Mr. Chair,

Germany fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Ambassador Pereira, on assuming the Chairmanship of this year’s UNDC. Germany is honored to be part of your bureau, representing the WEOG group.

I would also like to thank the outgoing chair, Ambassador Jadoon, as well as the chairs of the two workings groups for their efforts in ensuring a constructive and inclusive dialogue.

Mr. Chair,

Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, combined with its repeated irresponsible nuclear threats, has seriously undermined the international disarmament, arms control and nonproliferation architecture. These actions weaken the rules and principles that underpin our common security and must be addressed with utmost determination.

Germany continues to work actively towards disarmament, nonproliferation, and arms control. We see the UNDC as a vital platform for substantive discussions and collective progress.

With regard to Working Group I, we reaffirm our full support for the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear order. We are encouraged by the preparatory process and hope for tangible progress ahead of the 2026 NPT RevCon.

To that end, we advocate for concrete and pragmatic steps - particularly in the areas of risk reduction, nuclear disarmament verification, and increased transparency and accountability.

Some nuclear-weapon states demonstrate a commendable level of openness. Others, however, provide little or no information about the size or posture of their arsenals. This lack of clarity increases risks and undermines confidence. Initiatives like the Stockholm Initiative and NPDI – in which Germany is actively engaged - play a key role in bridging divides and fostering dialogue. We therefore encourage all to support the proposals developed by these initiatives.

We underline the importance of both the CTBT and the prospective FMCT for the goal of a safe world without nuclear weapons. In the absence of a FMCT, we welcome the decision by some nuclear-weapon possessing states to refrain from producing fissile material for weapons purposes and call on all remaining states concerned to declare and uphold an immediate moratorium.

Mr. Chair,
Turning to Working Group II, Germany is committed to better understand the implications of emerging technologies for international security. New technologies such as AI provide opportunities for our armed forces, but they require careful consideration of risks and benefits as they also pose challenges for disarmament, arms control and nonproliferation.

We therefore support think tanks and academia, such as SIPRI and ELN, in analyzing the opportunities and risks, and to think beyond. An example is the upcoming ELN Side-Event “How AI Can Unpack Technological Complexity and Advance Nuclear Risk Reduction” on 1st May on the sidelines of the NPT PrepCom.

We are furthermore engaged in the various multilateral processes and discussions on different emerging technologies, such as on LAWS, AI, and outer space.

While we need to avoid duplication with other processes, we see particular value in discussing at the UNDC how to strengthen mutual trust and confidence-building measures to make the most of emerging tech.

Mr. Chair,
Germany remains committed to advancing effective arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation - especially in times of growing international tensions. We will continue to engage constructively within this Commission and look forward to substantial discussions in the upcoming weeks.

Thank you.