Norway would like to thank Mexico for its efforts as Chair of the 1540 Committee to move the committee's work forward over the course of the last two years.
We are very supportive of the professional manner in which work has been undertaken by the Chair, including in the context of the Comprehensive Review and the mandate renewal. We appreciate that Mexico has strived to hear all voices and pursue an inclusive and balanced approach throughout its Chairmanship in the face of a difficult climate.
Norway has voted in favor of the resolution to renew the mandate of the 1540 Committee. Norway is working toward balanced, mutual, irreversible, and verifiable nuclear disarmament and to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The 1540 Committee has an important role in reaching this goal.
Norway remains strongly supportive of the role of the Group of Experts, and hopes that the Committee will begin to review its internal guidelines as soon as possible to allow the 1540 Committee to better utilize its expertise.
Norway is pleased that this resolution was able to reflect the importance of full, equal, and meaningful participation of women with regard to matters related to non-proliferation. The inclusion of this reference is based on inputs raised by a cross-regional group of Member States during the 1540 Committee’s Open Consultations.
Ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women is central to harnessing diverse expertise, sharpening technical assistance, and building new areas for cooperation, capacity building, and training in relation to the work undertaken by the 1540 Committee.
PP19 also reflects the approach outlined in the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament and is in line with Security Council Resolution 1325- where it is recognized that women’s participation is of great importance to issues relevant to international peace and security.
In conclusion, the prospect of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons – and their means of delivery – is of real and continuous concern. Especially considering the continuously evolving nature of proliferation risk, including the rapid advances in science, technology, and international commerce. Therefore, please be assured of our full support for the work of the 1540 Committee.