Meeting of experts to prepare a comprehensive study of the question of nuclear-weapon-free zones

01 - 05 December 2025

The General Assembly, by operative paragraph 1 of resolution 79/241 entitled “Comprehensive study of the question of nuclear-weapon-free zones in all its aspects,” adopted on 24 December 2024, requested the Secretary-General “to convene a qualified group of up to 25 experts, which is representative, based on the principle of equitable geographic distribution and giving due regard to gender balance, to prepare a new comprehensive study of the question of nuclear-weapon-free zones, aimed at assessing the current status of existing and potential nuclear-weapon-free zones, as well as examining options and recommendations towards strengthening existing zones and the possible establishment of new zones, including in the Middle East.”

Through a wide call issued by the Office for Disarmament Affairs, Member States expressed their interest and proposed their nominees for the Qualified Group of Experts (QGE).

The QGE will meet for three one-week sessions, which are tentatively scheduled as follows:

• First session: 1-5 December 2025
• Second session: 9-13 March 2026
• Third session: 13-17 July 2026

Two 2-day informal consultative meetings, open-ended to enable all Member States to engage in interactive discussions and share their views with the Chair of the Group, are tentatively scheduled as follows:

• First meeting: 8-9 December 2025
• Second meeting: 16-17 March 2026