Many years of expense at u. N. Headquarters, in the field at headquarters, on refugee issues, u. N. Reform development, peacekeeping pictures also before that professor of International Relations at university in tokyo. She liked chris ford has a tough job. In her case Member States, on often divisive question of how to Work Together to reduce eliminate Nuclear Dangers and how to enforce global to separate other weapons of mass destruction in particular right now the chemical weapons convention. In her first few weeks she has been very active on preparatory meeting for the 2020 nonproliferation treaty review conference but shes been tracking negotiations on the new Nuclear Weapons prohibition treaty, and she been working to build support for the u. N. And the organization for the prohibition of weapons investigation into the recent and terrible sarin gas attack in syria. So madam high representative, thank you for joining us here from new york to be here with us and to have joined us for our previous sessions today. Were very honored honored to have you and look forward to your perspective. Thanks. [applause] thank you very much, daryl. And i wanted to start out by saying how nice it is really for me to be back in washington, d. C. If i could share a secret, im very much a product of washington, d. C. This is where i learned International Relations, International Policies at georgetown, and i feel very comfortable at home here in this town. This is also where i learned the importance and the value of high quality open and honest policy discussions, like the ones we are having today. Without such discussions, i would say the World Community is not going to be able to tackle challenges that we are confronted with today. So you and your colleagues at the Arms Control Association has already been very generous, very kind in terms of helping me come to grips with some of the, if you will, marking elements of my new portfolio. I have been on the post exactly for one month now, and those include introducing me to many of you here in this room. I am obviously feeling very humbled to speak to such a minute groups of people, and i emphasize how much im looking forward to working very closely with all of you in the months and years to come. Especially in this very challenging environment. So weve heard much already today, and already learned a lot about the serious arms control related challenges facing the International Community. These are not own some of the most important issues affecting disarmament and nonproliferation, but i should say they are, in fact, International Peace and security more broadly. So this is where i wanted to start off. The fresh increase in volatile security environment and these are obviously as result of regional tensions, emergence of nonstate actors with global reach now, and resurgence if you will at some of the historical animosity. So the environment is for the undermined by challenges such as the dangers and provocateurs activities of the dprk in terms of repeated use of missile and nuclear tests, use of chemical weapons in the middle east, and appeared drift perhaps backwards towards come into cold war positions, including some of the warring rhetoric we hear about the utilities of Nuclear Weapons. It is often argued in this kind of environment that disarmament and arms control must be shelved until the climate improves. As if they are also part of a humanitarian diplomacy to try to soften the heart power of real politics. Now, of course more importantly does an International Humanitarian law, but i think this view fails to take into account the historic role, disarmament and arms control and nonproliferation have played in the maintenance of International Peace and security. As the Arms Control Association has been able to demonstrate, disarmament has always been a critical component in preventing and resolving conflicts, including during the pensions of the cold war. Disarmament is integral to any political solution to conflict. Disarmament and arms control and nonproliferation provide mechanisms for transparency, and to build trust and confidence. They present avenues for dialogue and seek to find Common Ground, very important. In this way disarmament and arms control nonproliferation instruments enhance security for all of us. In todays complex environment, theres something i think we will do well to remember. And if i may add, International Community benefited from an important leadership role the United States of america demonstrated in this area at critical moments in the past, which all hope it will continue to play. The u. N. Has obviously long history in disarmament and arms control and nonproliferation. It is one of the pillars upon which the organization rests. From the first General Assembly resolution that called for the elimination of Nuclear Weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction, to the biological and chemical weapons conventions, the Nuclear Nonproliferation treaty, the u. N. Has been a venue for dialogue, a source of Technical Knowledge, and if you will, and honest broker. Multinational disarmament and nonproliferation is a web of interlocking agreements and instruments. A well functioning of each bus improve credit to the maintenance of the overall credibility of the International Disarmament and nonproliferation regime. Each of these instruments is a a brick in the wall of our collective security. Allow one to crumble and it will damage the entire edifice. In this relation we are witnessing some warring trends. Take, for example, the organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons Factfinding Mission in the syrian republic and the u. N. Joint investigative mechanism. Both have been objectives independent and technical professionalism. Of the many allegations regarding the use of chemical weapons, the technical experts have been able to independently confirm 30 such instances. They have been able to identify three instances of use of chemicals, weapons by the government of syria, and one instance of use of chemical weapons by the Islamic State of iraq in the levant. This work is crucial in forcing the taboo against the use of chemical weapons and bringing to justice the perpetrators of the horrific crime against humanity. It is work that must be safeguarded and vocally supported. It should not be held hostage to any political motivation. In this complex environment we must be able to rely on the advice of scientific and technical professionals, and this is, in fact, a critical part of the overall credibility of the disarmament regime, that we have built over many years, in fact. As an important example of warring trends, a different parts of the multinational regime includes the new two decades stalemate in the conference of disarmament, the financial precariousness of important disarmament instruments, and perhaps more important, erosion of consensus over the past two World WithoutNuclear Weapons, all of which are damaging the multinational disarmament and nonproliferation regime. So against this broader context let me touch on negotiations on the convention on the prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, or more simply, the ban treaty. I appreciate there are definite positions on this matter, but the negotiations to reflect the overwhelming interest of International Community, more than 130 countries. In facilitating progress towards Nuclear Disarmament. It is a Historic Development as it represents the most significant multinational Nuclear Disarmament negotiations in over 20 years. The ban treaty is also a product of a frustration many states feel at the slow pace of Nuclear Disarmament. It is a frustration that has been simmering for years as positions have widened over how best to achieve the elimination of what Nuclear Weapons. Read her, accusations arms control treaty noncompliance, and extensive modernization campaigns, combined with an absence of progress on long overdue measures such as [inaudible] and a perceived lack of urgency in implementing successor npt outcome documents have all fueled this frustration. A world free of Nuclear Weapons is a vision that has been subscribed to by the United States for seven decades. It has been also advocated by some of the most prominent american statesman and women and to enhance international and u. S. Security. Its use of course everyones responsibility. However, if we are to find our way back to Common Grounds, the Nuclear Weapons state must show the way. The sustained commitment to universally shared call has undergirded much of the success over the last seven decades. What should the estate as holders of the two Largest Nuclear arsenals have a special responsibility. Strategic dialogue we heard quite a lot about that today on for the bilateral reductions involving all types of Nuclear Weapons could be a stabilizing factor between the two countries. It would also have positive impact on the overall International Peace and security. This is particularly important for the Nuclear Nonproliferation treaty. The npt is the cornerstone of international Nuclear Nonproliferation regime and an essential foundation for the pursuit of Nuclear Disarmament. It must remain so. It represents near universal Common Ground, continues to rein force our collective security. I am pleased to see that trust ban treaty explicitly recognizes these facts, and i really hope that this will be maintained through the forthcoming [inaudible] but if a ban treaty is to become a reality, the future health of the npt and of the overall Nuclear Nonproliferation and disarmament regime will require urgent steps towards the implementation of article six commitments. It is also critical to keep constructive dialogues between those who decided not to be part of the negotiations and those who decided to be part of negotiation of the ban treaty. At the 50th anniversary of npt entry into force 2020 approaches, state parties have the opportunity to find Common Ground on ways forward and make this anniversary to celebrate. Ladies and gentlemen, earlier i mentioned the u. N. Role of avenue for dialogue, a source of Technical Knowledge and an honest broker in the field of disarmament, arms control, and nonproliferation. Let me just briefly explain how the u. N. Is critical in these fields. First of all the u. N. Is a forum for united action. The role of the u. N. Security council in unanimously condemning and sanctioning in fact, the illegal missile and Nuclear Programs of the dprk is prime example. Differences persist, of course over specific measures to pursue, but unequivocal condemnation of these brazen acts is a clear signal of the unanimity in the belief that what leads to mass destruction posed to regional and national security. Second, they you in is a forum for inclusive negotiations engaging all stakeholders. This is not to say the other forum do not play a role. Regional produced the valve a Nuclear Weapon free zones and balance on negotiations reduce Nuclear Arsenals by around 85 in some cases, but only universal forums create universally binding rules and norms. With this in mind the u. N. Should be the venue for efforts to bring about other measures to achieve and maintain Nuclear Weapon free world. This includes negotiations from the f ncta and bringing comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban treaty into force. Third, the u. N. Is a useful forum for dialogue on issues of critical importance to us all. The enduring concerns related to wmd and conventional weapons have been exacerbated by Rapid Advances in technology. New issues have emerged that threatened to undermine international stability. Official intelligence and cybersecurity will be vital to humanas future prosperity, but they could also i it used for tt purpose is produce Global Programs that require global solutions. Likewise, conversations among all stakeholders are required if we are to grapple with Game Changing dual use technology such as three d printing, in ways that minimize risk while not impeding development. My final point relates to the u. N. As an honest broker and custodian to protect, safeguard, and implement the most fundamental values on which the u. N. Was founded. In the field of disarmament, arms control and nonproliferation, this in fact, is remind ourselves of the norms. We have played the Critical Role of impartial referee on the implementation of treaties such as the npt or chemical weapons convention. This role that we play i believe is a critical one in actually making the world a safer place and a role that is always enjoyed a full support of the United States. Ladies and gentlemen, to conclude that me go back to where i started. Disarmament breeds security. It is not a vague hope or aspiration, but must be a concrete contribution to a safer and more secure world. We must remember a core component of the mechanisms established at the creation of the United Nations for the maintenance of collective security. It is of course to which we must read dedicate all of our efforts. The United Nations looks forward to the continued u. S. Leadership and to working very closely with all of you towards our shared goal. Thank you very much. [applause] thank you very much for those remarks, and i think we have ample time for questions from the audience. Again, raise your hand, identify yourself and ask your question. Yes . Larry weiler. Thank you. I would like to raise a peripheral issue. And i appreciate what the u. N. Has done but as i spent many years in new york, and particularly on the nonproliferation treaty where it was helpful. There is now they goes to geneva a conference the coast to geneva, a u. N. Conference which i think is an eyesore. Im referring to the conference that cannot succeed because it has a voting arrangement that prevents dealing with the subject they are sent there to deal with. I know that i should ask this of the new america representative that we earlier but he would just tell me well, we havent decided what to do about that. But you are coming on board now. I would hope that you would use your exercise, this is sort of a snide way to put this, but will you use your exercise, your influence, to have some change made in what we have there . Its a travesty that there is no plausibility because the rules of moving forward on the cutoff. I know that theres nice scenery and the wind is pretty good in geneva but thats about all they do, and so its a waste of everybodys taxes to send people there. I would like to comment on that. Well, actually i would like to ask for your advice on what to do. I havent been to geneva. Im going there next week and ill be talking to many of the conference on disarmament ambassador. Ive been asked, already asking for advice. I dont think it will be very easy to change. I mean, some people suggested yes, we need to come out of the box and think interesting ways forward. Some even suggest opening up to everyone. They seem to be no quick fixes. We need to really put our Heads Together and think very creatively what we can, in fact, do. But the forum, thigh, it is true that it is being stuck for more than two decades. They cannot even agree on the agenda. But in the fine times they are still continuing with dialogs and informal discussions. Now, do we find that useful . Probably. In my message actually to the nato conference i put a tiny bit of a very positive in our View Development that just happened a couple weeks ago, a few months ago, which is breaking the deadlock in the Disarmament Commission and, i think it was in march. We dont think it is insignificant achievement. It demonstrated perhaps because there are problems in other parts of disarmament instruments, perhaps, i hope, the Member States felt that there will have to be extra efforts to demonstrate that they are willing to compromise on substantive issues. So maybe there is hope. I dont know, but again, i would very much like to hear from you one of the things that we could potentially think about doing, because im a newcomer. Think newcomer in this community. I could potentially think very creatively without the fear that some of the more sort of experts might have. So please help us think through what we might be able to do. Being the new kid in town can be liberating in some ways. I mean, of the things, i would just note on, i need one the mics, please. Today is the day of the microphone. All right. Is a better . Thank you. Yes, being the new kid on the block can be liberating and i just wanted to note to larrys question that there have been creative initiatives that have been taken by likeminded governments on important issues over the last couple of decades, especially because the conference on disarmament has been unable to agree to agenda. One such example was president Obama Initiative to host a Nuclear Security summit in 2010. There were three more. That kind of Initiative Takes a great deal of courage, diplomatic energy. There has to be enough countries are interested in that, but that might be another option. I mean, the negotiation on the prohibition of Nuclear Weapons treaty is yet another example of states taking the initiative using u. N. General assembly to launch an negotiation on something of common interest. There are some creative approaches that might apply to some of the issues that have been behind the beautiful bars of the cd locked away in that body for the last 20 years. So other questions from the floor. We havent jonathan. We have thank you so much for your comments. One of the things that commend you to this, your background and actually dating with real human catastrophe, and one of the key agendas for this next several decades of the u. N. Will be the Sustainable Development goals, 17 goals in addressing what appears to be to be real human security, addressing poverty, protecting the climate, protecting the oceans, the very lungs of the planet. And to a large extent the disarmament nonproliferation armscontrol agenda is siloed from the dynamic of Sustainable Development. It appears to be that the standoff of Nuclear Weapons is an impediment to achieving its goal. Can you comment on the relationship between Sustainable Development and disarmament . If we can bring the two together, if we can bring the two together they would be a lot more momentum in the field of arms control and disarmament. Im not sure if, linked directly with the Nuclear Weapons issues but in fact, we have been already working on linkage between disarmament in general and as e. G. There is 16. 16. 4 i think. When i left undp exactly one month ago there was a reception at us or joke, i thought i woud never have to do with it anymore, but no, no, there were 16. 4 which they were responsible for. We have a work plan. We have a strategy how to in fact, make progress in that. In fact, seems hiroshima and nagasaki not a Single Person has died from Nuclear Weapons but in fact, they had been lots of casualties as a result of small arms and light weapons. So this is conventional weapons disarmament aspect is something that we would definitely like to highlight much more. Its also an area where we have been also making progress. And we need to actually advertise, if we put our Heads Together and then Work Together, we are able to make progress and the chief wonderful things. I think that sort of a positive message in the disarmament will be very important and that can be very much linked to the agenda 2020. In fact, it is in my view a critical component of a concept also thought to as a human security. On the other questions . Yes. Jeff. Jeff, also with the Arms Control Association but i have a small arms and light weapons. I was going to ask a question that i think jonathan and larry trent will big your expense and background in other areas actually think implied beneficial solid ask the question of how you think you might bring the work you have done to push the disarmament agenda . I very much agree having worked at the u. N. On the arms treaty, the unit is seen as a very siloed and in some ways i would say you started with reminding us that some people say take a break from disarmament because the times are tough. I would say can we think of this the other way round . Can we use the other issues to make the progress on disarmament, i would say the humanitarian consequences it while it drove the nuclear ban treaty. Very different sort of outside the box human side. So if you had experiences that you can bring to that and avoid asthma specifically about [inaudible] talked about chemical weapons. I see the country as a Sticking Point for people who criticize the secret accounts not being able to think, people who criticize, making it somewhat impossible for even russia to potentially cooperate. If you have something you that, again the idea of the refugees they came out of syria i think in times couldve driven some countries to think about we need to get the solution . That outside armscontrol disarmament. So other outside the box. Let me start with the syria, that is clearly one of the if you will, more immediate acute priority agenda my office has at the moment. Aunt in here what i have been emphasizing already is that this is actually, of course its about syria, but its not just about syria. If this continues be politicized and seen from different positions that different groups of the city council have on syrian conflict, and we might in fact, start to lose part of the very important disarmament regime. There is a reason why the International Community created a Technical Agency such as, and if those entities are, in fact, politicized, then we were really start to lose the capacities that the nonproliferation regime that has worked so well over the years, will start to crumble. We want to prevent that. So i have been already messaging this with all the relevant parties, and i wont share the details in a public session, but i think this is a line that we must really continue together with the head of jim as well. It is any penetration by the security council. We fully respect the independence, but the head and i fully coordinate we see the situation in very much in the same way, although we play a different role but we try to maintain the nonproliferation regime as it was created and designed intentionally. So this is something that for us will be very important. And its actually, it goes be on syria. And i hope that our countrys, sufficient number of countries, i think there are sufficient number of countries who understand this point, which is a long, and beat him term strategic point, not just about syria conflict. On your first question, i want to emphasize the point that a mate in my remark, which is that disarmament really is an integral part of any solution to political conflict. If you look at, if you study all peace agreements, and ive worked in many different parts of the world in peacekeeping in particular, there is always some element of disarmament involved in these sort of peace treaty package. So perhaps it is not been seen so linked, so clearly linked in the u. N. But this issue or the important priority of coming out of a silo within the u. N. System is, in fact, a priority of the secretarygeneral. He sees the u. N. As the organization which will be able to in fact, tackle those problems much more holistically with necessary linkages made and so i would like to make sure that disarmament for much more actually part of those peaceful resolution of conflict i talked about, our thinking. Very good. Ambassador kennedy. If i might i wanted to ask about biological weapons convention. You talked about the strength on the oc bw, but here you have a very Important Convention, described of the three treaties, and have limitation support unit of three people, a disastrous review conference that despite the effort that may need to find Common Ground was stymied, large iran although i was not there, so they could not even agree the schedule of activities for the head which are vitally valued by mini site is, government officials, folks around the world. So any thoughts about moving this Important Convention forward . Thank you. Yes. When i was going to the sort of initial briefing, this is the area really scares me a lot. I am a born optimist but everything, ever since i took this position my optimism is grudgingly going down. [inaudible] perhaps the biological, i understand that the u. N. Has always been trying to argue that there will have to be some sort of limitation that has to be created. But we just dont have the support, including the Financial Support but also the Political Support come to great such an independent capacity. The convention itself is a very old one, but perhaps this is something, because its so scary to think about the actual scenario, you know, International Community is sort of trying to choose or trying to ignore the serious sort of possibilities. We are doing what we can through the three people implementations for unit which is housed within oda in geneva. What we are doing is to create a network of professionals we leave the rest of this but you can find online, cspan. Org. Just type nuclear in the search bar. The senate returning from weekly party lunches voting on confirmation of the nominated to be general counsel of the cia. And considered legislation from