the status of the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We would like to add to the timeline of events that he has just provided. It is no small irony that acceptance of the full slate of six Group of Experts replacement candidates was blocked last year owing to one Security Council member’s objection to the nationality of one expert candidate. That was soon after the Committee had failed to reach consensus on an appendix to the November 2022 draft of resolution 2663 (2022), which would have spelled out the Group of Experts’ roles and responsibilities. The Committee’s rejection of the appendix and its obstruction of the candidate slate dealt a blow to the Group of Experts and to the Committee’s ability to do its job. We are fortunate that the country whose expert was targeted was willing to withdraw that person’s candidacy earlier this month so that the remaining five experts could be seated. We owe its representatives a debt of gratitude. The consequences of the slowdown in the Committee’s work, from 27 meetings in 2022 to just seven in 2023 while discussions about the slate of experts were taking place, flies in the face of the calls from dozens of States in June 2022 for more, rather than less, Committee action. The statistics on the slower pace of outreach — 22 events in 2023, as opposed to 32 in 2022 — tell only half the story. In 2022 experts might have attended additional events had the Committee been able to garner consensus on favourable responses to all received invitations rather than just a portion of them. The Committee’s ability to accept invitations then took a further hit in 2023, owing to the lack of available experts. Dozens of opportunities for awareness-raising went unfulfilled, and the Committee’s reputation has not recovered. States and international organizations are less interested in requesting Committee support, owing to the growing likelihood that they will be turned down. The Chair is to be lauded for recently restarting the Committee’s business and resuming efforts to implement activities pursuant to resolution 2663 (2022). But the obstruction continues. For example, operative paragraph 12 of resolution 2663 (2022) directs the Committee to remain attentive to “enforcement measures; proliferation finance measures; national export and transshipment controls” and means of delivery, among other topics. When asked earlier this month by the Chair to suggest which of them should be discussed, Committee members had differing but equally valid ideas. But the same Committee member responsible for the hiatus in expert coverage insisted that none of the choices could be considered since the Committee is not mandated to favour consideration of any one issue over another. That is a strange claim, given that paragraph 12 of resolution 2663 (2022) itself does precisely that. On an even stranger note, the same Committee member recently refused to allow the Committee to recognize the resolution’s twentieth anniversary at a future Committee meeting of States mandated under resolution 2663 (2022), since the resolution has no explicit wording that mandates the celebration of anniversaries. That was certainly not the Committee’s consensus view in 2014. What has changed? Resolution 1540 (2004) is about real non-State threats related to weapons of mass destruction. Those threats have real consequences for States, which have historically sought the Committee’s counsel. Every time the work of the Committee is blocked, progress in addressing those threats is materially diminished. The United States once again calls for an end to obstructing the Committee and a return to the vital task at hand. Resolution 1540 (2004) provides a rare opportunity for us to work together as a global community with common purpose on a vital issue that affects us all. We should, as the resolution urges, “remain seized of the matter”.

I wish to begin by thanking Ambassador De La Gasca for his briefing and for his leadership of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I also wish to commend the dedicated and professional work of the Committee’s Group of Experts. Their expertise and knowledge have been instrumental in the work of the Committee. We also appreciate the valuable support from the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. Over the past two decades, resolution 1540 (2004) has served as an effective tool for enhancing efforts to prevent the acquisition, development and use of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors. Slovenia acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Committee members to advancing the implementation of the resolution’s provisions. The twentieth anniversary is an opportune moment to assess past achievements and look forward. In that regard, I wish to highlight the following. First, as mentioned by the Chair, 185 Member States have submitted their first national reports, and many have submitted their follow-ups. We call on all Member States to provide initial and further follow-up national reports. The Committee should continue to coordinate assistance for Member States in need. Continued country visits and the active participation of the Group of Experts in non-proliferation-related events are crucial in that regard. We also welcome the Committee’s further engagement in strengthening the capacity of the national points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004), as per resolution 2325 (2016). Secondly, we are looking forward to the implementation of the Committee’s twenty-first programme of work, particularly the open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations. It will be an excellent opportunity to promote the relevance of resolution 1540 (2004). It will also be an occasion to hear proposals and views from other Member States on how to effectively address the threats posed by the access of non-State actors to weapons of mass destruction and, if possible, to include them in the future work of the Committee. Thirdly, we welcome the recent agreement on the appointment of five new experts to the Group of Experts. The matter of the last remaining vacant post must be resolved promptly. In addressing the proliferation risk posed by non-State actors, the importance of new and advanced technologies must be taken into account. Their rapid development, including in artificial intelligence, adds to the extreme danger of enabling diversion of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. There is no need to repeat how extremely dangerous that is. Therefore, in adopting legislation and reporting, Member States should pay particular attention to those issues. Finally, Slovenia reaffirms its steadfast support for the resolution’s objectives and remains committed to effectively contributing to the successful work of the Committee.

I thank you, Madam President, for convening this briefing. Let me also thank Ambassador De La Gasca, of Ecuador, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for his insightful briefing and for his commendable leadership of the work of the Committee over the past year. As we approach the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004), we recognize the significance of this landmark resolution in addressing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its continued importance in maintaining international peace and security. Sierra Leone acknowledges the efforts made by Member States towards the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), recognizing it as a long-term commitment that requires continuous collaboration and support. We further acknowledge the challenges faced by Member States, including resource constraints and technical expertise, in fully implementing the resolution. We therefore commend the Committee for its vital role in facilitating assistance to Member States and capacity development to address those challenges. We further appreciate the efforts of the Committee to match assistance requests with offers of support and recognize the importance of continued cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations in the context of the resolution. We note the importance of encouraging the expedited submission of initial reports from the remaining Member States to enhance transparency and accountability in the implementation process. We therefore encourage the remaining eight States to expedite the submission of their initial reports in that regard. The development of voluntary national implementation action plans by Member States, as encouraged by resolution 2663 (2022), is a positive step towards strengthening national capacities in non-proliferation efforts. In addition, the sharing of best practices through peer reviews is essential in enhancing the effectiveness of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We therefore support those initiatives and encourage Member States to continue their engagements in those activities to strengthen compliance with the resolution. We look forward to the upcoming open briefings on the status of the resolution and stand ready to actively participate, as they provide a valuable opportunity for Member States and relevant organizations to exchange views and experiences on this critical issue. As we look ahead, Sierra Leone welcomes the Committee’s twenty-first programme of work, outlining planned activities to support the full implementation of the resolution by all Member States. We support the appointment of candidates to the Group of Experts to enhance the Committee’s capacity in that regard. We look forward to the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution and the potential adoption of the presidential statement on the resolution’s twentieth anniversary. In conclusion, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commit­ ment to upholding the non-proliferation mandate out­ lined in resolution 1540 (2004) and pledges to continue working collaboratively with the international commu­ nity to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass de­ struction and safeguard global peace and security. Sierra Leone extends its gratitude to the Committee members, the Group of Experts, officials of the Office for Disar­ mament Affairs and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and their staff for their dedica­ tion and support in advancing the objectives of resolu­ tion 1540 (2004).

At the outset, I also thank the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), Ambassador De La Gasca, for all his tireless efforts and leadership in steering the work of the Committee. We also deeply appreciate the work of the experts, who continued to carry out their mandate in a dedicated and professional manner despite logistical impediments. The unanimous adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) 20 years ago was a pivotal moment for global non-proliferation efforts. It demonstrated the Council’s ability to come together to prevent the proliferation of all weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors, particularly for terrorist purposes. The resolution established that all Member States would adopt and enforce appropriate laws and measures to prevent non-State actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting and transferring weapons of mass destruction. It is a landmark international instrument. It is legally binding on all Member States. As demonstrated by multiple investigations carried out by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, including the recent Investigation and Identification Team report, the threat of terrorists acquiring and deploying weapons of mass destruction continues to be real. We must collectively ensure that all States have the capacity and do their utmost to fully implement resolution 1540 (2004). The 1540 Committee plays a crucial role in monitoring implementation, providing assistance and supporting cooperation with international and regional organizations, including through outreach activities. Resolution 2663 (2022) renewed the mandate of the Committee for another 10 years. We commend the emphasis put on the meaningful participation of women to further strengthen its work. As Vice-Chair of the Committee, Malta is fully committed to supporting its work and engaging constructively with all parties. As a member of the European Union (EU), we are at the forefront of non-proliferation efforts, including through the implementation of the provisions of resolution 1540 (2004). In that regard, we recall the EU Partner-to- Partner Export Control Programme for dual-use goods, aimed at supporting States with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risk mitigation. The 2023 annual comprehensive review (S/2023/1067) highlighted that the Committee will continue to coordinate and collaborate with the Counter- Terrorism Committee and the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities and will continue to organize and participate in outreach events. The latter is a key aspect of the implementation of resolution 2663 (2022), and we deeply regret that the Group of Experts’ participation in such activities was blocked for many months in 2023 and at the beginning of 2024. We welcome the recent appointment of five of the remaining six experts, a positive development that will allow the Committee to work at full capacity. At the same time, we note with concern the repeated obstructions to multiple compromise proposals that would have enabled all six experts to be appointed without delays. Moreover, as highlighted in the letter from the 10 elected members of the Security Council (E10) of December 2023, we stress that there should not be any difference in the treatment of E10 candidates compared to those of the permanent five members. Malta is pleased with the adoption of the programme of work for 2024, and we thank the United Kingdom for its efforts as penholder. We emphasize that it is important to ensure its full implementation, including through the support of informal working groups. To conclude, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the full implementation of resolutions 1540 (2004) and 2263 (2022). We also welcome the proposal of issuing a presidential statement to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004) and stand ready to engage constructively on the text.

Let me begin by joining others in thanking Ecuador for its committed and proactive stewardship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We commend Ambassador De La Gasca and his team for the briefing today and for their efforts to rejuvenate the Committee despite challenging dynamics, including those that the United States representative set out so clearly today. I am also grateful to the Committee’s Group of Experts for their support for the Committee’s activities. We look forward to the addition of new experts who can inject the new technical knowledge and experience that is vital to the continuation of effective Committee support to Member States. As various colleagues have mentioned today, in April we will mark the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004)  — a milestone resolution that defined a non-proliferation mandate for the international community and established a Committee to monitor Member States’ implementation of its provisions. We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States and organizations that have supported the pursuit of the resolution since it was adopted in 2004. Although two decades have passed since its adoption, resolution 1540 (2004) remains vital today. The threat posed by weapons of mass destruction has evolved, and new challenges are emerging. Against that background, resolution 1540 (2004) remains a key pillar in the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, designed to prevent the proliferation by non-State actors of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. The full implementation of the resolution remains a long-term task that we can achieve more quickly through collective action. We therefore call on all States to implement their obligations under the resolution. As the Committee and its Group of Experts seeks to take forward the outcomes of resolution 2663 (2022), 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 laws and regulations governing chemical, nuclear and biological activities.

First of all, I would like to thank Ecuador for its tireless work in chairing the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Resolution 1540 (2004) is an essential part of our non-proliferation architecture. It remains crucial to preventing the risk of non-State actors gaining access to biological, chemical or nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. The latest report by the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which attributed a chemical attack in Marea in 2015 to Da’esh, is a reminder of the reality of that threat. It is therefore important to continue to support States in their efforts to implement resolution 1540 (2004). The Committee has undertaken important work, which should be continued, to improve mechanisms for the provision of assistance. States should also be encouraged to prepare and update their reports and national action plans for implementing the resolution. We must also continue to expand exchanges and cooperation with all the relevant international organizations and export control regimes to advance the resolution’s implementation in all its aspects. I would like to highlight the recent adoption of the decision on addressing the threat presented by the use of chemical weapons and their possible future use within the framework of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which encourages States parties to strengthen their cooperation in order to prevent the production, acquisition and use of such weapons by non-State actors, including terrorist groups. I would like to thank the Group of Experts for its work. In the past year the Group has endeavoured to continue to support the Committee, despite limited resources and one Committee member’s lengthy blocking of the renewal of its membership. The agreement recently reached on the appointment of five new experts will enable the Group to carry out its activities in better circumstances. However, the vacant expert post should still be filled as soon as possible. We urge all the members of the Committee to work constructively to find a solution to the issue. Next month we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004), which is an important opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the instrument and make States aware of their corresponding obligations. In that respect, we welcome the intention that the Chair has expressed to organize an open briefing this year for States and regional and international organizations. We also stand ready to participate in the Committee’s deliberations with a view to marking the anniversary with a possible presidential statement.

We thank the Japanese presidency of the Council for convening this briefing on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We are sincerely grateful to Ambassador José Javier De La Gasca, Permanent Representative of Ecuador and Chair of the Committee, for his dedicated leadership and for the comprehensive updates he shared with us. Our appreciation also goes to the members of the Committee for their active participation, cooperation and unwavering commitment, which culminated in a consensus on appointing five highly qualified candidates to fill five of the six vacant positions in the Group of Experts. That strategic move ensures that the Group of Experts is well resourced to effectively support the Committee’s vital activities in preventing the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery. We also want to congratulate the Committee in advance on celebrating the twentieth anniversary of its existence on 28 April, marking two decades of crucial work in promoting global security and disarmament efforts. During the high-level ministerial signature event held on 18 March (see S/PV.9579), our Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation conveyed our gratitude for the commendable work that this crucial Committee has undertaken in providing a platform for discussions on global security implications and the need to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. We reiterate our steadfast commitment to continuing our cooperation with the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts. Finally, we encourage all Member States to collaborate closely with the Committee and its experts to enhance global security, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and promote global disarmament efforts through collective action and unwavering dedication.

I thank Ambassador José Javier De La Gasca for his report on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and commend his stewardship of the Committee. I also wish to acknowledge the Group of Experts and their valuable support to the Committee even though they are operating without their full team. In an increasingly complex global security landscape, there are ongoing concerns regarding the potential acquisition, development, trafficking or utilization of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. To that end, the work of the 1540 Committee, supported by its Group of Experts, is indispensable to preventing the proliferation of those weapons of mass destruction, weapons which continue to constitute a grave threat to international peace and security. Guyana recognizes that resolution 1540 (2004) is the first resolution to address comprehensively the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. As a product of the Security Council, the resolution requires all States to adopt legislation and establish effective national systems of control to prevent the proliferation and trafficking of those weapons. While noting the progress made by the Committee in implementing resolution 1540 (2004), the task ahead to ensure its full and effective implementation remains daunting. As we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the unanimous adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) and look to the future, we must intensify our efforts to fully implement the resolution in the areas of national implementation, assistance, cooperation, outreach and transparency. We should intensify efforts in facilitating technical assistance to Member States, matching assistance requests with offers of support and engaging in dialogue with non-reporting States to encourage the submission of reports on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In order to support those efforts, we look forward to the adoption of a revised assistance mechanism to help address challenges relating to assistance requests, allow for timelier and efficient processing of those requests and to encourage feedback from States on whether their requests were addressed. We also welcome the adoption of the Committee’s twenty-first programme of work and look forward to the convening of an open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations and to the resumption of training courses for regional points of contact this year. In undertaking the responsibilities of the Committee, Guyana underscores the important role women can play in decision-making processes in national implementation and the outreach activities of the Committee and in improving the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). That is already enshrined in resolution 2663 (2022), which encourages the 1540 Committee to give due consideration to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all its activities and which should be implemented. In conclusion, Guyana commits to working with fellow Committee members in fulfilling the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004) and subsequent resolutions in our collective pursuit of global peace and security.

I thank the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), Ambassador José De La Gasca, for his insightful briefing detailing the Committee’s activities and progress. As we mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), we remain strongly committed to its full implementation. Having been directly involved in the negotiation and unanimous adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) in 2004  — Algeria was then a member of the Security Council — my country recognizes the critical importance of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. That landmark resolution has become a cornerstone of the global non-proliferation architecture. Algeria commends the 1540 Committee for its tireless efforts to promote the universal implementation of the resolution. We appreciate the Committee’s work in engaging with Member States, providing assistance and fostering international cooperation to strengthen national capacities in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We note with satisfaction the number of States that have submitted their national reports and the development of voluntary national implementation action plans. Those efforts demonstrate the commitment of Member States to fulfilling their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). Algeria underscores the importance of providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to States that require it. We encourage the Committee to continue its efforts in facilitating assistance and matching requests with offers of support. In that regard, we appreciate the contributions of international and regional organizations in assisting States to implement resolution 1540 (2004). Algeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and to the global non-proliferation regime. We stress the need for continued international cooperation, information sharing and collective action to prevent the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors. In conclusion, Algeria looks forward to continued collaboration and progress in the years ahead, as we work together to create a safer and more secure world for all.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Japan. I thank Ambassador José Javier De La Gasca for his briefing. Japan appreciates his and his team’s strong leadership and tireless dedication to the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Our appreciation also goes to the Group of Experts. Twenty years ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1540 (2004), which has been a vital component of the global non-proliferation architecture, as the first international instrument to prevent non-state actors, including terrorists, from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in a comprehensive manner. That risk of proliferation of WMDs has been magnified by rapid advances in science and technology, such as unmanned vehicle technologies and artificial intelligence, and by the increasing accessibility of dual-use technologies. Japan welcomes the successful adoption of this year’s programme of work, which now serves as a road map to guide the Committee’s work ahead and outlines important Committee activities, including the consideration of a multi-year programme of outreach and voluntary technical guides. Japan highly values the indispensable role of the Group of Experts. Both the Committee and its Group of Experts should play an even more proactive role to provide their expertise to support Member States in identifying key gaps and obstacles and preparing their national implementation action plans. We take this opportunity to express our congratulations to the five new experts for their recent appointment, and we sincerely hope that the Committee can reach a consensus to fill the last vacancy without any further delay. That important position cannot become another victim of obstructionism by a certain Council member. Regional and subregional outreach activities also play a significant role in further promoting the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) by Member States. Since 1993, Japan has hosted the Asian Export Control Seminar, most recently in February. Japan appreciates the participation and substantial contribution of Mr. David Theard, a member of the Group of Experts, during the Seminar. Japan also played a significant role through its financial contributions in appointing the first regional resolution 1540 (2004) coordinator in the Asia- Pacific region. With financial and substantive support from the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Government of Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Palau are currently planning to conduct their peer reviews this year. They will be the first of their kind performed in South-East Asia and the Pacific. Japan also welcomes the initiative by the 1540 Committee and the Government of China to co-host the training course for points of contact in the Asia-Pacific region in June. Before concluding my remarks, let me reiterate Japan’s firm commitment to enhancing the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) to prevent the most dangerous weapons from falling into the hands of non-State actors. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.