From November 20-22, in the capital Addis Ababa of Ethiopia, the Consultative Conference for African member states of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) took place with the theme: "Towards the 11th NPT Review Conference in 2026" (NPT RevCon 11).
According to a VNA correspondent at the United Nations, the conference was chaired by Vietnam, in coordination with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the European Union (EU), with the participation of nearly 50 delegates representing 30 countries and regional and international organizations in Africa.
Following the Asia -Pacific Regional Consultation Conference (October 2025 in Hanoi), this Conference is the second event in a series of regional consultations organized by Vietnam from now until the 2026 Review Conference, aiming 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, helping Vietnam, as Chair of the Conference, and the Conference Secretariat grasp the positions, viewpoints, experiences, and good practices of countries as a basis for effective preparation and promoting the Conference to achieve results.
Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Mr. Stephen Klement, EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, and Ms. Einas Mohammed, UNODA Representative and on behalf of the UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament, shared about the challenges and emphasized the importance of the NPT review process, calling on countries to strengthen their commitments and flexible cooperation for the Conference to achieve results, affirming their commitment to support and back Vietnam in its role as Chair.
Chairing the Conference, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, and designated Chair of the NPT RevCon11, shared his views on the current complex context, the importance and necessity of strengthening the NPT process, and the priorities and activities that Vietnam will promote as Chair.
The Ambassador affirmed his commitment to assuming the Chairmanship in a transparent, balanced and inclusive manner, and will make efforts to listen, acknowledge and fully reflect the concerns and legitimate interests of all NPT member countries; and requested African countries to promote their roles and voices, support and coordinate to promote common priorities to ensure the success of the Conference.
At the Conference, delegates had frank and substantive exchanges with many specific proposals in 7 thematic discussion sessions on topics revolving around the review process.
Delegates all highly appreciated, expressed confidence in and supported Vietnam's role as Chair, especially Vietnam's great efforts in conducting extensive and comprehensive consultations with regions, including Africa.
Delegates shared national and regional concerns and priorities on all three pillars of the NPT on disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and especially the desire to strongly promote the peaceful application of atomic energy, ensure the rights and fair and equal access of African and developing countries in this field, calling on the region to unite with a unified voice to promote the review process to achieve positive results, and promote the role of the largest "Nuclear Weapons Free Zone" in the world.
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: 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 at the United Nations headquarters (New York, USA).
Based on the consensus of the NPT member countries on the nomination of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Vietnam will assume the position of Chair 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 his capacity as "Designate Chairman" of the Conference.
From now until the NPT RevCon 11 takes place, Vietnam will conduct consultations in the Asia-Pacific region (held in October 2025 in Hanoi), the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, and with important countries, groups of countries and partners.
The consultation results will be synthesized by Vietnam in coordination with the United Nations and developed into reports to inform all NPT member countries, serving the organization work in 2026./.
(TTXVN/Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/viet-nam-chu-tri-hoi-thao-tham-van-khu-vuc-chau-phi-ve-hoi-nghi-kiem-diem-npt-post1078685.vnp
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