Vietnam chairs Asia-Pacific regional consultations on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

From October 28-29, the Consultative Conference for Asia-Pacific member states of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) with the theme: "Towards the 11th NPT Review Conference in 2026 (NPT RevCon 11)" was held in Hanoi.

Overview of the Asia -Pacific Regional Consultation Conference on the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons taking place in Hanoi. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

The conference was chaired by Vietnam, in coordination with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the European Union (EU). It was attended by about 100 delegates from 30 countries, regional and international organizations, and representatives of relevant agencies of Vietnam.

This is the first activity in a series of consultation activities in all regions of the world that Vietnam plans to organize from now until the NPT RevCon 11 Conference takes place from April 27 to May 22, 2026 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA.

The consultation conference aims to create a forum for NPT member countries in each region to discuss and share their positions, priorities and concerns related to the NPT review process; at the same time, it helps Vietnam, as Chair of NPT RevCon 11, and the Secretariat grasp the positions, viewpoints, experiences and good practices of countries as a basis for effective preparation, ensuring the success of next year's Conference.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, delivered the opening speech of the Conference.

(Photo: Jackie Chan)

Attending and delivering the opening speech at the Conference, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations in charge of disarmament issues, commented that in the context of increasing geopolitical tensions, especially the stagnation in cooperation between nuclear-weapon states, the trend of arms race and challenges posed by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence,

RevCon11 is of great significance and is expected to be an opportunity to strengthen commitments to the Treaty's objectives in all three pillars. Deputy Secretary-General Nakamitsu welcomed and expressed confidence in Vietnam's role as Chair in leading the NPT review process, and highly appreciated Vietnam's organization of the Consultative Conference in Hanoi.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang speaks at the Conference. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Speaking at the Conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang respectfully thanked the United Nations and the international community for their trust in nominating Vietnam to assume the role of Chair of the Review Conference, shared the comments and assessments of the UN Deputy Secretary-General, emphasized the key role of the NPT Treaty in the context of many current challenges and said that NPT member countries, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region, need to be companion partners, together affirming their commitment to the process of disarmament, preventing the global proliferation of nuclear weapons, promoting dialogue, handling differences and moving towards common points, jointly responding to current nuclear security challenges and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy for sustainable development. The Deputy Minister also highlighted the role of the Asia-Pacific region in taking the lead in implementing the NPT Treaty, emphasizing ASEAN's efforts in establishing a Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone in Southeast Asia.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the United Nations, chaired the Conference. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Chairing the Regional Consultation Conference, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, “Nominated Chair” of the NPT RevCon11, affirmed his commitment to assuming the Chairmanship in a transparent, balanced and inclusive manner, ensuring full listening, recognition and reflection of the legitimate concerns and interests of all NPT member states in the review process. The Ambassador also shared his assessment of the current complex context, the need to strengthen the NPT process, and shared the priorities and activities that Vietnam will promote in its capacity as Chair.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet speaks at the Conference. (Photo: Thanh Long)

At the Conference, international delegates highly appreciated and expressed support for Vietnam's role in leading one of the most complex and important multilateral security and political processes today. Delegates had frank and substantive sharing with many specific proposals in 7 thematic discussion sessions on topics related to the upcoming review process, including the context, opportunities and challenges, the role and expected implementation of the review process, measures to promote the strengthening of the NPT Treaty, balanced and effective implementation of all 3 pillars of the NPT on disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and promotion of the peaceful use of atomic energy, the role and contribution capacity of regional organizations, etc.

Dr. Tran Quang Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Radiation Safety, spoke at the thematic session. (Photo: Thanh Long)

At the session on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Dr. Tran Quang Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Radiation Safety, Ministry of Science and Technology, said that in Vietnam, the benefits from the peaceful application of atomic energy are extremely obvious in many areas of life such as: health, education, industry, agriculture, research, contributing to improving people's lives and socio-economic development.

He affirmed that Vietnam always cooperates closely with the IAEA and international partners in implementing the NPT Treaty and is gradually internalizing and applying international standards and good practices in state management of nuclear safety, security, nuclear inspection and peaceful application of atomic energy.

Timor Leste Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira gives his comments at the Conference. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Following the Conference in Hanoi, from now until the NPT RevCon 11 takes place, Vietnam will conduct consultations in Europe, America, Africa, the Middle East, and with important countries, groups of countries, and partners. Right before the Consultation Conference in Hanoi, from October 21-23, in China, Ambassador Do Hung Viet conducted the first consultation with one of the five nuclear-weapon states recognized in the NPT Treaty. The consultation results will be compiled by Vietnam in coordination with the United Nations and developed into reports to inform all NPT member countries, serving the organization work in 2026.

Delegates take a souvenir photo. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed in 1968, entered into force in 1970, and currently has 191 member states. The NPT plays a central role in international non-proliferation and disarmament mechanisms with three pillars including: (1) Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons; (2) Nuclear disarmament; and (3) Use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. To date, the NPT is the most comprehensive international treaty, with the participation of five recognized nuclear weapon states - also non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, including the UK, France, the US, Russia and China. Vietnam officially joined the NPT in 1982.

Since the NPT entered into force in 1970, the NPT Review Conference has been held every five years to discuss measures to promote implementation and enhance the universality of the Treaty. To date, countries have held 10 Review Conferences (1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2022).

NPT RevCon 11 will be held from April 27 to May 22, 2026.

Based on the consensus of the NPT member countries on the nomination of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Vietnam will assume the position of President of RevCon11. At the same time, with the consent of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, will directly assume this position. According to the Conference's procedural regulations, from now until being officially elected to hold the position at the 2026 Conference, Ambassador Do Hung Viet will carry out consultation and exchange activities with countries, groups of countries and other partners in the capacity of "President-designate" of the Conference.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-chu-tri-hoi-nghi-tham-van-khu-vuc-chau-a-thai-binh-duong-ve-hiep-uoc-khong-pho-bien-vu-khi-nhat-nhan-332627.html