10 NOVEMBER 2025, Vienna - The Philippines called on all States to uphold the global norm against nuclear test explosions against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical strain during the 65th Session of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty Organization (CTBTO) on 10-12 November 2025 at the Vienna International Centre. 

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas stressed the importance of maintaining the global moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. “In the face of escalating geopolitical tensions and increasing nuclear rhetoric, we need to intensify our collective efforts towards a world free of nuclear weapons,” remarked Ambassador Bernas.

The CTBT has a unique global network of International Monitoring Stations System (IMS) that consists of 321 monitoring stations and 16 laboratories hosted by 89 countries globally. The IMS can detect any nuclear test explosions anywhere around the world, and has successfully detected all six (6) declared nuclear tests conducted this century. The Philippines highlighted the need to support the long-term sustainment of the IMS network as well as capacity building activities to ensure that station operators are equipped to operate the IMS equipment.  “We recall the agreement made during the 68th session of Working Group A that any savings and efficiencies will be used  to support IMS sustainment and capacity building activities,” said Ambassador Bernas.

The Philippines reaffirmed its strong commitment to the CTBTO, and highlighted that the CTBT is a cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. Thirty years after the Treaty was opened for signature, it still has not entered into force. 

Ambassador Bernas thanked all delegations for their full support and cooperation to the Philippines and Sweden during the 14th Article XIV Conference on 26 September 2025 in New York where the two were elected as co-Presidents until 2027. Under their Co-Presidency, the Philippines and Sweden will work together to advance the entry into force and universalization of the CTBT. 

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty opened for signature in 1996 and prohibits nuclear explosions by everyone and everywhere, on the Earth’s surface, in the atmosphere, underwater, and underground. END.