International Day against Nuclear Tests

This side event will explore how broadening participation across generations, regions and perspectives in nuclear diplomacy can strengthen progress on disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. UNIDIR and the Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN in New York are organizing this side event to the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It will bring together experts from different generations and regions to explore how diverse experiences and approaches can strengthen nuclear policy‑making and diplomacy including through gender and humanitarian perspectives. Speakers · H.E. Natasha Meli, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN in New York · H.E. Matteo Fachinotti, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna · Kseniia Pirnavskaia, Ne...

UNIDIR and the European Union will host a side event during the 2026 NPT Review Conference to examine the evolving drivers of nuclear energy development in the Middle East and the region's nuclear proliferation landscape in the context of the latest security dynamics and technological advancements. The event will present UNIDIR's latest research paper on the drivers of nuclear energy expansion and findings. It will also explore how these may affect the regional non-proliferation outlook, ongoing discussions on the establishment of a WMD-Free Zone in the Middle East, and models of risk mitigation and peaceful cooperation. A Q&A will follow the presentation. You may submit questions in advance or during the event to: mewmdfz-unidir@un.org Related Sites and Documents:  Submit questions in advance or during the event  &  Middle East WMDFree Zone (UNIDIR website) : Watch Navigating A New Era for Nuclear Energy in the Middle East! Meetings & Events

The UNIDIR and EU hold a side event on the role of extra-regional states in the Middle East WMD-Free Zone on the margins of the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. UNIDIR will present the results of its research, drawing from established nuclear weapon-free zone experiences. The presentation will cover topics such as zone of application, negative security assurances, and maritime, transfer and sharing issues, as well as their relevance to the Middle East . The event will feature opening remarks by EU Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament , Ambassador Stephan Klement . Following UNIDIR's presentation, senior diplomats and experts will participate in a panel discussion to reflect on the research findings and provide their perspectives. Watch the Extra-Regional States and the Middle East WMD-Free Zone!