Message to the 2011 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs

Delivered by videotape. Check against delivery.

Dear participants,

I am pleased and honoured to express Norway’s support for the World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs.

This conference is an important annual reminder of the tragic events that took place on those August days 66 years ago – and of the unimaginable human suffering the use of these weapons brought upon the men, women and children of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Equally important, this conference is a reminder to us all of the disturbing fact that we continue to live in a world where thousands of nuclear weapons still exist. As long as they do, there will always be a risk of them being used again.

Norway, like Japan, firmly subscribes to the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, and we continue to work towards the realisation of that goal.

Civil society plays a crucial role in this effort. Were nuclear weapons ever to be used again – by accident, by miscalculation, or by madness – it would affect us all. And so it must be the responsibility of all to contribute towards their eventual elimination.

Ever since it was established in 1955, the World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs has raised awareness of the importance of abolishing nuclear weapons - among political leaders as well as the general public. The personal commitment of national leaders and key stakeholders will no doubt be crucial for achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. But we also need the insistence and impatience of the general public. This is why conferences like this one are important.

I hope and believe we have now turned a corner in this work. Former and present leaders of several countries have renewed their commitment to nuclear disarmament, and the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons has entered the general political vocabulary. Moreover, adherence to this goal is nearly universal. In 2008 it was expressed by the UN Security Council, and in May last year it was also formulated in the outcome document of the NPT Review Conference. Similar language was also included in NATO’s new Strategic Concept last year.

This gives reason for hope, but it should also be a warning against complacency. If history has taught us one thing, it is that change requires ongoing commitment. Leaders must be held accountable for their promises. As president Obama said, words must mean something.

At the NPT Review Conference last year, the states parties agreed on a list of 64 action points aimed at strengthening the three pillars of the treaty: non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy. This – in itself - was an important achievement, but unless we pursue and follow up on these commitments, we risk undermining the legitimacy of the regime – and with it the credibility of the core bargain that upholds it: namely that those who do not have nuclear weapons shall not seek them, while those who have them shall seek their elimination.

Dear participants,

In my view, nuclear weapons cannot be reduced to a simple question of state security. With their unique ability to disrupt all life on earth, it is as much a question of world security. And with their inability to distinguish between civilian and military targets, it is also a question of human security.

With this in mind, I was particularly pleased to see that a reference to the obligation of all states, at all times, to comply with international humanitarian law was included in last year’s outcome document.

The goal is clear – no more Hiroshimas and no more Nagasakis. Our challenge is how to get there, and in this work we must all do our part. We must all contribute. I can promise you that the Government of Norway will continue to work relentlessly towards this goal. And in return I hope that you – as concerned, convinced and capable citizens of this world – will continue to raise your voices, continue to ask uncomfortable questions and continue to demand of your leaders that their words are translated into action – that they really mean something.

I wish you a successful and inspiring conference.

Thank you.