Mr. Chair,

1. We align ourselves with the statements delivered by Viet Nam on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
2. 78 years have passed since the catastrophic event in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but we are still faced with the looming existential threat of nuclear weapons. The humanitarian consequences from that era, marked by immense suffering, displacement, and long-lasting environmental degradation, serve as a stark reminder of the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. We have never been so close to a global catastrophe and yet, geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
3. We see the following geopolitical challenges to nuclear non-proliferation; nuclear-sharing, dangerous rhetoric, modernization of nuclear arsenals, lack of functional strategic dialogue mechanisms, and reluctance to heed the call for greater transparency in fulfilling nuclear disarmament commitments, among others.  We see erosion of trust and dialogue among States. Therefore, we need to redouble our efforts to reverse this trend.
4. The NPT remains the cornerstone of global non-proliferation regime and the Philippines remains committed to its implementation. However, we regret that the NPT continue to face adversity in its work. Nevertheless, we do not see any reason for Nuclear Weapon States not to implement their obligations. We therefore call on Nuclear Weapons States to be held accountable on their disarmament obligations which they must undertake through benchmarks and actions that are concrete, measurable, and timebound. 
5. We also view that the 2^nd Meeting of States Parties of the TPNW later this year would help make progress towards the NPT’s main goal and objective of nuclear disarmament. The TPNW never aims to contradict the NPT but rather supports the overarching goal of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. We therefore call on States, who have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the TPNW.
6. Much like the TPNW, the entry into force of a multilateral, non-discriminatory, and effective verifiable FMCT complements the non-proliferation and disarmament regime. It would not only prevent nuclear proliferation but also put a cap on expansion of nuclear weapons stockpiles. This is the main reason why the Philippines, together with Japan and Australia, hosted a high-level event to breathe life into the three-decade effort towards an FMCT on the sidelines of the high-level week. We call on States to implement a moratorium on fissile material production pending the commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament.
7. Aside from the moratorium on fissile material production, States must also commit not to carry our nuclear-weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and maintain their moratoriums in this regard, pending the entry into force of the CTBT. Putting a complete stop to nuclear tests explosions would help protect and safeguard communities from short and long-term impacts of nuclear radiation, as well as its disastrous effects on the environment.
8. The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZ) also reinforces the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation framework. Stronger cooperation and coordination between and among them, and with the nuclear weapons states, would help affirm this important role. We are therefore pleased to join our fellow ASEAN Member States in submitting a substantive draft resolution reinforcing the Bangkok Treaty.
9. We hope that the Russian Federation and the United States would return to the full implementation of the New START Treaty. This would not only be in the best interests of both states bilaterally but would also serve as a beacon of cooperation and commitment to global security in an increasingly complex international landscape.
10. We also stress the importance of continued peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties in the Korean Peninsula and we stand ready to play a constructive role in promoting a conducive atmosphere for a peaceful dialogue amongst all concerned parties.

Mr. Chair,

11. Our main Committee work lasts only for several weeks but we urge all delegations here to further deepen their commitment to nuclear disarmament. By championing open dialogue, fostering trust, and building bridges of cooperation and understanding, we can collectively stride towards a more secure and peaceful world.

Thank you.