The Philippines called for greater transparency, dialogue, and confidence-building measures in nuclear disarmament talks during the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Carlos Sorreta pushed for structured and interactive discussions on reports submitted by Nuclear Weapon States as part of efforts to strengthen the NPT review process.
Sorreta made the call during negotiations on May 22, stressing that transparency should not be treated as a contest among states, but as a practical step toward reducing nuclear risks and advancing disarmament.
“We see efforts at transparency neither as a competition on who can be more transparent than the other… We believe it is an important step toward realizing the goals of Article VI of the NPT (nuclear disarmament). It is also an important confidence-building measure,” Sorreta said.
The DFA said the Philippines promoted a balanced and pragmatic approach to help bridge differences among countries with varying security concerns.
Discussions at the conference moved closer to consensus on proposals related to nuclear reporting and interactive dialogue, reflecting growing recognition of the need for communication, predictability, and accountability in strengthening international stability.
The Philippines also joined side events focused on practical ways to improve transparency and accountability. During a forum organized by the European Union and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, DFA Director Jet Olfato said transparency efforts should meaningfully support nuclear disarmament.
Olfato also emphasized that Nuclear Weapon States carry a special responsibility under the treaty to demonstrate a high level of transparency.
Although the conference ended without a consensus outcome document, the DFA said the Philippines remains committed to practical, inclusive, and dialogue-driven approaches that strengthen international cooperation and support global peace and security.
