10 April 2026, Vienna - The Philippines highlighted the significant contribution of the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) to the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture during the 2026 Vienna NPT Workshop entitled, “Shoring up the Non-Proliferation Treaty: Working for a Successful Outcome at the 11th NPT Review Conference.”    

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas said in a panel that SEANWFZ demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining Southeast Asia as a region free of nuclear weapons and free of all weapons of mass destruction. SEANFWZ strengthens global efforts towards disarmament and non-proliferation and supports the core principles of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Ambassador Bernas underlined the importance of having a successful NPT Review Conference, guided by the consensus outcomes of previous Review Conferences such as the 13 Practical Steps in 2000 under the Presidency of Algeria and the 64-point action plan under the Presidency of the Philippines. 

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines continues to promote dialogue as an important tool in finding consensus amidst increasing geopolitical tensions. 

The Philippines also underlined the importance of technical cooperation in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Philippines submitted a Working Paper on Upscaling Non-Power Applications of Atomic Energy to the upcoming RevCon to ensure that nuclear technology applications are maximized for the benefit of people and communities. END