Geneva – Algeria’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Mr. Rachid Beladhane, underscored on Tuesday the importance of implementing the disarmament recommendations outlined in the “Summit of the Future” Pact.
During his intervention at the opening of the 2025 session of the Conference on Disarmament, under Italy’s presidency, Mr. Beladhane highlighted Algeria’s role as president of the UN Security Council in January 2025, as part of its non-permanent membership for the 2024–2025 term. He reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to promoting dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence, which form the foundation of the United Nations, to safeguard international peace and security and peacefully resolve armed conflicts.
He stated, “Algeria calls on all international actors to strengthen multilateral approaches in managing international relations, reduce tensions, and prioritize peaceful and negotiated solutions to conflicts.”
Support for the UN Agenda for Peace
Welcoming the “New Agenda for Peace” proposed by the UN Secretary-General in 2023, Mr. Beladhane stressed the importance of adopting its priorities, particularly in the field of disarmament. He reiterated Algeria’s call to implement the recommendations of the “Summit of the Future” Pact, specifically those related to disarmament.
He also emphasized the need to prepare for the success of the upcoming fourth special session of the UN General Assembly dedicated to disarmament. According to Mr. Beladhane, the global community must act quickly to address the current stalemate in disarmament efforts.
Commitment to Disarmament and Nuclear Non-Proliferation
The Algerian representative reiterated his country’s support for revitalizing the Conference on Disarmament, expressing hope that efforts would lead to the resumption of negotiations, especially concerning nuclear disarmament, which remains a top priority. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the participation of observers in the conference to uphold inclusivity.
Mr. Beladhane noted Algeria’s historical commitment to disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament. He recalled Algeria’s leadership role in 1979 when it chaired the Disarmament Committee, which later became the Conference on Disarmament. Algeria has also undertaken numerous responsibilities over the years, contributing constructively to collective efforts in disarmament.
“These contributions reflect Algeria’s steadfast commitment to international peace and security,” he said, adding that nuclear disarmament remains Algeria’s foremost priority, aligned with the aspirations of the majority of the conference’s members and the international community.
Mr. Beladhane also pointed out Algeria’s unique perspective on the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. “This conviction is reinforced by Algeria’s own experience, as it continues to suffer from the catastrophic human and environmental consequences of nuclear tests conducted on its soil during the colonial period,” he stated.
Challenges and Future Goals
The Algerian ambassador expressed “great disappointment” at the failure of the 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to adopt its final document. He stressed the urgent need for tangible results that align with the aspirations of the global community and expressed hope for more positive outcomes in the next review conference.
Mr. Beladhane also highlighted the importance of concluding a treaty to ban the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address stockpiles of fissile materials and underscored the right of all nations to peaceful and civilian uses of nuclear energy, given its positive impact on development and progress.
Addressing Emerging Threats
Touching on emerging security threats, Mr. Beladhane called for serious consideration of the risks posed by new technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous weapon systems in military applications. He urged the creation of an international legally binding framework to address these challenges and regulate their use.
He also stressed the need for a legally binding international instrument to provide negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states. This, he said, is essential to ensure their protection and to strengthen international security frameworks.
Through its proactive role in the Conference on Disarmament and other international platforms, Algeria continues to champion global efforts for disarmament, multilateral cooperation, and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
Algeria Advocates Global Disarmament and Multilateral Cooperation at Geneva Conference
