Guterres Raises Alarm Over Rising Nuclear Risks at NPT Conference

Guterres Raises Alarm Over Rising Nuclear Risks at NPT Conference

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned that the world is slipping into a dangerous state of “collective amnesia” over the risks of nuclear weapons, as global tensions and military build-ups continue to rise.

He made the remarks at the Eleventh Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), where countries gathered to review global progress on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful nuclear cooperation.

Guterres said the meeting comes at a critical moment to protect humanity from the threat of nuclear annihilation, recalling that the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons dates back to the United Nations’ first General Assembly resolution in 1946.

He warned that the world is forgetting the lessons of the past, when nuclear fears shaped daily life—such as children practicing missile drills, governments building fallout shelters, and communities suffering from nuclear testing.

According to him, a “collective amnesia” has taken hold, allowing nuclear risks to resurface as mistrust grows between states and global arms control systems weaken.

The UN chief also highlighted that global military spending has reached $2.7 trillion, describing it as a massive imbalance compared to global development aid and equivalent to Africa’s entire GDP.

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He further warned that for the first time in decades, the number of nuclear warheads is increasing, while discussions about nuclear testing and weapons expansion are re-emerging in some countries.

Guterres cautioned that arms control frameworks are eroding and that international norms designed to prevent nuclear escalation are under severe strain.

He reminded world leaders of a key principle: that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, stressing that nuclear weapons do not provide security but instead increase global danger.

The Secretary-General described the NPT as the cornerstone of global nuclear governance, but warned that it is under pressure due to unfulfilled commitments, declining trust, and rising geopolitical tensions.

He urged countries to fully honour their obligations under the treaty without delay or conditions, while strengthening safeguards and supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its monitoring role.

Guterres also stressed that the treaty must evolve to address emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which could increase nuclear risks if not properly regulated.

He said future nuclear governance must ensure human control over nuclear weapons systems while also expanding access to peaceful nuclear technology for sustainable development.

The UN chief concluded by calling for renewed global commitment to disarmament, warning that the strength of the NPT depends on the political will of member states to uphold it.

He added that with stronger cooperation, the treaty can remain a foundation for a safer, nuclear-free world in an era of rapidly changing technology.

Guterres Raises Alarm Over Rising Nuclear Risks at NPT Conference