StrengtheningNuclear‑Weapon‑FreeZones:20YearsofCANWFZ

On 3 June, Global Neighbours, in collaboration with the Open Nuclear Network and hosted by the Diplomatische Akademie Wien, convened a high‑level discussion marking the 20th anniversary of the Treaty of Semipalatinsk and the establishment of the Central Asian Nuclear‑Weapon‑Free Zone (CANWFZ).

Opening the event, Global Neighbours CEO Siddharth Chatterjee reflected on the importance of prevention, dialogue, and international cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world. Drawing on decades of humanitarian and development experience in conflict‑affected regions, he reminded participants:

“Peace is never automatic. It must be built, protected, renewed, and defended — every day.”

The discussion featured remarks by Andreas Persbo, Director of the Open Nuclear Network, and Martina Schubert, Deputy Director of the Vienna School of International Studies. This was followed by a keynote address by Ambassador Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, and a video message from Ambassador Jargalsaikhan Enkhsaikhan, former Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations.

The panel brought together Ambassador José Antonio Zabalgoitia, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations in Vienna; Ambassador Vladimir Norov, Member of the Global Neighbours Advisory Board and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan; Rebecca Jovin, Chief of Office at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA); and Mandlenkosi Lunga Bengu, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna.

Drawing on perspectives from Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa, speakers explored how Nuclear‑Weapon‑Free Zones continue to serve as practical instruments of restraint, confidence‑building, verification, and risk reduction. Particular attention was given to the Central Asian experience, with Ambassador Norov highlighting the enduring value of regional cooperation in strengthening long‑term security and trust.

As an organization dedicated to building bridges between regions, institutions, and sectors, Global Neighbours was honoured to convene this timely exchange with leading diplomats, policymakers, and experts on one of the defining security challenges of our time.