Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
63rd Preparatory Commission Meeting
Australian National Statement
Delivered by HE Mr Ian Biggs, Resident Representative to the CTBTO
11 November 2024
Chair
Firstly, let me thank you for your extraordinary efforts in preparing for this session of the Preparatory Commission, and in navigating considerable challenges throughout this year. I would like to assure you of my delegation’s continued full support to you. We express our deep appreciation for your thorough and transparent approach to steering the Commission’s work and discussions.
Let me also thank the Chairs of the Working Groups and the Advisory Group for their hard work in the lead-up to this meeting.
Chair
We thank the Executive Secretary for his opening statement and reports to this session. We congratulate him on his considerable achievements as Executive Secretary, including in bringing the CTBT closer towards entry into force and universalisation. Australia looks forward to seeing his leadership renewed for a further four years, as per the established practice. His committed leadership would be invaluable to us all in the Preparatory Commission, as we continue to focus our energy on the vital work to maintain and strengthen the CTBT verification regime.
Chair
Australia remains a steadfast supporter of the CTBT and is committed to seeing its entry into force. We continue to call upon all States— and particularly the now nine Annex 2 States — that have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Treaty.
The urgent need for the Treaty’s entry into force, particularly crucial in today’s challenging circumstances, was highlighted once again in the 11th meeting of the Friends of the CTBT during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, chaired and convened by the Foreign Minister of Australia.
We thank the Executive Secretary and the UN Under Secretary General of Disarmament Affairs for their contributions to the discussion. We also thank the senior representatives from the Friends of the CTBT, as well as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Norway, who addressed the meeting to reiterate their shared commitment to the Treaty.
Chair
While so many efforts are being made to promote and universalise the Treaty, we remain concerned by actions that undermine the objectives of the CTBT.
Australia strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ongoing pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and repeated ballistic missile launches, including its recent ICBM test on 31 October and further short range missile test on 5 November. We urge the DPRK not to resume nuclear testing which would represent a breach of UNSC resolutions and constitute a significant setback for regional stability and security. We call on the DPRK to sign and ratify the CTBT as a priority.
We continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. We reiterate our call for Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine, refrain from any acts that could jeopardise the integrity of the International Monitoring System and to continue to comply with all obligations under the CTBT. Australia’s continues to strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Chair
The CTBT is underpinned by a technological foundation, and we must ensure that this technology is appropriately maintained. Collectively, we have a mandate and a responsibility to ensure the IMS’ functionality and readiness upon entry into force. We have now reached a juncture where we must consider the future funding requirements of the IMS in order to fulfill this mandate.
We take note with appreciation of the extensive work that has already taken place to inform the discussions on IMS sustainment. We look forward to engaging in comprehensive discussions over the coming months as we decide an appropriate strategy for the IMS into the future.
Chair
While technology underpins the PTS’ work, it is its workforce that discharges the responsibilities of the PTS. The PTS is best served by a qualified, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We warmly welcome progress already being made in this regard, and we encourage all States Signatories to actively assist the PTS in striving for this goal.
Australia is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of women in scientific and technological fields, and we remain ready to support initiatives towards gender equality in the CTBTO’s work.
Chair,
With these comments we look forward to a productive meeting under your leadership.