Statement by Norway in the Conference on Disarmament during the Plenary Meeting 17 March 2026 on the topic of Prevention of Nuclear War,
including all Related Matters.
Delivered by First Secretary (disarmament) Kristian Svanes.
17 March 2026
Check against delivery
President,
Norway congratulates the Kingdom of the Netherlands on assuming the presidency of the CD. Norway looks forward to continuing our good cooperation in the P6+2 format. We also thank Ambassador Thöni for his reflections on today’s topic.
We are entering a new nuclear age, marked by distrust, declining cooperation, growing arms competition and heightened risks. This reality must shape our work.
These risks faced by the global community are being reinforced by destabilising behaviour, including irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, nuclear signaling and demonstrative military actions. Norway is deeply concerned by Russia’s repeated nuclear threats and recent repeated attacks using the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system as part of its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Such reckless weaponization of nuclear risk undermines strategic stability and increases the risk of miscalculation. Russia has the choice to cease such reckless attacks today.
President,
Preventing nuclear war requires practical and sustained risk reduction measures, pursued in parallel with credible efforts towards the full, verifiable and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons. Norway supports practical steps to reduce nuclear risks. Some examples.
First, nuclear doctrines and declaratory policies matter. Clear and responsible doctrines increase predictability and reduce the danger of miscalculation.
Second, operational risk reduction measures are essential, including crisis communication, military-to-military contacts, and measures that increase decision-making time. Reducing reliance on high alert postures can lower the risk of accidental, mistaken or unauthorised use—especially in crisis.
Third, transparency enables risk reduction. Openness about doctrines, capabilities, numbers and types of warheads and delivery vehicles, significant changes to these capabilities, capabilities, numbers, types of warheads and delivery vehicles, significant changes to these capabilities, modernisation, and more, enhances predictability and confidence. It paves the way for arms control and disarmament. Opacity combined with threats fuels mistrust and escalation risks.
Fourth, verification promotes confidence and stability, and helps translate commitments into durable security outcomes.
President,
Norway supports the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test‑Ban Treaty. Negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty are long overdue.
Norway supports all initiatives for arms control dialogue. While all States share responsibility for preventing nuclear war, nuclear-weapon States bear a special responsibility arising from their possession of these weapons and their obligations under Article VI of the NPT.
Norway remains committed to contributing constructively to these discussions in the Conference on Disarmament.
Thank you.