The conference serves both as a review of treaty implementation and as a key forum to reinforce global commitments towards a fair world order free of weapons of mass destruction.

It marks an important milestone in efforts to maintain the international legal foundation for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

The conference runs from April 27 to May 22 under the presidency of Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of Vietnam’s permanent mission to the United Nations and president-designate of the review.

Senior representatives from 191 NPT member states attended the opening session, including foreign ministers, ambassadors, leaders of international organizations and observers.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the treaty as an irreplaceable foundation of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.

He pointed to serious challenges, including the modernization of nuclear arsenals by major powers, escalating geopolitical tensions in multiple regions, and declining trust in multilateral mechanisms.

Guterres called on member states to recommit to fully implementing the treaty’s three pillars: nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament and cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He also underscored the need to build trust among states, advance strategic dialogue and prevent actions that undermine the treaty.

He welcomed Vietnam’s role as conference presidency, saying it provides an opportunity for developing countries to make their voice heard more strongly in the global disarmament process, and reaffirmed United Nations support for a consensus-based and substantive outcome.

The conference agenda centers on a comprehensive review of treaty implementation since 2022, with discussions structured around its three pillars.

Delegates will begin with a general debate before moving into thematic sessions on disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful nuclear cooperation.

The meeting takes place amid a complex geopolitical context, with challenges including nuclear arsenal modernization, regional tensions and rising proliferation risks, and is expected to produce concrete measures to accelerate effective implementation of the treaty.

Vietnam, in its role as conference presidency, has made active contributions and thorough preparations.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet emphasized a constructive spirit, dialogue and multilateral cooperation in remarks ahead of the conference, while  reaffirming Vietnam’s consistent position in support of comprehensive and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

Vietnam, which does not possess nuclear weapons but has suffered severe consequences from chemical warfare and seeks sustainable peace, said it will work to reinforce solidarity among member states, especially the voice of developing countries, towards building a world free of nuclear weapons.

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