Open Nuclear Network and Global Neighbours, in partnership with the Vienna School of International Studies, are pleased to invite participants to a high-level discussion marking the 20th anniversary of the Treaty of Semipalatinsk establishing the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ). Held immediately following the 2026 NPT Review Conference, the event will explore how Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) can strengthen regional security, build trust, and support global non-proliferation efforts in an increasingly fragmented international environment. The discussion will bring together diplomats, regional experts, and representatives of NWFZ frameworks to reflect on lessons learned from regional experiences, verification and monitoring practices, and the broader relevance of NWFZs in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Event Details
Date: 3 June 2026
Time: 17:00–19:00 CEST
Location: Festsaal, Vienna School of International Studies & Online (livestream)
Favoritenstraße 15A, 1040 Vienna
The discussion will be followed by a networking reception and light refreshments.
Speakers include:
- H.E. Ambassador Mukthar Tileuberdi, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations
- Siddharth Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer of Global Neighbours
- Andreas Persbo, Director of Open Nuclear Network, a PAX sapiens Programme
- Martina Schubert, Deputy Director, Vienna School of International Studies
- H.E. Ambassador Vladimir Norov, CEO of Silk Road Advisory and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan
- H.E. Ambassador José Antonio Zabalgoitia, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the International Organizations in Vienna
- Representatives of other Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (TBC)
Registration and Livestream
Please RSVP for in-person participation by 2 June 2026: Registration Form
Livestream links: Diplomatic Academy Livestream & ONN Youtube Channel Livestream (attached below as well).
