Angelo Cardona, Executive Director of the Ibero-American Alliance for Peace and representative of the International Peace Bureau to the United Nations, gave the following statement during the Third Meeting of State Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons:
«Honorable President, esteemed delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
We stand today at a critical juncture in history—one where the challenges of nuclear weapons and global security cannot be ignored. As we convene for the third Meeting of States Parties, we must reflect not only on the progress we have made but also on the stark realities we still face.
The world has witnessed unprecedented advancements in technology, but with them, the nuclear threat has only grown more complex. In this era, where tensions between nations continue to rise and geopolitical challenges unfold, the risk of nuclear escalation remains ever-present. Nuclear weapons, in their destructive power, threaten not just individual nations but the very fabric of our global community.
Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope. The very existence of this forum serves as a testament to the enduring belief that peace, disarmament, and dialogue are within reach. The path forward may be difficult, but it is not impossible.
We have seen successes: arms reduction treaties, multilateral engagement, and the growing recognition of the need for global cooperation. There is an increasing collective commitment to address the consequences of nuclear weapons, not just as a distant theoretical threat but as an immediate, existential danger to humanity.
But we cannot rest on past achievements. To ensure a world free of nuclear weapons, we must engage in honest dialogue, respect international agreements, and hold accountable those who threaten our shared security. The concept of common security—where the safety of one is inseparable from the safety of all—must guide our actions. We are not isolated in our vulnerabilities; each nation’s security is intrinsically linked to the security of others. This is the foundation upon which our future cooperation must be built.
The road ahead requires courage—courage to challenge the status quo, to prioritize collective well-being over individual power, and the willingness to work together, across borders and ideologies, for the sake of future generations. We must remember that true security is not found in weapons, but in the trust we build with one another, the agreements we honor, and the shared responsibility we carry for all of humanity.
The hope we have lies in our unity. Together, we can create a world where the threat of nuclear weapons is no longer a shadow that looms over us, but a distant memory of a time when fear outweighed hope. Let us renew our commitment to a peaceful and secure world for all. Thank you.»