News:
New Zealand, together with Ireland, was pleased to lead a new United Nations General Assembly Resolution in 2024 on Nuclear War Effects and Scientific Research(external link).
The Resolution, which was supported by an overwhelming majority of UN Member States, established a new Panel of 21 scientists to present new findings on the devastating global impacts that would arise in the event of a nuclear war.
On 4 February 2025 the United Nations issued a public call(external link) for candidates to serve on this Panel. Panellists will spend the next 2-3 years examining the climatic, environmental, radiological and other effects of nuclear war, including its impact on public health, society, agriculture and ecosystems.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade encourages New Zealand scientists with relevant expertise to put themselves forward for selection to this panel. Applications will close on 1 March 2025.
It has been four decades since the United Nations last studied the effects of nuclear war.
Once completed, New Zealand hopes the Study will create new momentum towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, such that these weapons can be consigned to history.
New Zealand has long supported the international mission for nuclear disarmament, working with a wide array of countries in the UN system. We are a founding member of the New Agenda Coalition, and an active participant in Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) processes, as well as in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
See here for more on New Zealand’s approach to disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control.