New York 1 settembre, 2026
Madam President,
Italy aligns itself to the statements delivered by the EU and the WEOG and would like to add some remarks in its national capacity.
On its thirtieth anniversary, the Comprehensive Nuclear-test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) remains an integral and irreplaceable pillar of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. By banning nuclear test explosions, the CTBT contributes in preventing the development of more sophisticated warheads and helps to reduce the risks of nuclear competition. The CTBT and the obligations it contains represent a concrete measure of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Italy believes that its immediate entry into force would significantly contribute in advancing our common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, in line with Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Progress towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons can only be achieved through a progressive, effective and verifiable approach.
Italy signed the CTBT on the very first day it was opened for signature and it has been a staunch supporter of its entry into force since the very beginning. We fully support the efforts of Executive Secretary Robert Floyd for the universalization of the Treaty and we congratulate Tonga on its recent accession, thus bringing the total number of ratifications to 179.
However, thirty years on, the CTBT has not entered into force yet. Italy deplores the unprecedented decision by the Russian Federation to revoke its ratification of the Treaty, which represents a serious step-back in our universalisation efforts. We call on all States that have not yet done so, particularly the remaining Annex 2 States, to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay. In the meantime, it is essential to maintain the long-standing moratorium on nuclear weapon tests and other nuclear explosions, and refrain from taking actions that contradict the Treaty’s objective and purpose.
Italy urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to refrain from further provocative actions and to take effective steps towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. The DPRK must comply with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, return to the Non Proliferation Treaty and sign and ratify the CTBT without delay.
As we gather here today, we should also bear in mind that our political support should also be translated into financial and technical measures. Italy is the seventh largest contributor to the CTBTO’s regular budget and further supports the activities of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission through voluntary contributions.
Italy also participates in the fundamental network of the CTBTO International Monitoring System with a seismological station in central Sicily and a laboratory for the detection of radionuclides in Rome.
The IMS forms the backbone of the CTBT verification regime: ensuring its efficiency and sustainability should remain our shared priority.
I thank you, Madam President.
