Guterres sounds alarm on nuclear threat as NPT faces growing strain, erosion
The sound of nuclear threats is echoing again, and arms control efforts are fading. The world is suffering from a ‘collective amnesia’ due to the dangers of nuclear escalation – UN Secretary-General António Guterres
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty remains the cornerstone of global security and a key expression of multilateral cooperation, but said its credibility is increasingly under strain due to unmet commitments.
Speaking at the opening of the 11th Review Conference of the NPT, held every five years, Guterres said the global security environment is deteriorating, with nuclear risks once again rising.
“The sound of nuclear threats is echoing again, and arms control efforts are fading,” he said, adding that the world is suffering from what he described as a “collective amnesia” regarding the dangers of nuclear escalation.
He noted that for the first time in decades, the number of nuclear warheads is increasing, while discussions around nuclear testing have re-emerged, with some states openly reconsidering nuclear weapons acquisition.
Guterres urged participating countries to focus on two priorities: fully implementing their treaty obligations and using the conference to reinforce and modernize the agreement for future challenges.
He stressed that the treaty is not merely a legacy of the past but must evolve to address emerging threats, particularly the intersection of nuclear weapons with advanced technologies.
The UN chief said the conference represents a critical opportunity for the international community to act collectively to protect humanity from the risk of nuclear catastrophe.
