Statement under the Thematic Discussion on “Other Disarmament Measures and International Security” at the First Committee of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly on Monday, 24 October 2016 in Conference Room 4

Statement under the Thematic Discussion on “Other Disarmament Measures and International Security” at the First Committee of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly on Monday, 24 October 2016 in Conference Room 4

Mr. Chairman,
Bangladesh aligns itself with the Statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Bangladesh remains an ardent proponent of multilateralism in the pursuit of general and complete disarmament. We continue to emphasize the need for reinvigorating the UN Disarmament Machinery to add further impetus to inter-governmental negotiations on outstanding disarmament and non-proliferation issues. We support, in principle, avoidance of unilateral or pluri-lateral measures that often prove to be counter-productive in case of advancing the disarmament and non-proliferation agenda.
Bangladesh underscores the importance of further expanding disarmament education and research, and further mobilizing the use of social media tools to reach disarmament education and awareness to the wider public, including students at different levels. We recognize the useful learning resources developed by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and underscore the importance of facilitating enhanced inter-operability of such resources with national education curricula online, as appropriate.
Bangladesh wishes to put on record its appreciation for the continued useful work being done by UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and stresses the need for ensuring enhanced and predictable resources for the Institute to deliver on its mandates and thus help expand and manage its knowledge base for the general consumption of all Member States.
Mr. Chairman,
Bangladesh attaches great importance to mainstreaming and preserving relevant environmental norms in the international legal regime concerning disarmament and arms control. The applicability or relevance of such legal norms to disarmament in the seabed and outer space should be subject to further informed research and analysis.
Bangladesh remains concerned over the potential misuse of the information and communication technology (ICT) to the detriment of international peace and security. As we have identified ICT as a key vehicle for furthering our economic growth and development in an inclusive manner, we recognise the critical importance of promoting international cooperation to ensure information security, including through appropriate transparency and confidence building measures. We recognise the useful work being done by the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) established by the Secretary General pursuant to GA Resolution 70/237, and look forward to further concrete recommendations on its mandated areas of work, drawing on the assessments and recommendations made by preceding GGEs.
The possible threats posed by terrorists using ICT to compromise international security, and thereby cause widespread harm, underscores the importance of further reviewing and, as needed, strengthening the existing legal regime applicable to this domain. We seek further suggestions from the GGE concerning the need for developing a comprehensive legal instrument through inter-governmental negotiations.
To conclude, we reiterate the importance of factoring in potential threats in the cyber-sphere, including new developments in artificial intelligence and other related fields, into the ongoing review of the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1540. It would be a critical challenge for the international community to prevent the virtual platform and related technologies and services enabled by ICT from being exploited for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists and other unauthorized entities.
I thank you.