Overview

The General Assembly, by operative paragraph 1 of resolution 79/241 entitled “Comprehensive study of the question of nuclear-weapon-free zones in all its aspects,” adopted on 24 December 2024, requested the Secretary-General “to convene a qualified group of up to 25 experts, which is representative, based on the principle of equitable geographic distribution and giving due regard to gender balance, to prepare a new comprehensive study of the question of nuclear-weapon-free zones, aimed at assessing the current status of existing and potential nuclear-weapon-free zones, as well as examining options and recommendations towards strengthening existing zones and the possible establishment of new zones, including in the Middle East.”

By operative paragraph 3 of the resolution, the Secretary-General was also requested “to take the administrative measures necessary for the establishment of the qualified group of experts during the eightieth session of the General Assembly, including through a wide call for nominations from Member States, to work in New York for a period of three weeks divided into three meetings, with the possibility of flexible arrangements, as well as two 2-day informal consultative meetings, open-ended so that all Member States can engage in interactive discussions and share their views with the Chair of the group.”

Composition

Through a wide call issued by the Office for Disarmament Affairs, Member States expressed their interest and proposed their nominees for the Qualified Group of Experts (QGE).

After careful consideration of the appropriate composition of the QGE based on the principle of equitable geographical distribution and giving due regard to gender balance, the Secretary-General invited qualified experts from the following fifteen States to participate in the work of the Group:

  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Egypt
  • France
  • Indonesia
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Mexico
  • Mongolia
  • New Zealand
  • Russian Federation
  • South Africa
  • Thailand
  • United Kingdom  

Participation was limited to fifteen qualified experts, due to ongoing financial constraints at the United Nations. This number reflects the current financial situation and may be reviewed in the future, subject to the availability of resources.

Meetings

The QGE will meet for three one-week sessions, which are tentatively scheduled as follows:

  • First session: 1-5 December 2025
  • Second session: 9-13 March 2026
  • Third session: 13-17 July 2026

Two 2-day informal consultative meetings, open-ended to enable all Member States to engage in interactive discussions and share their views with the Chair of the Group, are tentatively scheduled as follows:

  • First meeting: 8-9 December 2025
  • Second meeting: 16-17 March 2026
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