Thank you, Mr. President,

Allow me to extend my delegation's warm congratulations to Kazakhstan on assuming the presidency of this Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). We are confident that under your able leadership, this meeting will achieve significant progress in advancing our Treaty’s objectives. 

We gather at a critical moment where the universalization of the TPNW has never been more urgent. Nuclear weapons pose an unacceptable risk to humanity and our environment- a reality that has been repeatedly validated by scientific research and historical evidence.

The intersessional consultative process established at the Second Meeting of States Parties to challenge the security paradigm based on nuclear deterrence is vital. Scientific evidence on the humanitarian consequences and risks of nuclear weapons compels us to question and reject security doctrines that rely on the threat of mass destruction. In this context, the Scientific Advisory Group’s evidence-based approach ensures that our discussions and decisions are firmly rooted in scientific facts strengthening their credibility. They deserve our highest commendation.

Mr. President,

The Philippines reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the TPNW through concrete actions:

In September 2024, we launched the Fissile Materials Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) Friends initiative. We believe that a non-discriminatory, multilateral, and verifiable FMCT represents a significant contribution to disarmament and non-proliferation efforts amid heightened global tensions.

Second, in July 2024, with New Zealand, we organized a side event at the Second NPT PrepCom entitled "Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons: A Raison d'Être for Nuclear Disarmament," promoting a victim-centered approach to nuclear weapons issues. The event underscored the complementarity between the TPNW and the NPT, reinforcing our conviction that both treaties work synergistically toward our shared goal of a nuclear-free world.

Third, the Philippines has consistently advocated for states to sign and ratify the TPNW in both bilateral and multilateral forums, emphasizing that the Treaty represents the culmination of humanity's long-standing aspiration to prohibit nuclear weapons comprehensively.

Fourth, we actively co-sponsored key resolutions, including one on victim assistance and environmental remediation, initiated by Kazakhstan and Kiribati, and a resolution promoting research on the effects of nuclear war, initiated by Ireland and New Zealand.

Mr. President,

We welcome the intersessional work undertaken by States Parties, signatories, and stakeholders, and appreciate the comprehensive reports produced. The informal working groups have advanced our collective understanding of critical issues, and the Philippines fully supports the continuation of this vital platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of practical measures to implement the Treaty effectively.

We warmly welcome Indonesia, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, and the Solomon Islands as the most recent Treaty members. Their commitment reinforces the growing global consensus against nuclear weapons and brings us closer to universalization. We encourage other states to follow their example and join this historic Treaty.

Mr. President,

The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to work collaboratively with all States toward the realization of a nuclear-weapon-free world. In these challenging times, nurturing trust and building bridges among nations is not merely beneficial—it is indispensable for our shared security and prosperity.

Our actions today are pivotal in redefining global priorities and shaping a safer future for humanity. Let us accelerate our efforts toward a world free from the existential threat of nuclear weapons.

Thank you, Mr. President.