Speaker
Description
Focus on CYG as a tool for sustaining global action / interest on CTBT
26 years after its opening for signature in September 1996, the CTBT has garnered 186 signatures from countries in all parts of the world, 176 of whom have now ratified, making it one of the most widely accepted Treaties in the world today. The Treaty has thus not only demonstrated acceptability, it is with its efficient verification regime, also contributing significantly to international peace and security given its ability to detect nuclear weapon explosions, as well as the civil and scientific uses of its data. The Treaty is thus already successful and should be sustained till it enters into force. Against the possibility of wariness or lethargy, the international community with a shared vision must continue to mobilise action, share ideas, and create innovative solutions that allow the CTBT to operate and achieve its objectives. An important instrument in this regard, are the Youths. The CTBTO Youth Group (CYG) remains a veritable platform that can continue to act as voices and agents of the Treaty across the world in their various countries, and as CYG members attain higher roles in their professional endeavours, the CYG of today would become the global leaders of tomorrow. At the same time, at the security, peace, and science nexus of the CTBT, CYGs could play a role in pursuing research in areas of scientific and technical relevance to the Treaty, thus contributing to its technical sustainment into the future. In this regard, the proposed presentation would briefly highlight the evolution of the Treaty – consider the ageing crop of officials initially seized with it and the need for strategically empowering committed young people in all areas of the CTBT/O, the presentation will also seek to identify creative means (thinking outside the box) for youths as torch bearers for the Treaty to sustain action even beyond entry into force.
