New York, 29 August 2026 – A series of events dedicated to the International Day against Nuclear Tests, established by the United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of Kazakhstan, was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

In 2026, the International Day coincides with three significant anniversaries: the 35^th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, the 30^th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and the 20^th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia.

On 28 August, United Nations Headquarters hosted a high-level commemorative event and the official opening of a photo exhibition marking the 30^th anniversary of the CTBT. The events brought together United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Robert Floyd, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Kairat Umarov, and representatives of UN Member States.

Participants underscored the fundamental importance of the CTBT for international peace and security and called for intensified efforts towards its universalization and early entry into force.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Mr. Umarov highlighted Kazakhstan’s consistent contribution to global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. He emphasized that the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on 29 August 1991 represented Kazakhstan’s historic choice in favour of peace and provided a powerful impetus to the international movement to end nuclear testing.

On 29 August, a commemorative tree-planting ceremony was held on the grounds of United Nations Headquarters. Kazakhstan co-organized the ceremony alongside Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands. The event brought together senior representatives of the United Nations and the CTBTO, diplomatic missions of Member States, and international organizations.

In his remarks, Mr. Umarov reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening international peace and security, advancing nuclear disarmament, and promoting the universalization and early entry into force of the CTBT.

The events once again drew the international community’s attention to the humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear testing, the importance of preserving the memory of its victims, and the shared responsibility of States to prevent such tragedies from ever recurring.

Kazakhstan will continue to consistently contribute to the common goal of building a world free from nuclear testing and nuclear weapons.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kazakhstanun/press/news/details/1282392?lang=ru