New York:United Nations Angola reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation at the United Nations headquarters, urging renewed political will to address persistent global security challenges.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Angola's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Francisco José da Cruz, presented the country's position during the General Debate of the First Committee of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the importance of the UN Charter as the cornerstone of collective security, highlighting respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, the non-use of force, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Da Cruz pointed out the increasing strain on the international landscape due to ongoing conflicts, rising military expenditures, and growing distrust among nations, further complicated by rapid technological changes. He declared that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against their use and urged full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the strengthening of nuclear-weapon-free zones, such as the Pelindaba Treaty.
Angola also noted its recent election to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2026-2028 term, reinforcing its commitment to peaceful nuclear technology. The delegation expressed concern over the illicit trade and flow of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition, which fuel terrorism and transnational crime, advocating for stronger international control and arsenal management.
Emphasizing the need for international support in mine removal, victim assistance, and land recovery, da Cruz addressed the military use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. He stressed the importance of maintaining human responsibility and international humanitarian law at the center of decision-making and called for a greater voice for developing nations in framing international rules concerning outer space.
Regionally, Angola reiterated its support for the African Union's "Silencing the Guns" initiative under Agenda 2063, advocating for closer cooperation in arms control, conflict prevention, and cross-border mediation. Concluding his address, the Permanent Representative urged the international community to move from shared anxieties to measurable actions, focusing on risk reduction, trust-building among states, and responsible oversight of emerging technologies to protect present and future generations.
