Statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries at the Security Council Meeting on Small Arms and Light Weapons

Statement by H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN on behalf of the Nordic countries at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on Small Arms and Light Weapons on 10 November 2025.

President, Excellencies,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.

Small arms and light weapons may be labelled “small,” but their impact is anything but. Armed violence, often fuelled by the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons, brings a significant toll of death annually, and causes immeasurable human suffering. Their illicit trade, diversion and other misuse destabilize societies, fuel organised crime and corruption, undermine governance, and obstruct sustainable development. The socio-economic costs of armed violence are staggering.

The Nordic countries strongly support the UN Programme of Action on Small arms and light weapons, the declaration of the 2024 review conference, the International Tracing Instrument, and the Arms Trade Treaty. These instruments remain central to our collective efforts. In this regard, the rapid development of new technologies poses both challenges and opportunities. The better inclusion of these technologies in the instruments will keep them relevant and effective.  Innovations in marking, tracing, and digital record-keeping offer promising tools to enhance control and transparency.

President,

We must also address the gendered impacts of armed violence. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the misuse of small arms, including through gender-based violence. Gender-responsive arms regulation is essential to eliminating such violence. The equal, full, and effective participation of women in disarmament and peacebuilding processes is not only a matter of rights—it is a prerequisite for sustainable peace. The Nordic countries have integrated gender perspectives into our national policies. We urge all Member States to do the same.

President,

The Security Council has repeatedly recognized the role of small arms and light weapons in fuelling and sustaining conflict. International cooperation is indispensable in addressing the illegal flow of arms into conflict areas. The Nordic countries stand ready to share experiences and best practices to strengthen the control of small arms and light weapons.

Let us act decisively to reduce the human cost of armed violence. Let us strengthen our collective efforts to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade of small arms and to manage weapons and ammunition responsibly. And let us ensure that small arms control remains firmly embedded in our pursuit of peace, security, and sustainable development.

Thank you.