1C: Cluster 2 - Other weapons of mass destruction

Chair,
This year marks the centennial of the Geneva Protocol — one of the clearest expressions of our shared commitment to protect humanity from the absolute worst methods of warfare.

The milestone is more than a historical marker – it is a reminder of what’s at stake. If
Member States neglect their responsibilities, we risk the normalisation and proliferation
of weapons that we all agreed were too inhumane – even in war.

Chair,
Vigilance is not optional — it’s essential. And ours is being tested. Three TAV reports from the OPCW technical secretariat confirm the presence of Riot Control Agents on the front lines of Ukraine. Russia uses RCAs and chloropicrin to force Ukrainian soldiers out in the open with the threat of choking, to then kill them. The use of chloropicrin as a Chemical Weapon and the use of RCAs as a method of warfare is a blatant violation of the Convention.

Conversely, we welcome the cooperation between the Syrian transitional authorities
with the OPCW. We are encouraged by the determination to identify those responsible.
Accountability is essential to uphold the Convention.

We must also remain vigilant against the threat of proliferation to non-state actors. The
1540 Committee and its support to Member States is central to this effort. Its mandate
must be matched by resources, political will, and cross-border cooperation.
Furthermore, we recognize the vital role of the UNSGM. Its independence and
investigative capabilities must be protected.

Chair,
The peaceful application of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials
and technologies plays a vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Norway firmly recognizes that the responsible and peaceful use is an inalienable right of
all states.

However, the landscape of biological threats is evolving rapidly. Advances in
biotechnology offer immense promise—but also carry risks. Fifty years since the
adoption of the BTWC, the tools to engineer pathogens are becoming more powerful,
accessible, and harder to regulate.

Strengthening the Convention is critical to ensuring innovation does not outpace
safeguards. The dedicated Working Group has presented us with good proposals, and
almost all parties agree. We have a window of opportunity - let’s seize it.

Chair,
these anniversaries are not just moments of reflection; they are calls to action – to
recommit to the principles that have guided us for a century – and to strengthen the
institutions that protect us.

Finally, the anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 is another reminder: that we must bridge the gap between the Women, Peace and Security agenda and disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Women have the right to participate fully, equally and meaningfully in all matters of peace and security—to influence decisions that shape their future.

Thank you.