S/PV.9973 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. As the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), in which capacity I shall now take the floor, I am honoured to address the Security Council on the work of the Committee since the most recent briefing on the subject, held on 26 March 2024 (see S/PV.9589). Since this is the first time that I address the Council in my capacity as Chair of the 1540 Committee, allow me to express my gratitude to Ecuador for its leadership during its Chairmanship of the Committee during 2023–2024. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a vital component of the global non-proliferation architecture, the aim of which is to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction, particularly for terrorist purposes. Member States have made significant progress towards the full implementation of the resolution. Nevertheless, the full and effective implementation of the resolution is a long- term task. 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. In accordance with operative paragraph 4 of that resolution, the Committee continues working towards the adoption of its programme of work for the period until January 2026. The 2024 annual review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) was submitted to the Security Council on 30 December 2024. In 2024, the Committee held seven formal meetings and two informal meetings. In 2025, two formal meetings have been held since my appointment as the Chair of the Committee on 29 May 2025. In accordance with paragraph 26 of resolution 2663 (2022), the Committee convened an open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations in October 2024. During the briefing, a summary was provided of the activities of the Committee on all aspects of resolution 1540 (2004), particularly on matters related to assistance. Furthermore, the open briefing provided an opportunity for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations to present their offers of assistance and for Member States to voluntarily share their experiences, lessons learned and best practices regarding the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In 2024, the Committee successfully resumed its practice of co-organizing training courses for national points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004). Points of contact play an important role in promoting and advancing the national implementation of the resolution. In recognition of their important role, in its resolution 2325 (2016), the Security Council urged the Committee to undertake initiatives to strengthen the capacity of national points of contact, including through regional training programmes. After an interruption of four years due to the coronavirus disease pandemic, two training courses were conducted in 2024, one for the Asia-Pacific region and another for Africa. Looking ahead, the Committee is currently considering the possibility of conducting a points-of-contact training course for the Latin American and Caribbean region in 2025. During the reporting period, the Committee transmitted correspondence to Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations on several occasions and on different matters to maintain effective communication and dialogue on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In 2024, following extensive efforts by the Committee to emphasize the importance of designating and updating national points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004), including in the Committee’s correspondence and during the outreach events, nine Member States designated their points of contact for the first time. In total, 42 States named or provided updates regarding their points of contact. In 2025, 11 additional States have provided updates regarding their points of contact to date, and one Member State designated its points of contact for the first time, bringing the total number of Member States with points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004) to 156. In its resolution 2663 (2022), the Council called upon all States that had not yet done so to present their first report on steps to implement resolution 1540 (2004) to the Committee without delay. In 2024, the Committee pursued its efforts to facilitate the presentation of those reports, including through direct contacts and bilateral meetings. In that connection, in June 2024, it contacted the eight States that had not yet presented their initial reports to encourage them to do so. Throughout the year, the Chair, with the support of the Committee’s Group of Experts, also held bilateral meetings with several States that had not presented reports. The number of Member States that have presented their first reports stands at 185, with eight States still yet to do so. In its resolution 2663 (2022), the Council also encouraged States to provide additional information on their implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including, voluntarily, on their laws and regulations and on their effective practices. During the reporting period, two States submitted additional information to the Committee. To date, Member States have submitted a total of 539 first and additional national reports on steps taken to implement the resolution. At paragraph 8 of its resolution 2663 (2022), the Council again encouraged States to prepare, on a voluntary basis, national implementation plans. These help to identify Member States’ priorities and plans for implementing the key provisions of resolution 1540 (2004). During the reporting period, one new State submitted such a plan to the Committee, bringing the total number of implementation plans to 48. The number of States that have submitted voluntary national implementation plans to the Committee since 2007 stands at 39. Acknowledging that Member States are best placed to decide on the most effective national practices, the Committee recognizes the need to promote the sharing of experience, for example through peer reviews and other means of evaluating and reinforcing effective practices. Since its most recent report to the Security Council, the Committee has recorded two new peer reviews and will continue to support States wishing to undertake such reviews, as appropriate. In its resolution 2663 (2022), the Council encouraged the Committee to develop and review, as appropriate, voluntary technical reference guides, such as implementation guidelines or other such appropriate documents, prepared with the assistance of its Group of Experts. In 2024, the Committee considered the format of the voluntary technical reference guides and the topics that they are to cover, and its body of experts began work on a pilot project to develop a voluntary technical In its resolution 2663 (2022), the Council directed the Committee to periodically review, as appropriate, the role, efficiency and effectiveness of its mechanism for matching offers and requests for assistance, as well as the status of assistance matters. The Committee continued to review the assistance mechanism, which dates back to 2018, and, in November 2024, it approved a revised document on the subject, entitled “Assistance mechanism procedures and templates — revision 2024”. As to the periodic review of requests for assistance, three reports on the status of those requests were produced in 2024 and one in 2025. In its most recent report, dated June 2025, the Committee took note of a total of 33 requests for assistance submitted by 24 Members States. In addition, the report stated that the Committee had received 10 requests from Members States for direct assistance from the Committee in relation to the official presence of national reports or national implementation plans for voluntary implementation. The Committee has received one further request from a Member State, bringing the total number of Members States that have sought direct assistance from the Committee to 11. The Committee plays an important role in assisting Members States to fulfil their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004) by matching requests for assistance from States with offers of assistance from both States and international, regional or subregional organizations. In 2024, four requests for assistance requiring matchmaking were submitted to the Committee and, in 2025, no new requests for matchmaking have been submitted to the Committee to date. With a view to bolstering the Committee’s role in facilitating technical assistance, including that of matching offers and requests for assistance, in 2024 the Committee wrote to all Member States and to the 39 relevant international, regional and subregional organizations and other mechanisms, inviting them to update their offers of assistance, as appropriate. To date, two Member States and one international organization have provided updated information. In its resolution 2663 (2022), the Council encouraged the Committee to develop, in agreement with the relevant Member States and with the assistance of its Group of Experts, a multi-year programme of outreach to States. In 2024, the Committee considered developing such a programme for the period from 2025 to 2027 and, for the first time, sent correspondence to all Member States, encouraging each of them to inform the Committee whether it planned to invite the Committee to conduct a visit, as well as of any other national or regional activities planned in connection with resolution 1540 (2004). Acting in accordance with the relevant resolutions, the Committee continued to strengthen its cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations and other United Nations bodies in the context of resolution 1540 (2004). In April 2024, the Committee sent correspondence to international, regional and subregional organizations requesting updated information on their points of contact or focal points for resolution 1540 (2004) and encouraged them to improve cooperation and the exchange of information with the Committee and Member States on assistance. Four international organizations provided updated information on During the reporting period, the Committee, with the assistance of its Group of Experts, participated in activities organized by international, regional and subregional organizations to which it was invited. The Committee’s website remained a tool for raising public awareness and served as the main source of information and resources on resolution 1540 (2004). With the support of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in 2024 the Committee completed a comprehensive update of the website in the six official languages of the United Nations, adapting the text as necessary to reflect the wording of resolution 2663 (2022) and removing obsolete and duplicated information. In conclusion, I would like to thank the other members of the Committee for their efforts to support the Committee’s work and the Group of Experts, the staff of UNODA and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for their invaluable support to the Committee. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I would like to thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for this briefing. And as this was the first briefing in that capacity by you, Mr. President, as you mentioned, I take this opportunity to congratulate Panama on assuming the role of Chair of the Committee and assure it of France’s full support in carrying out its mandate. On 28 April, under the presidency of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, the Security Council held a meeting on the need to preserve the international non-proliferation architecture (see S/PV.9906). As most speakers at that meeting noted, resolution 1540 (2004) is a key component of that architecture. Today we are seeing how much that architecture is under threat. The risks of proliferation have never been so high. The global strategic context has been weakened by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, during which crowd control agents and possibly other chemical agents were used as weapons of war in clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The consensus on the principles of our collective security has been weakened. The Iranian and North Korean proliferation crises are worsening, in defiance of international law. The role of the International Atomic Energy Agency is being called into question. The opportunity arising from the development of emerging and disruptive technologies in many civilian sectors poses a challenge owing to the proliferation and dissemination of technologies and knowledge. Those lower the technological threshold for access to weapons of mass destruction, in particular chemical and biological weapons, in a world in which innovation requires constant updates to our systems of control and surveillance. In this deteriorating context, the access of non-State to weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems remains a threat to international peace and security. To cite just one example, the report published in 2024 by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on the attack carried out by Da’esh in Marea, Syria, in 2015 (see S/2024/200) confirmed the reality of the threat of chemical terrorism. The new situation in Syria must therefore be seized upon by the international community to move towards complete chemical disarmament in the country. The increasing use of ballistic missiles by armed groups also reminds us of our duty to remain vigilant in the face of the threat of proliferation by non-State actors. First, the Committee must support States in their national implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Efforts must continue to encourage and, where necessary, assist States in preparing their national reports and developing implementation action plans. We welcome the work undertaken by the Committee to develop voluntary technical reference guides and promote peer review exercises, which will strengthen the sharing of experiences and best practices on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Secondly, we encourage the Committee to continue, in conjunction with the Group of Experts, its efforts to raise awareness of the challenges of implementing resolution 1540 (2004), in particular through training activities provided to national points of contact. France will continue to contribute to the review and improvement of assistance mechanisms in order to better adapt them to the needs expressed by Member States. Finally, I would like to underscore the essential role of the Group of Experts in supporting the Committee in the exercise of its mandate. We call for it to be fully staffed as soon as possible so that it can fulfil its mandate. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that the international non-proliferation architecture is essential for our collective security. The international community is its custodian and must support it. The Security Council must remain mobilized around the non-proliferation objectives it has itself established.

I thank you, Mr. President, in your capacity as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for your comprehensive briefing on the Committee’s work. As we gather today, more than 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), Algeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to that pillar of the global non-proliferation architecture. The threat of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of non-State actors remains as real today as it was two decades ago. The threat has evolved and intensified. Rapid technological advancement, including artificial intelligence, creates new challenges that demand our collective vigilance and action. Algeria commends the Committee’s sustained efforts to promote the universal implementation of the resolution. We note with satisfaction that 185 Member States have now submitted their first national reports, demonstrating a strong global commitment to our shared objectives. We particularly welcome the continued engagement reflected in the designation of 156 national points of contact and the submission of 48 voluntary national implementation action plans. However, we must acknowledge that challenges persist. Several Member States have yet to submit their initial reports, and significant implementation gaps remain across different regions. This underscores the critical importance of targeted technical assistance and capacity-building, particularly for developing countries. In that regard, Algeria gives high priority to the following areas. First, we stress the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between legitimate peaceful uses of technology and other materials for development and socioeconomic progress, and the need to prevent their misuse by non-State actors. The right to access technologies for peaceful purposes must be safeguarded, without discrimination. Thirdly, we must strengthen cooperation between the Committee and regional organizations. We call for enhanced partnerships with the relevant mechanisms, including the Pelindaba Treaty framework and the African Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism. Fourthly, Algeria appreciates the Committee’s efforts to modernize its assistance mechanisms, as reflected in the revised procedures adopted in November 2024. However, we stress that the Committee would benefit from dedicated financial resources to provide specific technical assistance. We cannot ignore the operational challenges that have emerged this year. The unprecedented delay in appointing subsidiary body Chairs has significantly impacted the Council’s work, including that of the 1540 Committee. Such delays risk undermining the effectiveness of our collective security mechanisms at a time when we can least afford it. As we look ahead, Algeria remains firmly committed to the complete elimination of all weapons of mass destruction — nuclear, chemical and biological. We view resolution 1540 (2004) not as an end in itself, but as part of a broader disarmament architecture aimed at creating a world free from the threat of these weapons. The growth of criminal networks across international borders and the persistent threat of terrorism demand that we strengthen our collective response. This requires sustained political will, enhanced international cooperation and consistent support for the Committee’s mandate. In conclusion, Algeria stands ready to work constructively with all partners to advance the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Together, we must ensure that this vital resolution continues to serve as an effective barrier against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and deter the threat they pose to international peace and security. The stakes are too high, and the consequences too grave, for anything less than our complete commitment to this shared endeavour.

I thank you, Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, for your briefing on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Guyana welcomes your appointment as Chair and commends your leadership of the 1540 Committee since assuming this position. International peace and security faces a constant threat from the use of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons — even more so in the current geopolitical climate, where States and non-State actors are finding innovative ways to exploit these weapons for warfare. In these circumstances, resolution 1540 (2004) remains vital in addressing the non-proliferation of these weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. The resolution obliges States to refrain from supporting non-State actors in acquiring these weapons. It also requires States to adopt legislation and establish effective national systems of control to prevent the proliferation and trafficking of such weapons. In that regard, Guyana emphasizes the important role of the 1540 Committee, supported by its Group of Experts, in ensuring the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Guyana acknowledges the considerable work undertaken by the Committee since its most recent briefing to the Council (see S/PV.9784), in the areas of national implementation, assistance, cooperation and outreach. In particular, we welcome the adoption of the revised assistance mechanism; the convening of an open briefing for United Nations Member States and international, regional and subregional We are pleased with the announcement by Panama of its intention to host a training course for 1540 points of contact in the Latin America and Caribbean region by the end of the year. Guyana fully supports this initiative and believes that it will help to build the capacities of experts in the region, especially those involved in national implementation efforts. As we move forward, it is critical to highlight the important role that women can play in the work of the Committee. Resolution 2663 (2022) encourages the 1540 Committee to give due consideration to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all its activities — a position Guyana strongly endorses. In conclusion, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the key international instruments, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons, and the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions. We also recommit to efforts aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Guyana believes that the non-proliferation and elimination of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons are critical for maintaining international peace and security. To that end, we urge all States to uphold the non-proliferation regime.

I thank you, Mr. President, for your briefing in your capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and commend the Committee for its work over the past year in promoting the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and advancing international cooperation on non-proliferation. As the Security Council’s first comprehensive resolution on non-proliferation, resolution 1540 (2004) has played a pivotal role over the past 21 years in forging international consensus on non-proliferation, promoting international cooperation in this area, and preventing non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Amid an increasingly complex international security situation, with multiple geopolitical conflicts erupting and terrorism continuing to wreak havoc, new developments are emerging in the international non-proliferation landscape. I wish, therefore, to share the following observations. First, we must always uphold true multilateralism. Non-proliferation is a matter of global security governance which requires global solutions rooted in multilateralism and the broad participation of the international community. The international community should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; foster a favourable regional and international security environment; accommodate the legitimate security concerns of all countries; eliminate the root causes of proliferation; and achieve common security for all. Secondly, we must consolidate and improve the international non-proliferation regime. The regime, comprising international treaties, Security Council resolutions and international mechanisms, plays an indispensable role in maintaining international peace and security. This governance framework can only be strengthened, not weakened. All parties should earnestly fulfil their responsibilities and obligations and, on the basis of universal participation and democratic decision-making, work to build a just, equitable and non-discriminatory non-proliferation and export control order, so as to continuously reinforce and consolidate this regime. Fourthly, we must focus on capacity-building for Member States. Member States are the primary actors in implementing resolution 1540 (2004), and strengthening their capacity to do so has always been a priority for the Committee. The Committee should fully take into account the specific needs and wills of all countries, especially developing countries, and carry out more targeted international cooperation and assistance to help them address gaps in the non-proliferation field. China firmly opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We attach great importance to the building of the international non-proliferation regime and to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), strictly fulfilling our international obligations and actively advancing international cooperation. Last year, in partnership with the 1540 Committee, China hosted in Beijing the Fourth Training Course for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 Points of Contact of States in the Asia-Pacific Region, supporting the enhancement of non-proliferation capacity in the region and achieving positive results. Going forward, China will continue to work with all parties to promote the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), improve the international non-proliferation regime, strengthen global non-proliferation governance and contribute to maintaining international peace and security.

At the outset, my delegation would like to express its sincere appreciation to Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, the Permanent Representative of Panama and Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for his insightful briefing and dedicated leadership of the Committee. Since this is your first briefing as Chair of the Committee, I would like to congratulate you, Ambassador, and Panama, on assuming the chairmanship of the 1540 Committee. You can count on Somalia’s full support. We acknowledge the notable progress achieved in the Committee’s work since the previous year. As this year marks the twenty-first anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), we reflect on its critical role. As the first Security Council resolution to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors, it stands as a pivotal document and a key component of the global non-proliferation framework. We commend the Committee’s dedicated work in promoting the widespread implementation of the resolution, through engagement with Member States and by facilitating support and encouraging international cooperation. We are pleased to see the progress documented in the annual review (S/2024/996), particularly the submissions of national reports and the creation of voluntary national implementation action plans. Somalia recognizes that the primary responsibility for non-proliferation rests with national Governments. However, we also believe that developing the capacity of all Member States must be a shared priority. We are mindful of the obstacles many countries face, such as limited resources and a shortage of technical know-how. We therefore urge the international community to continue providing comprehensive We welcome the enhanced cooperation between the 1540 Committee and international, regional, and subregional organizations. These collaborative partnerships are indispensable for facilitating the sharing of expertise and technical assistance and helping countries to meet their obligations under this resolution. We applaud the Committee’s robust outreach efforts, including the organization of targeted training courses for 1540 points of contact in the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. These initiatives have been invaluable in fostering capacity-building. In conclusion, Somalia reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and will continue to work alongside our regional and international partners to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and foster a safer and more secure world for all.

We thank you, Mr. President, for your briefing, in your capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment as Chair. We support the efforts of our Panamanian colleagues to promptly resolve the various issues on the Committee’s agenda. Over the more than two decades since its adoption in 2004, resolution 1540 (2004) has proved on numerous occasions how relevant it is as a universal international document aimed at ensuring depoliticized cooperation among States and helping them to prevent weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their means of delivery and related materials from falling into the hands of non-State actors. The Russian Federation has always been firmly committed to the goals and objectives of the resolution. We were among its initiators, and we directly participated in drafting its basic provisions. We are convinced that this document remains relevant and retains its unifying potential. We believe that ensuring the positive perception of resolution 1540 (2004) by all Member States should remain an unconditional priority for the 1540 Committee. It is therefore important to preserve the spirit of cooperation inherent in resolution 1540 (2004) and to ensure that this cooperation is comprehensive and inclusive in nature. Delays in the Committee’s work only benefit those who seek to undermine international non-proliferation efforts. In this regard, we believe that impediments to the Committee’s work must be avoided in the future. Furthermore, the provisions of resolution 1540 (2004), which place serious obligations on national authorities, should not be used as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of States. The Committee itself should act strictly within its mandate, as is set out in other relevant Security Council resolutions. In this regard, it is unacceptable to entrust the Committee with functions that are not within its remit, including oversight and control functions. The key tasks of the Committee are the following — to monitor the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and to coordinate global efforts in providing technical assistance to States, upon their request. In this context, my country has consistently advocated that the Committee take a tactful approach when it comes to interacting with national Governments, without exerting artificial pressure on them. It is essential that the attention of this subsidiary body remain focused on its direct tasks related to the non-proliferation of WMD. It is unacceptable to artificially incorporate into its work other issues that go beyond the scope of resolution 1540 (2004), such as counter-terrorism, digital developments and information security, as well as sanctions-related issues. In conclusion, I would like to assure you, Mr. President, that the Russian Federation is always open to constructive interaction with the Committee in order to fulfil the vital tasks assigned to it. Within this process, it is essential to take into account the views and interests of both Committee members and all other States and to continue striving for consensus on any contentious issues.

As colleagues have done, I would like to start by congratulating you, Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, on assuming the position of Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and by thanking you for your briefing today. Denmark is very pleased to contribute to the work of the Committee under your leadership. For more than 20 years, resolution 1540 (2004) has served as a key pillar in the non-proliferation architecture. It is a landmark resolution that is as relevant today as it was 20 years ago in preventing non-State actors, including terrorists and other non-State actors, from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Denmark reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) in order to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery to non-State actors, as required by this resolution. We urge all countries to continue to strengthen regulatory controls, to adopt and enforce national legislation and to take measures to fulfil their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). As Ambassador Alfaro de Alba mentioned, the number of Member States that have submitted first national reports remains at 185. We commend these countries and call upon the remaining eight Member States to fulfil this critical obligation. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that every State possesses the necessary capacity to fully implement resolution 1540 (2004). The 1540 Committee is instrumental in this regard. It helps to oversee implementation, facilitate assistance and foster collaboration with international and regional organizations through its outreach efforts. In this regard, we hope that a programme of work can be agreed as soon as possible. To achieve the objectives of this critical resolution, we must continue strengthening collaboration and coordination with all relevant international organizations and export control regimes. This includes allowing the Group of Experts of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) to participate in all relevant events in order to strengthen partnerships and raise awareness about the Committee’s work. Such efforts are vital to effectively advance the comprehensive implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) in all its dimensions and to ensure that no gaps are left. We commend the Group of Experts for its dedication and professional work. We believe that it is important for both the Committee and its Group of Experts to play a proactive role in providing their expertise in support of Member States. We hope that the expert seats that remain vacant will be filled as soon as possible. In conclusion, resolution 1540 (2004) is a shared obligation that requires our continued engagement. Let me reiterate Denmark’s strong commitment to enhancing the full and effective implementation of the resolution and to effectively contributing to the work of the Committee.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this briefing, and in your capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I also thank you for your detailed report on the activities of the Committee since the most recent briefing on 26 March 2024 At the outset, Sierra Leone reaffirms its support for the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and effective measures to prevent non-State actors from manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, developing, transporting, transferring or using weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery and to establish domestic controls to prevent their proliferation. Sierra Leone also reaffirms its strong support for the resolution, which remains a key pillar in the global non-proliferation architecture. The resolution’s focus on preventing non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction is especially critical in the light of growing transnational security threats, including terrorism and trafficking in dual-use technologies. We commend the Committee’s sustained engagement with Member States to enhance national implementation, including the submission of national reports and voluntary national implementation action plans. Sierra Leone recognizes the value of these instruments in identifying national priorities and legal and institutional measures, and we encourage broader participation by Member States, especially those that have not yet submitted initial reports. We welcome the Committee’s work in promoting peer reviews and the development of voluntary technical reference guides. These initiatives, alongside the pilot projects on legislative examples, offer practical avenues to deepen implementation and foster South-South learning among Member States. We particularly welcome efforts to ensure that these tools are adaptable to diverse legal systems and regional contexts. Sierra Leone underscores the importance of technical assistance, capacity-building and information-sharing in enabling Member States, in particular developing countries, to meet their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). We therefore support the Committee’s efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the assistance mechanism, and we call for timely matchmaking between requests and offers. We also encourage greater responsiveness from international, regional and subregional organizations in updating their offers of support. Additionally, we also underscore the need for renewed vigilance as technological advancements present emerging risks. The proliferation potential of synthetic biology, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and autonomous delivery systems must be addressed proactively through international cooperation and early warning mechanisms, lest they outpace our regulatory frameworks. We take note of the Chair’s reference to outreach initiatives and urgently call for further steps towards an inclusive and geographically balanced programme of engagement. Sierra Leone supports the development of a multi-year outreach plan that reflects the specific needs and challenges of States in Africa and other regions facing resource constraints or technical capacity gaps. In this regard, since submitting our first national report in 2007 (S/AC.44/2004/(02)/142, annex), we have taken deliberate and sustained steps to fulfil the obligations contained in resolution 1540 (2004). In 2021, we transmitted a comprehensive request for assistance to the Committee, identifying critical legislative and institutional capacity gaps. We are pleased to note that this request catalysed meaningful engagement with international partners and has since yielded tangible results. With the technical support of the Verification Research, Training and Information Centre, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, we are in the final stages of drafting legislation to domesticate both the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical We emphasize the need to ensure that the Group of Experts is fully staffed and adequately resourced to deliver on the Committee’s mandate effectively. Full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) requires not just commitment but also the necessary human and financial resources to sustain momentum. In conclusion, Sierra Leone looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Committee and other Member States to ensure that the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004) are met. We remain committed to collective efforts aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and enhancing global peace and security. In this vein, we extend our gratitude to the Committee members, the Group of Experts, officials in the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and staff for their dedication and support in advancing the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004).

I would like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the chairship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) this year. We thank you for your briefing today and for your proactive stewardship. We look forward to working closely with Panama, as well as with our fellow Vice-Chair, Greece, to advance this Committee’s vital mandate. Allow me to make three brief points. Firstly, resolution 1540 (2004) is a cornerstone of the international non-proliferation architecture. Since its adoption, however, the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction has not diminished. Instead, new challenges have emerged. Against this backdrop, the United Kingdom reiterates its call for all States to implement their obligations under this resolution in full. Secondly, the United Kingdom remains committed to assisting States in improving their national implementation, including through offering legal and regulatory expertise to help strengthen controls on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials. In parallel, however, and underpinning the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), is the need for the 1540 Committee and Group of Experts to be able to function properly. Therefore, we call on all members to engage constructively to agree a robust and forward-looking programme of work. This will help to enable the Committee to take forward resolution 1540 (2004)’s ambitions in a full and timely manner. Thirdly and finally, we also note, with concern, that unwarranted objections from some Committee members have prevented the Group of Experts from attending outreach events to focus on specific thematic and regional issues related to implementation. Such activity is critical for the Group of Experts to execute its functions, including to provide insight and technical support to Member States in their implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). The United Kingdom therefore calls for the immediate reversal of any such action that might hinder the Committee’s vital work.

At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Ambassador Alfaro de Alba for the comprehensive briefing. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Panama and to Ecuador, last year’s Chair As just highlighted by the Chair, there has been notable progress in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). However, many challenges still remain. The 2022 comprehensive review of the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) identified several ongoing difficulties faced by some Member States, including the lack of technical expertise, legal frameworks and implementation capabilities. In this context, I would like to highlight the following points. First, it is essential that the Committee further enhance its support to Member States by organizing various capacity-building activities and providing practical guidance materials. The Republic of Korea has continued to contribute financial resources to facilitate the Committee’s activities, both within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Most recently, we supported the national workshop held in Nigeria in April 2025 and the points of contact training course for Africa, held in Ethiopia in November 2024. We welcome Panama’s initiative to host a similar course for the Latin American and Caribbean region later this year. In addition, we hope that the Committee can reach timely agreement on the voluntary technical reference guides. These documents, if developed in an inclusive manner, will serve as valuable tools for Member States in their efforts to implement resolution 1540 (2004). Secondly, the Committee needs to reinforce the outreach activities conducted by the Group of Experts, which serve as a critical resource in supporting the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). The Republic of Korea attaches great importance to the Group of Expert’s role and supports its active engagement with Member States and relevant stakeholders, including international and regional organizations. It is regrettable that the Committee has, at times, been unable to facilitate the Group of Expert’s response to certain requests for assistance. The Committee should explore ways to ensure the continuity of such efforts. We also hope that the Committee can reach a consensus to fill the current vacancies in the Group of Experts. Finally, the Committee must remain attentive to developments in emerging science and technology. Resolution 2663 (2022), adopted unanimously, reaffirmed the importance of responding to the evolving risks of proliferation associated with rapid scientific and technological advances. In this context, it is essential for the Committee to consider whether the current 1540 matrix template, which was last revised in 2017, adequately addresses this shifting landscape. Before concluding, I would like to affirm the Republic of Korea’s firm commitment to strengthening the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) with a view to preventing weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of non-State actors.

At the outset, I wish to thank you, Ambassador Alfaro de Alba, for briefing the Council in your capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on its work, and I would like to congratulate Panama on assuming the duties of Chair of the Committee and to assure you that you have Greece’s full support. The 1540 Committee remains a central pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture, which, as recent crises have shown, especially in the Middle East, is essential to preserve in its entirety. At the same time, resolution 1540 (2004) plays a key role in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to non-State actors, including for terrorist purposes. Greece remains fully committed to supporting the effective and universal implementation of this critical resolution. We are particularly honoured to assume We commend the Committee’s productive activities over the reporting period, including the submission of the 2024 annual review to the Council (see S/2024/996), its informal and formal meetings and the open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations held on 9 October 2024. This open briefing offers an important platform for enhancing dialogue with Member States on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including on assistance matters. Moreover, we highly value the initiative of the previous Chair, Ecuador, to reinstate the Committee’s practice of organizing training courses for national points of contact for resolution 1540 (2004). In this regard, Greece welcomes the two successful training courses that took place in the regions of Africa and Asia-Pacific in 2024 and is looking ahead with great interest towards the next training course for the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, which Panama is planning to host in the near future. Let me express my delegation’s expectation that a training course will be organized soon after in the region of Europe, in which we will engage constructively. Furthermore, Greece is currently considering hosting a national training workshop on issues related to maritime interdiction operations within the framework of resolution 1540 (2004) later this year. While we positively acknowledge the progress, it is important to ensure conditions that allow for the Group of Experts to work efficiently on a continuous basis, including through the filling of the vacancies within the Group, without further delay. We also fully support ongoing discussions within the Committee on the development and review, as appropriate, of voluntary technical reference guides, prepared with the assistance of its Group of Experts, in line with resolution 2663 (2022). Finally, my delegation underscores the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the 1540 Committee and international, regional and subregional organizations, as well as other United Nations bodies, in particular with the European Union, in advancing the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In conclusion, Greece reaffirms its strong commitment to the universal and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) as an integral pillar of international peace and security.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s briefing and presenting the report on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), in your capacity as Chair of the Committee. We congratulate you, Sir, on assuming this important position and assure you of our support in fulfilling the mandate of resolution 1540 (2004). Pakistan has always held that international instruments on disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation should be developed through inclusive negotiated processes, fully utilizing the role of the Conference on Disarmament as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating body. That approach ensures the application of universally agreed principles, including equal and undiminished security for all States. Pakistan attaches the highest importance to global non-proliferation norms and the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 1540 (2004). Pakistan has successfully implemented its obligations under resolution 1540 (2004) and has established a robust command and control system; a rigorous legislative, administrative and enforcement mechanism to regulate the transfer of sensitive goods and technologies and to ensure their safety and security at all stages; and a comprehensive export control regime on a par with the highest international standards. For the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), Pakistan has so far submitted six reports, including the comprehensive matrix. We have appointed the national point of contact and adopted a voluntary national action plan. We have also offered technical assistance to several countries to help implement resolution 1540 (2004) and lent our support for the promotion of regional cooperation for effective implementation of the resolution. We also hosted a regional seminar on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) to share best practices and national experiences. Pakistan has also voluntarily adhered to the Nuclear Suppliers Group Guidelines and expressed interest in joining various export control regimes. Multilateral export control regimes could play a crucial role in strengthening global non-proliferation efforts. However, to maintain credibility, those regimes must avoid cartelization and should not be seen as exclusive clubs prioritizing political and commercial interests. Effective non-proliferation requires a non-discriminatory, objective and criteria-based approach. Instead of advancing political objectives masked as non-proliferation concerns, on a selective basis, efforts should focus on collective interests to promote global and regional strategic stability. Furthermore, non-proliferation efforts, while important in their own right, must not impede international cooperation in the peaceful uses of dual-use technologies, which is vital for the economic development of the Global South. The inalienable right of all countries to utilize nuclear energy and technologies for peaceful purposes, consistent with their respective non-proliferation and international legal obligations, must be respected and ensured. In this respect, we reiterate our proposal to establish an all-inclusive open-ended working group under United Nations auspices to ensure equitable access to technologies and to address the denial cases that hinder development. Non-proliferation is a shared global objective. It must be promoted within the framework of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Pakistan will continue to promote the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004), including through its active contribution to the work of the 1540 Committee across all sectors, including national implementation, assistance and cooperation, as well as by sharing its expertise with other countries for their capacity-building for the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).

Let me first join others in welcoming your appointment, Mr. President, as the new Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We wish you, Sir, every success in fulfilling this important responsibility. I also wish to thank you for today’s briefing. In our view, resolution 1540 (2004) remains one of the most significant instruments in the international community’s efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. It is one of the essential pillars of our collective commitment to maintain international peace and security. At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, the Committee’s work is vital in ensuring that the resolution remains effective and relevant. First, we welcome the Committee’s review of its assistance mechanism procedures and the adoption of new assistance mechanism procedures and templates, which will enhance the effectiveness of support provided to Member States. The Committee’s efforts to better align assistance offers with the needs of Member States have also been commendable. Secondly, the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) remains a long-term undertaking that requires continuous efforts at the national, regional and international levels. In this regard, we commend the 1540 Committee for its ongoing engagement with Member States and regional organizations. The open briefing held last October highlighted the importance of dialogue and the sharing of best practices, thereby reinforcing the global effort to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It is important to maintain this practice. Thirdly, the Committee’s tailored capacity-building initiatives, such as regional training programmes, have been an important instrument in strengthening national capacities to implement resolution 1540 (2004). We are pleased that after a four-year hiatus, two training courses for points of contact were conducted again — one for the Asia-Pacific and one for Africa, and we welcome the announcement that Panama will be hosting one for Latin America. However, despite all the progress, we note with concern that the Committee was not able to adopt its programme of work for 2025 and failed to fill all the vacancies in the Group of Experts. In this regard, we believe that increasing the inclusion of women experts in the Group would lead to more effective and stronger implementation. We also hope that the appointment of a new coordinator for the Group of Experts will be finalized soon. The rapid advancement of technologies, including artificial intelligence and cybercapabilities, presents new proliferation risks, requiring proactive and adaptive measures. Additionally, it is essential to expand existing partnerships with regional organizations, civil society, industry and the private sector in order to foster a truly comprehensive and inclusive approach to non-proliferation. Many Member States continue to face challenges to the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In that context, Slovenia continues to express its full support to the United Nations Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament Activities, including through financial donations. We also remain a strong supporter of all efforts of both the 1540 Committee and the Office for Disarmament Affairs in assisting States with the resolution’s implementation.

The United States expresses its gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your exceptional leadership as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Despite challenging circumstances, including the absence of a formal programme of work, you have shown unwavering commitment to advancing the Committee’s mission. And we thank you for that. Your efforts have been instrumental in resuming the Committee’s work mid-year and ensuring that resolution 1540 (2004) remains the cornerstone of global efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by and to non-State actors, including terrorist groups. The United States is pleased to note positive developments within the Committee. In 2024, the Committee finalized the assistance procedures document, establishing effective internal procedures that clarify the roles of all stakeholders coordinating assistance. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Member States can access the support they need to fulfil their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). Additionally, the Committee co-organized two national points of contact training However, these successes are overshadowed by persistent obstructionism, which threatens the Committee’s ability to fulfil its mandate. This obstruction prevents valuable lessons learned from reaching Member States and international organizations working to implement resolution 1540 (2004). Furthermore, the Russian Federation has hindered the participation of the Group of Experts in events, trainings, and conferences related to resolution 1540 (2004), particularly those sponsored by Western countries or addressing sensitive topics such as synthetic pathogen development or chemical weapons investigations. The Russian Federation also recently objected to the participation of a 1540 Committee expert in the Stakeholder Forum on National Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), despite significant overlap between the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004) and the BWC. These events are crucial for States seeking to better understand and fulfil their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). China has also complicated the Committee’s work and prevented the Committee from achieving consensus on the 2025 programme of work through its promotion of a false narrative regarding the impact of non-proliferation export controls on commercial trade. This misleading campaign undermines the legitimacy of multilateral non-proliferation-related export control regimes and spreads disinformation to developing countries about export controls. We must ensure that Member States understand that the obligations established in resolution 1540 (2004) enable high-tech global trade and development while still combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). These obligations provide the ideal framework for safe and secure trade. The United States calls on all Committee members to reinitiate the collaborative approach that characterized the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004). It is imperative that obstruction by certain Security Council members ceases so that the Committee can make meaningful progress in combating WMD proliferation. The strategic environment demands nothing less. In closing, the United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts. We will continue advocating the completion of technical guides and the assessment of implementation within various areas of the resolution. Together, we can ensure that resolution 1540 (2004) is fully implemented, thereby safeguarding global security and preventing the catastrophic consequences of WMD proliferation.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Panama. I would like to offer some comments in my national capacity. In particular, I would like to share some considerations on Panama’s priorities in the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Panama believes that it is of transcendental importance to promote and encourage the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and its successor resolutions, since it is a shield against the latent threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, whether by State or non-State actors. Our country remains concerned about the risk of non-State actors, with sufficient financial resources, gaining access to materials, equipment and expertise to create such weapons. To quote Mr. Mohamed ElBaradei, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency: “Given the growing technological sophistication of extremist groups, this should no longer be considered a sinister fairy tale”. We believe in the power of dialogue and consensus as a foundation for lasting solutions. We therefore support the work of the 1540 Committee and call for its technical nature to be preserved in order to avoid its politicization, given its significance in international peace and security. In that context, we call for the 1540 Committee to increase its presence in all regions, particularly those that are lagging behind in the implementation of the aforementioned resolution. Technical assistance should be a bridge, not an obstacle. We therefore advocate improving access to such assistance, ensuring that it reaches the countries that require it, including those that require direct assistance. In that regard, we highlight the role of regional and subregional bodies in this task, as many of them have a strong understanding of regional realities and can arrive at context- specific responses. Panama looks forward to progress on the submission of initial reports. We also recognize the importance of voluntary national action plans to facilitate the full implementation of the resolution. In these efforts, visits to States that request them may be a viable option, not only to comply with requirements but also to strengthen capacities and build bridges of cooperation. Several of these clear needs are considered in resolution 2663 (2022). Therefore, it will be important to make progress in fulfilling the priorities established therein, such as the development of voluntary technical reference guides, offering clear tools so that States can translate their commitments into concrete actions. All these initiatives should continue to be framed in the work plan, which should be solid, coherent and ambitious, so that it can guarantee tangible results. Our attention is particularly focused on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region characterized by diversity and resilience, but also by persistent challenges. On that basis, we are honoured to express our interest in organizing a regional workshop for Latin American and Caribbean contact points, in Panama City, in late 2025. We would welcome the support of the 1540 Committee in this initiative, as well as the participation of Member States, which would contribute significantly to regional capacity-building and the exchange of good practices. In line with this, we wish to underline the importance of the 1540 Committee’s continued active participation in the forums and events to which it is invited. These events allow it to maintain its presence, visibility and relevance in international debates on non-proliferation. We deeply appreciate the voluntary contributions that, through the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs trust fund, have made this participation possible. We express our sincere appreciation to those States that have demonstrated this tangible commitment and respectfully urge other countries to join in this effort, which strengthens the work of the Committee and contributes to the fulfilment of its mandate. Finally, and taking note of the information provided by the Chair of the 1540 Committee, we express our deep appreciation to Ecuador for its commendable work at the helm of the Committee during 2023 and 2024. Likewise, we extend our appreciation to the Committee’s support structure. In this regard, we call on the members to be flexible in order to finalize, as soon as possible, the appointments to fill the pending vacancies in the Group of Experts, whose valuable work deserves our full support. I now resume my functions as President of the Council.

Just now, in his statement, the representative of the United States of America accused China of obstructing the adoption of the Committee’s programme of work. I would like to briefly respond. Non-proliferation and peaceful uses are not opposed to each other. Rather, they have a symbiotic relationship. The peaceful uses of science and technology and related international cooperation are what such international legal instruments as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention established as inalienable rights for all nations. It is one of the key principles underpinning the international non-proliferation regime. Resolution 1540 (2004) clearly provides that the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons shall not hamper international cooperation in materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes. Subsequent resolutions 1810 (2008), 1977 (2011) and 2663 (2022), on the renewal of the Committee’s mandate, also reaffirmed this. As a result, China’s push for the Committee’s programme of work this year to reflect the above-mentioned international consensus is completely legitimate and reasonable. The United States’ wanton obstructionism on this is totally unreasonable. We have also taken note that the United States State Department described resolution 1540 (2004) on its website as “helping to keep sensitive materials out of the hands of terrorists and other criminals while preserving legitimate commercial and peaceful uses of related goods and know-how”. It is clear that the United States also supports peaceful uses of science and technology. Why, then, does it block the inclusion of such content in the Committee’s programme of work? Are the peaceful uses referred to by the United States different from the peaceful uses known to the international community, and does it need another standard by which to measure them? China urges the international community to jointly safeguard the rights of developing countries to the peaceful uses of science and technology and, while maintaining export controls, fulfil their obligations to promote the peaceful uses of science and technology, in accordance with international law; support relevant international cooperation; and avoid imposing unreasonable obstacles to peaceful uses by developing countries.

The representative of the United States of America has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I do think it is unfortunate that China is struggling to accurately recall what transpired last year. The draft programme of work, put under a no objection procedure, was a result of months of good faith negotiations. Let me be clear. The sole reason that this programme of work was not adopted was that a certain Council member insisted on the inclusion of non-consensus language. While we can all agree that non-proliferation control should not hamper international cooperation for peaceful purposes, disparaging export control regimes on that basis is disingenuous and runs counter to this Committee’s mandate. It is our responsibility to facilitate States’ implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including its obligations to establish, develop, review and maintain appropriate effective national export and trans-shipment controls. We urge China to reflect on the dangers of its campaign to undermine such controls, which are in place to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and their means of delivery.