Namibia has called for renewed international efforts to end nuclear testing and advance global nuclear disarmament.

The country's permanent representative to the United Nations, Penda Naanda, said the effects of nuclear testing continue to affect communities, ecosystems, and future generations.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly high-level plenary meeting in New York, Ambassador Naanda highlighted that the effects of nuclear testing continue to affect communities, ecosystems, and future generations.

Naanda said Namibia remains committed to a world free of nuclear weapons and supports international efforts to strengthen the global ban on nuclear testing.

Namibia will also host the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization's third large-scale Integrated Field Exercise in Swakopmund from 5 October to 20 November this year.

The exercise will test on-site inspection capabilities, logistics, and field procedures used to detect possible clandestine nuclear tests.

Naanda further called for the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Tests Ban Treaty, urging countries whose ratification is still required to sign and ratify the treaty without delay.

He warned that growing geopolitical tensions, renewed nuclear rhetoric, and the modernization of the nuclear arsenal continue to pose risks to international peace and security.

Ambassador Naanda suggested that resources spent on nuclear weapons could instead be directed towards sustainable development and addressing challenges such as poverty, climate change, and food security.