SETTING THE AGENDA

Honorable Chair and Fellow Delegates of General Assembly First Committee (GA1),
a pleasant morning.

The topics before GA1 are as follows: The Role of Science and Technology in
International Security and Disarmament; Global Nuclear Disarmament; and Increasing
Womens Role in Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. Given that the main focus of all
topics are on security and disarmament, The Republic of Kiribati proposes that the topics
be discussed in the order that they are given. The mandate of the General Assembly
First Committee is to look into matters related to disarmament and international security,
with disarmament playing a vital role in the very founding of the UN and has featured as
one of the most prominent issues discussed on the international agenda in the last few
decades. As a key focus of the new term, it is crucial that progress in science and
technology will be used in order to achieve a system of peace and security, ensuring that
these would be used to further create a safe and secure environment for people to live
in and not cause harm and conflict. The Republic of Kiribati looks forward to working
with Member States in pushing for global disarmament and non-proliferation to achieve
a long-term system of security and peace.
OPENING SPEECHES

TOPIC 1

Honorable Chair and Fellow Delegates of General Assembly First Committee (GA1),
a pleasant morning.

Scientific and technological developments have been playing a vital role in international
security and disarmament around the world. Misuse of such technology may lead to
harming humanity and creating conflict among Member States. In order to ensure the
success of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), technological advancements leading
to innovation and the prevention of arms races are crucial. Issues of security and conflict
are part of the key focuses of Secretary General Antonio Guterres new term, and as
such, proper utilization of science and technology, regulation, and cooperation among
Member States must be safeguarded in order to achieve a permanent system of security
and peace in the world. Proper use of science and technology in attaining international
security and regulation of the use of technological advancements and multilateral
cooperation among countries is vital in achieving sustainable development and peace.
With this, the Republic of Kiribati recommends that Member States create local policies
that would ensure the proper utilization of their innovations and advancements in science
and technology, ensuring that these would be used to further create a safe and secure
environment for people to live in and not cause harm and conflict. At the same time, the
creation of a system of regulation and checks when it comes to the creation of weapons
involving new technology is crucial. The Republic of Kiribati looks forward to working
with Member States in pushing for global disarmament and non-proliferation to achieve
a long-term system of security and peace.
TOPIC 2

Honorable Chair and Fellow Delegates of General Assembly First Committee (GA1),
a pleasant morning.

There has been a lack of advancement in terms of nuclear disarmament negotiations

among countries, as seen in the impasse in the Conference of Disarmament in Geneva
that has remained stalemate for as long as 15 years already. Nuclear weapons have
brought about a number of consequences that threaten peace and security in Member
States. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has pushed for the prevention of the
proliferation of nuclear weapons, however, it has faced a number of challenges. With
this, the Republic of Kiribati condemns the production and use of nuclear weapons and
is dedicated in helping the Member States push for a full global eradication of these
nuclear weapons. In agreement to article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a
legal system that would ban nuclear weapons will incentivize states with such weapons
to eradicate their arsenals. The Republic of Kiribati invites Member States to join in
International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons appeal to prohibit nuclear
weapons. It also encourages Member States to help in researching for new and
innovative ways on how to safely utilize nuclear energy for a good cause rather than
destruction, and further work towards a permanent system of peace and security in the
world through nuclear disarmament.
TOPIC 3

Honorable Chair and Fellow Delegates of General Assembly First Committee (GA1),
a pleasant morning.

Although there have been efforts involving women in disarmament and non-proliferation
discussions, there is still a clear lack of womens representation in such negotiations and
procedures. Because of this underrepresentation, women are being framed as a weaker
sex, who are incapable of handling political roles and making important decisions on
matters such as disarmament and non-proliferation. Even though women participate in
important discussions regarding disarmament, their ideas still at times suffer from
devaluation. The Republic of Kiribati considers women as important actors in
disarmament and non-proliferation negotiations, and emphasizes that increase in
womens participation in such negotiations are vital for the achievement of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). To fight the discrimination of women as the weaker sex,
especially in international negotiations involving important matters such as disarmament
and non-proliferation, the Republic of Kiribati suggests the formulation of international
policies that would promote the rights and capabilities of women as actors in the world
stage. It recommends that educational institutions make better the experience of women
in schools, making them realize their capability of leading a country. It also urges each
Member State to adopt a national policy that would ensure the active engagement of
women in disarmament matters while at the same time empowering them to work toward
non-proliferation, in line with S/RES/2331 or the Maintenance of International Peace
and Security. Finally, the Republic of Kiribati proposes that women be further
emphasized within SDG efforts, more importantly womens leadership in achieving
sustainable peace and security, as a step forward for SDGs to cater to all people around
the world.