Failure by nuclear-armed states to honour their disarmament commitments is undermining global security as geopolitical rivalries deepen and respect for international law erodes.
Namibia has issued this warning, calling on nuclear powers to move beyond promises and take concrete steps towards eliminating nuclear weapons.
More than five decades after the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force, the world remains under the threat of nuclear weapons, with limited progress towards disarmament.
Namibia says the continued failure of nuclear-armed states to meet their obligations threatens the credibility of the international treaty.
Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, AvShalom Nghifitikeko, delivered the country's statement during the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly's First Committee.
"The NPT is not a mechanism to indefinitely preserve nuclear privileges; it is a legally binding commitment to eliminate nuclear weapons."
Namibia further called on nuclear powers to demonstrate genuine political will and take concrete, irreversible steps towards disarmament.
The country also supports the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
However, the militarisation of outer space, along with the security risks posed by artificial intelligence and other autonomous weapons, remains a significant concern.
"Outer space must remain a domain for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humanity."
The African continent remains vulnerable to the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, which fuel conflict and terrorism in some areas.
Namibia urged strict controls on weapons transfers and measures to prevent arms from reaching non-state actors.
"Disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation remain indispensable pillars of international peace and security."
Namibia, the world's third-largest uranium producer, also called for equitable access for developing countries to nuclear and chemical technologies for peaceful purposes.
The country is currently hosting the third Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Integrated Field Exercise, which authorities say strengthens its commitment to global security.