Chair,
It is the right of all States Parties to develop, research, produce, and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Enshrined in Article IV, this right is an essential part of the Treaty’s grand bargain and must be upheld in balance with obligations related to non-proliferation, nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. Preserving this balance is vital for the credibility and sustainability of the NPT.
Peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology are instrumental in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Through nuclear applications, cancer diagnosis and treatment are strengthened, food security and agricultural productivity are improved, water resource management is enhanced, and environmental monitoring and climate resilience are supported.
Norway is actively working to ensuring that these benefits are available to all States Parties.
Chair,
The IAEA plays a unique and indispensable role in enabling the safe, secure, and sustainable peaceful use of nuclear technology. Considering the unprecedented global growth in the use of nuclear technologies, Norway reiterates the need for the Agency to be funded in a sufficient, predictable and sustainable manner, including through the Technical Cooperation Fund.
Peaceful uses, nonproliferation, nuclear safety, and nuclear security are mutually reinforcing. Effective safeguards and credible national regulatory frameworks enable cooperation and build confidence. Norway therefore emphasises that any expansion of peaceful nuclear activities must take place within a comprehensive framework covering safeguards implementation, safety and security, and responsible management of radioactive waste and spent fuel.
Competent, independent and well-resourced regulatory authorities are essential, as are education, training and knowledge retention. Investing in the next generation of scientists, engineers and regulators is a prerequisite for safe and secure peaceful nuclear activities. Norway supports IAEA initiatives in this area.
Chair,
Many States are exploring the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and energy security. Each State has the sovereign right to determine its own energy mix. Any decision to pursue nuclear power must, however, be based on robust safety standards, transparent decision-making, effective emergency preparedness, and credible solutions for waste and spent fuel management.
Armed conflict in states with advanced nuclear industries, particularly those hosting nuclear power plants, poses serious risks. Norway underlines the importance of the IAEA Director General’s seven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security in armed conflict.
Chair,
Norway strongly advocates minimising and eliminating the civilian use and stocks of highly enriched uranium. We are working with the United States to reduce our own limited HEU holdings. Together with IAEA, Norway hosted the fourth international symposium on HEU minimisation in March. Conclusions are reflected in Working Paper 36.
International cooperation remains the backbone of Pillar III. It must be inclusive, transparent, and responsive to national needs, while strengthening multilateral institutions. Norway stresses that the IAEA should remain the primary forum for cooperation and technical assistance. Gender equality and diversity are also essential for a sustainable and resilient nuclear sector.
Norway would like to commend the Philippines for Working Paper 10 on upscaling non-power applications of atomic energy, a timely and constructive contribution that highlights the transformative development impact of peaceful nuclear applications, and to which Norway is pleased to be an associated supporter.
Finally, Norway is a member of the Vienna Group of Ten, which has submitted Working Paper 37 to this Conference.
Chair,
In conclusion, Norway believes this Review Conference should reaffirm the inalienable right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while underscoring the responsibilities that accompany that right. A strong and credible Pillar III depends on cooperation, robust institutions, high safety and security standards, and full respect for safeguards.
Thank you