UN NPT review conference concludes without consensus on outcome document

The UN's 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty concluded without a consensus on an outcome document, sparking concern over the pact's future.

A UN conference reviewing the nuclear non-proliferation treaty concluded after four weeks of discussions without consensus on an outcome document, as its chair expressed disappointment and concern over the ''future health'' of the pact.

The Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was conducted at the United Nations headquarters from April 27 to May 22.

The review conference was held amidst escalating global tensions between the US, Israel and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme.

''I have to say that I am disappointed that the review conference was unable to reach consensus on an outcome document and really seize this critical opportunity to make our world a safer place,'' President of the Conference Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations Ambassador Do Hung Viet told reporters at a late evening press conference Friday.

He said member states had some ''very good discussions, very honest reflection'' on the current situation and the state of the NPT, and what can be done to improve that.

''In fact those discussions have provided us with some very good substantive outcomes that unfortunately could not be adopted, but nevertheless are good outcomes,'' he said.

He emphasised that the current international environment, which is ''really marked by deep tensions and an elevated risk posed by nuclear weapons,'' demands very urgent action.

''The Treaty continues to be the cornerstone of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and an essential element in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

''A substantive outcome would have strengthened the treaty and advanced its objectives, but in absence of such an outcome, I am concerned for the future health of the treaty,'' he said.

The NPT's objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, further the goals of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament, and to promote co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

It represents the only legally binding commitment in a multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States, the UN said.

The Treaty entered into force in 1970 and since then, 191 States parties have joined the Treaty.

Conferences to review the operation of the Treaty have been held at five-year intervals since its entry into force in 1970, with an exception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Review Conference was held to assess the implementation of the Treaty since 2022 across its three pillars: nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the UN said.