Building common security for nuclear disarmament

Concept:

In May 2019, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a passionate video message to the international community on the importance of disarmament, in particular nuclear disarmament. ‘Today the global security environment is threatened from many sides‘ said Mr Guterres. ‘Regional nuclear challenges persist. And tensions between nuclear armed rivals have intensified.’

Parliamentarians have key roles to play in promoting dialogue, diplomacy and common security, and in supporting nuclear risk-reduction, non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives and processes.

PNND will bring parliamentarians from around the world to Seoul in April 2020 to discuss key nuclear weapons issues amongst themselves and with civil society partners. The deliberations will focus on regional issues, such as the Korean peace and denuclearization process, as well as on multilateral and global initiatives and processes.

The PNND Assembly was scheduled for late April 2020, just after the parliamentary elections in Republic of Korea and just prior to the 2020 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. However, the assembly is now postponed due to the coronavirus situation in South Korea.

The Assembly will also include a focus on disarmament for sustainable development, a key component of Securing our Common Future, the disarmament agenda released by the UN Secretary-General in May 2018.

PNND Assembly outline

Apr 23: Parliamentary conference: Building common security for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament
Venue: National Assembly of the Republic of Korea

A one-day conference held in four sessions dealing with the main topics for nuclear non-proliferation, risk-reduction and disarmament. Speakers for the sessions will include parliamentarians, disarmament policy experts and representatives of the ROK government, international organisations including the United Nations and inter-parliamentary organisations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Draft program:
Session 1: Opening session
Session 2: Peace and denuclearization in North East Asia
Session 3: Diplomacy, nuclear risk reduction and conflict resolution between nuclear-armed States
Session 4: Multilateral treaties & initiatives to prevent proliferation and achieve nuclear disarmament
Session 5: Sustaining peace and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

Evening: Conference dinner/reception

Apr 24: Morning: PNND Council meeting:
Venue: National Assembly of the Republic of Korea
A half day meeting of PNND members plus representatives of partner organisations where we discuss parliamentary actions for a nuclear-weapon-free world, adopt the PNND program for 2020-2022 and appoint the PNND Co-Presidents and Council members.

Associated events

Apr 22: Participants arrive in Seoul
Afternoon: Excursion to the Demilitarized zone (or industry tour).
Evening: Welcoming Reception. (Venue to be confirmed)

April 24:  Afternoon: Joint meeting of parliamentarians, mayors and religious leaders.
Details to be confirmed

April 24: Evening: Public event at a university
Details to be confirmed

The role of youth in peace, international security and disarmament has been highlighted by UN Security Council Resolution and 2250 on Youth, Peace and International Security, and UN General Assembly Resolution on Youth, disarmament and non-proliferation. This event will provide a forum for legislators to engage with students and public on peace and nuclear disarmament issues.

Registration

Contact PNND secretariat.