This day reminds us of the devastating consequences of nuclear testing — lessons humanity has learned through bitter experience.

 

It is a time to reflect on the victims and survivors of nuclear testing, whose lives, lands and descendants have been scarred by nuclear explosions.

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Their suffering is not history. It is a warning.

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At this moment of geopolitical tension, division and distrust, it is more important than ever that we heed that warning.

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This year marks thirty years since the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty opened for signature and 35 years since the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. Such milestones remind us that humanity can and must choose restraint over ruin.

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Nuclear tests do not prove strength. They shatter trust, invite reciprocal tests, fuel a nuclear arms race and betray every community still living with the legacy of past nuclear tests.

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The world must never witness another nuclear explosion.

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I call on all States possessing nuclear weapons to maintain existing moratoria and act to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force without delay.

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Let’s remember why this Day exists.  Let’s re-commit to ending nuclear testing.