Joint Nordic Statement at the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Comprehensive Review Open Consultations, May 31, 2022
Read the Joint Nordic Statement delivered by H. E. Miia Rainne, Chargé d'Affaires, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Comprehensive Review Open Consultations on 31st May, 2022.
Thank you Mr. Chair
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries – Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Finland.
Let me first thank Mexico for Chairing the 1540 Committee. You have our full support in guiding this meeting as well as the forthcoming Comprehensive Review process.
Security Council Resolution 1540 is a central pillar of the international nonproliferation architecture and it continues to play an important role in maintaining international peace and security. The aim of the resolution is to prevent non-State actors, including terrorists, from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. It is in all of our keen interest to ensure that the resolution is fully implemented, that it is kept relevant and that the 1540 committee is able to proactively fulfil its mandate.
We have witnessed significant progress in the implementation of resolution 1540; however, gaps remain and we should all redouble our efforts. This comprehensive review process provides an important opportunity to identify specific, practical, and appropriate recommendations and measures in this regard.
Firstly, the world is developing in an unprecedented pace. Our efforts must take account of the rapid advances in science, technology and international commerce, including the role of cyber. The emerging trends and technologies should also be reflected under resolution 1540.
Proliferation challenges are long term and the objective of full implementation of the resolution by all Member States requires constant review of national practices. Law enforcement professionals and security authorities play a key role on a daily basis, especially regarding export controls. Involvement and commitment from private sector and civil society are also very important.
While Member States have the primary responsibility of the implementation, international, regional and sub-regional organizations also play an important role. Our concerted focus should be in preventing and deterring non-state-actors from obtaining access to Weapons of Mass Destruction and related material.
We would like to underline the importance of protecting the possible sources, transportation and transfer, of Weapons of Mass Destruction related material, and know-how. The safety and security of those places and networks, including the Internet, is of utmost importance. We need to keep 1540 aspects in mind when we tackle terrorism and organized crime, including their financing. We need constant awareness raising and training in this regard.
Finally, we would like to thank Norway and Mexico for their non-paper on Integrating Women, Peace and Security into the work of the 1540 Regime. The Nordic countries emphasize that empowering and engaging women actors in nonproliferation regimes as well as integrating gendered aspects into the 1540 resolution and its implementation are critical to achieving and sustaining their goals.
Mr. Chair
The Nordic countries remain fully committed to resolution 1540. We have fulfilled our national reporting obligations and we continue to work to ensure our full compliance with the resolution.
Let me mention a few examples where we have been active lately.
We have continued to implement the international non-proliferation and disarmament agreements, including their confidence building and verification mechanisms. We participate in many international or regional initiatives complementing the international agreements. Such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, the Proliferation Security Initiative, the Global Partnership and the Global Health Security Agenda. Finland also continues to provide assistance to other states, for example through contributions to G-7 Global Partnership Program, through voluntary contributions to the IAEA and by training of experts of developing countries in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Mr. Chair
We look forward to continued cooperation with all our partners and to reinforcing the cooperation with international and regional organizations and industry as well as enhancing civil society's engagement.
This comprehensive review should lead to a stronger resolution and most importantly, it should provide concrete and practical measures to improve its implementation.
I thank you.