During the disarmament conference in Geneva, the UN chief warned of complete stagnation due to geopolitical divisions, relentless arms competition and the erosion of framework conditions.
“We are witnessing the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons and the use of explosive devices in populated areas,” the High Representative said at the event, which took place in parallel with the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.
Guterres noted the risks of developing frightening new applications of new technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems.
The United Nations chief acknowledged a failure in the conference's relationship to its ultimate goals, “as global trust is crumbling and for this reason.”
Geopolitical divisions, relentless arms competition and the erosion of framework conditions led to complete stagnation, he said.
In this scenario, the UN chief called for speeding up the implementation of instruments such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and enacting the Total Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
“The world must no longer remain hostage to these instruments of death; “Humanity needs the Disarmament Conference to function successfully,” he said, calling for urgent reforms.
The paralysis and stagnation that have characterized it are something that is unacceptable, he stressed.
Chaired by Indonesia this year, the Conference on Disarmament has been established since 1979 as an important forum for multilateral cooperation.
The event is currently attended by 65 countries that meet to negotiate international agreements in this area, including weapons of mass destruction.
The event has been taking place in the Swiss city since February 19th and will last until March 15th.
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