Pakistan assumes CD (Conference on Disarmament) Presidency next week
Ambassador Tehmina Janjua, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva will take over the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) on 21 March 2016. Pakistan last held the CD Presidency eleven years ago in 2005.
The Conference on Disarmament is the world's single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum. It was established in 1979 as a follow up to the First Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD-I) held in 1978. The CD adheres to the principle of equal and undiminished security for all States while promoting general and complete disarmament.
The Conference comprises 65 Member States including all militarily significant countries. Its agenda includes nuclear disarmament, prevention of an arms race in outer space, as well as issues related to new types of weapons of mass destruction, comprehensive programme of disarmament and transparency in armaments. The Conference has produced legal instruments such as Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Pakistan is an active and vital member of the CD since its inception. Pakistan views the CD as an integral and indispensable part of the international disarmament machinery that can contribute to the promotion of international peace and security as well as regional stability. Pakistan remains constructively committed to the effective functioning of the CD. As President of the CD, Pakistan will strive to advance the CD's agenda in a balanced, cooperative and consensus-based manner.
Islamabad
17 March 2016