International Group of Eminent Persons for a World…

On April 28, 2025, from 13:15 to 14:30 at Conference Room 11, Japan hosts a side event on the "International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons (IGEP)". The event will present the recommendations of the IGEP, titled "Stepping Back from the Nuclear Precipice: Urgent Actions in Pursuit of a World Without Nuclear Weapons."

Opening remarks will be delivered by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, followed by a keynote presentation by Dr. George Perkovich (IGEP member) and a speech by H.E Mr. Harold Agyeman, Chair of the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review Conference. Moderated by Dr. Nobumasa Akiyama (IGEP member), the panel including Dr. Perkovich, H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan-Valverde and Ms. Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova will discuss the IGEP's recommendations and what the international community should do for a constructive 2026 NPT Review Conference.

Prompted by the heightened risk of nuclear war amid geopolitical tensions and technological disruptions, the IGEP urges immediate action to reduce nuclear risks, halt arms racing, and ensure a forward-looking outcome at the 2026 Review Conference. The group emphasizes the need to move beyond nuclear deterrence, strengthen disarmament commitments, and address new challenges such as AI and cyber threats. The vision: a world where Nagasaki remains the last city to suffer nuclear devastation.

Join this important discussion on building momentum towards a world without nuclear weapons.

<Panelists>

- Dr. Nobumasa Akiyama, Professor, School of International and Public Policy, Hitotsubashi University (IGEP member)

- Dr. George Perkovich, Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons, Senior Fellow, Nuclear Policy Program Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (IGEP member)

- H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan-Valverde, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations

- Ms. Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons, Director of the International Organisations and Non-Proliferation Programme at the VCDNP