Statement of Norway during the Opening session of the Conference on Disarmament 20 January 2026.
Delivered by First Secretary (disarmament) Kristian Svanes.
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20.01.2026
President,
Let me begin by congratulating you on assuming the first presidency of the Conference on Disarmament in 2026.
Multilateralism and a strong international legal framework are the foundation for international peace and security. The CD has a key role to play.
For three decades, however, the CD has been unable to fulfil its core mandate: to negotiate. This stalemate cannot continue. To restore the relevance of this forum, we must collectively recommit to a negotiating agenda and a programme of work that enables substantive progress. Rule 27 is clear: at the beginning of every annual session, we shall adopt an agenda and a programme of work. Endless procedural debates must not derail substantive engagement.
The agreement last year to continue the work of subsidiary bodies was a welcome development. They provide a framework for focused discussions, building the foundations of future negotiations. Norway has full confidence in the coordinators and their ability to foster constructive engagement.
Norway remains firmly committed to transparency and inclusivity in multilateral disarmament efforts. The Rules of Procedure clearly imply that all UN Member States who wish to observe our work should be allowed to do so. We are pleased about today’s decision on the participation of non-member states as observers. We expect that upcoming applications from non-member states for participation as observers will also be accepted, as they should be.
The global security environment continues to deteriorate. Rising tensions, unpredictability, and conflicts across multiple regions underscore the urgency of revitalizing multilateral diplomacy. Crises from the Middle East to Sudan, from tensions between nuclear-armed states in South Asia to the DPRK's ongoing violations of the UN Security Council resolutions – illustrate the fragility of international security.
Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine remains a serious, ongoing violation of international law and the UN Charter. Russia undermines the architecture that this very Conference is mandated to promote, using escalatory nuclear threats and deliberately jeopardising nuclear safety and security in Ukraine to support its war. Just weeks ago we saw yet another example of this reckless nuclear signalling as Russia launched a dual-
capable intermediate range ballistic missile at Ukraine – the Oreshnik – for the second time. We condemn Russia's actions, and demand that Russia end its war.
President,
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the cornerstone of global disarmament, nonproliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Norway remains committed to its full implementation, including our common goal: the total elimination of nuclear weapons. At the upcoming NPT Review Conference, we aim to advance all three pillars of the treaty, including the fundamental principles of nuclear disarmament, namely: transparency, verification and irreversibility. It is also high time to improve the effectiveness of the review process itself.
Norway will continue its long-standing efforts on Nuclear Disarmament Verification, as a practical way to build the foundations for future agreements. Last year, the UN General Assembly decided to establish a Group of Scientific and Technical experts on Nuclear Disarmament Verification, which will provide reports to the CD. The UN will call for nominations of experts later this year. We urge the CD members to engage in this process.
President,
Negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty are long overdue. We propose that the CD begin negotiations this session. Promoting the universalization and entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty likewise remains a priority for Norway.
Emerging technologies, developments in outer space, and other evolving security challenges add urgency to our work. These issues have become increasingly central to international peace and security, and the CD must play its role in advancing substantive negotiations.
President,
Inclusive and gender-balanced participation enhances the effectiveness of disarmament processes. Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda is not only a matter of principle; inclusive processes yield more sustainable and effective outcomes.
To conclude, President, you can count on Norway’s full and constructive cooperation in the year ahead. With our presidency, we stand ready to contribute towards restoring the CD’s relevance as the single standing multilateral disarmament negotiation forum of the international community.
We extend our full support for your efforts in this important initial phase of the CD’s first session.
I thank you.