In Video Message for First Conference of States Parties to Arms Trade Treaty, Secretary-General Hails ‘Historic’ Commitment to Responsible Weapons Transfer

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the first Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, in Cancun, Mexico, today:

Your Excellency Mr. José Antonio Meade Kuribreña, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Your Excellency Ambassador Jorge Lomónaco, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to send greetings to the first Conference of Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty.

Adopted two years ago by the General Assembly, this historic global legal commitment imposes robust standards on the international arms trade.

The Arms Trade Treaty offers the promise of a more peaceful world.

I commend those States that are promoting responsible arms transfers.

And I salute civil society for pushing this process from the very beginning.

This Treaty shows how disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control can be advanced when Governments and civil society work together through the United Nations.

The United Nations will fully support all efforts to realize the great promise of this landmark global instrument.

I wish you a successful Conference.

Thank you.