Chair,
The global norm against biological and chemical weapons must be preserved.
Any use of such weapons, by any actor and under any circumstances, is unacceptable and contrary to international law. Russia’s use of toxic chemicals as a method of warfare in Ukraine is deeply concerning, as are its unfounded allegations concerning biological weapons programmes. Such violations and efforts to undermine the Conventions must have consequences.
Norway fully supports the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and its Technical Secretariat. Independent investigations, technical assistance and attribution mechanisms are indispensable to confidence in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the rules-based international order.
Norway further welcomes the reinstatement of the rights and privileges of Syria under the CWC. At the same time, we remain concerned by allegations of chemical weapons use in Sudan and call for Sudan’s full cooperation with the OPCW.
Chair,
As we approach the 2027 Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention, strengthening the Convention must remain a priority. At the Working Group’s final session in December, Norway expects consensus on an ambitious and balanced package, including effective mechanisms for science and technology review and international cooperation and assistance, stronger implementation
support, and an open-ended process on concrete compliance and verification measures. The outcome should provide a credible basis for decisions at the Review Conference.
We must also preserve, strengthen and adequately resource the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism as an independent and impartial instrument for investigating alleged use of chemical and biological weapons. The international community needs credible, independent investigative tools, and efforts to weaken them should be rejected. The Secretary-General has full authority to review
and update the Mechanism’s procedures if needed. We therefore see no need for a member-state driven initiative to revise these procedures. Advances in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence offer major benefits, but may also increase biological risks and proliferation challenges. Peaceful innovation must be accompanied by effective safeguards, responsible governance, and international cooperation.
Non-proliferation and peaceful cooperation are mutually reinforcing. Effective export controls prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction while facilitating legitimate scientific exchange and peaceful uses of technology.
Chair,
Amid growing geopolitical tensions, preserving trust in the multilateral system is more important than ever. Norway will continue working with partners from all regions to strengthen both Conventions and the norms protecting us from biological and chemical weapons.
Thank you.