With Strong Verification System, Cutting-Edge Technology, No Excuse for Test-Ban Treaty Not to Enter Force, Says Secretary-General in Message to Conference

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization at the Science and Technology Conference, in Vienna, 22-26 June:

Mr. Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to send this message as you come together to forge stronger ties between the scientific, technical and policy-making communities.

This contributes to a more secure world, just as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) can usher in a world free of the lethal effects of the testing of nuclear weapons.

The CTBT’s global monitoring system is an indispensable tool in this process.  Verification builds trust that all states are complying with their obligations.

I also congratulate you on the integrated field exercise conducted in Jordan in 2014, the largest ever undertaken.  This has brought the Treaty even closer to full operational capability.

Ensuring that the monitoring system remains reliable and sustainable is vital, since it also contributes to scientific research on other global challenges, such as climate change.

With such a strong verification system, backed by cutting-edge technology, there is no excuse for the CTBT not to enter into force.

Let us demand an end to all nuclear tests and get on with the unfinished business of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.

I wish you a successful conference.