New York, 31 August 2026 – A series of events was held at United Nations Headquarters to commemorate the International Day against Nuclear Tests, established by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Kazakhstan.

This year, the International Day brings together three landmark 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.

The central event was a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly, opened by its President Annalena Baerbock, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Robert Floyd.

In his message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on nuclear-weapon States to maintain their existing testing moratoriums and take the necessary steps to ensure the earliest possible entry into force of the CTBT. “The world must never again witness a nuclear explosion,” the UN chief emphasized.

Participants underscored the importance of preserving the international norm against nuclear testing, with particular attention to its humanitarian and environmental consequences for present and future generations. Several speakers highlighted Kazakhstan’s experience and the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site as a major milestone in global efforts to end nuclear testing.

Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Kairat Umarov, emphasized that the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site and the country’s subsequent renunciation of the world’s fourth-largest inherited nuclear arsenal reflected Kazakhstan’s principled choice in favour of peace and security based on trust, dialogue and cooperation. In this context, he highlighted the consistent policy of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as his call for stronger international cooperation to prevent nuclear testing and build a safer world.

The remarks by renowned Kazakh artist and anti-nuclear activist Karipbek Kuyukov brought a powerful humanitarian dimension to the meeting. His personal story once again reminded the international community that the consequences of nuclear testing do not end when the explosions cease – they continue to affect people’s lives and health, their families and future generations.

Prior to the meeting, participants took part in a symbolic walk through the UN building along the floor dedicated to nuclear disarmament, which features, among other exhibits, a photograph of the Nevada-Semipalatinsk movement’s popular protest against nuclear testing.

Later that day, an event was held at the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations with the participation of representatives of the UN and the CTBTO, the diplomatic corps, international organizations and civil society. Guests viewed a thematic book exhibition and a documentary film on the consequences of nuclear testing. A symbolic highlight of the event was the presentation by Mr. Kuyukov of his paintings to UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Nakamitsu and CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr. Floyd.

Earlier, on 28 August 2026, United Nations Headquarters hosted a high-level commemorative event and the opening of a special exhibition marking the 30^th anniversary of the CTBT. On 29 August 2026, the International Day against Nuclear Tests, Kazakhstan joined Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands as a co-organizer of a commemorative tree-planting ceremony on the grounds of United Nations Headquarters.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kazakhstanun/press/news/details/1283275?lang=ru