Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
64 th Session of the Preparatory Commission
Australian National Statement
Delivered by HE Mr Ian Biggs, Resident Representative to the CTBTO
24 June 2025
Chair,
Let me begin by thanking you for your efforts in preparing for this session of the Preparatory Commission, including by making the necessary arrangements to support the urgent meeting of the IAEA Board yesterday. I would like to assure you of my delegation’s full support.
I extend my thanks to the Chairs of the Working Groups and the Advisory Group, for their hard work in the lead-up to this meeting.
My delegation thanks the Executive Secretary for his opening statement and reports. We welcome his ongoing leadership and the continuation of his successful efforts to raise awareness, and seek universalisation, of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty.
Chair,
In this regard, we agree with the Executive Secretary that we are all here for our shared commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament, toward the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
Chair,
Like our support for the NPT, Australia’s commitment to the CTBT and the global norm against nuclear weapons testing is unwavering. Continuing to strengthen the Treaty is in all states’ interests. Australia continues to call on all states which have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay, particularly those whose ratification is required for its entry into force.
Australia is pleased to support efforts to advance the CTBT’s universalisation and early entry into force. As co-Chair we convened the 11th meeting of the Friends of the CTBT last year, which brought together fifty states to reiterate their shared commitment to the Treaty. 86 states and one observer associated with the joint ministerial statement of the CTBT Friends, underlining the unquestionable value of the Treaty and commending the continued efforts to bring it closer to universality despite challenges, including the Russian Federation’s unprecedented decision to revoke its ratification of the Treaty. This year, we look forward to supporting the adoption of the Final Declaration during the Article XIV Ministerial Conference under the Co-Presidency of the Philippines and Sweden. We thank them for their ongoing commitment and valuable work.
Chair,
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) ongoing pursuit of weapons of mass destruction poses an unacceptable risk to regional stability and security. We urge the DPRK not to resume nuclear testing, and to comply fully with all UN Security Council resolutions. We call on the DPRK to sign and ratify the CTBT as a matter of utmost priority.
Chair,
We cannot overlook the importance of the global norm against nuclear testing – only one country has violated it this century. It is underpinned by the CTBT’s verification regime, and its two critical components, the International Monitoring System (IMS) and the International Data Centre. As Member States, we have a mandate and a responsibility to ensure the IMS’ long-term integrity and readiness. We must now take a decision on its future funding to preserve the system’s sustainability. We look forward to an early decision.
Chair,
The CTBTO’s Science and Technology Conferences (SnT) are essential to foster innovation and enhance the science and technology that underpins the CTBTO’s technical work. Australia looks forward to participating in SnT2025, and welcomes the preparations made to date.
We note that this PrepCom is set to take a decision on appointing an External Auditor. We welcome the interest in this position from a number of institutions from States Signatories and look forward to a timely, consensual decision.
Chair,
We have a full agenda for this meeting, and Australia will speak on a number of items. We look forward to constructive discussions and timely decisions under your able leadership.
Thank you.