Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology
The 12th Conference of States Parties (CSP12) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)
September 10, 2026
- From 24 to 28 August, the Twelfth Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT CSP12) was held in Geneva, Switzerland. Japan was represented by Ambassador ICHIKAWA Tomiko, Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, who participated in the discussions as the head of the delegation.
- During the Conference, participants engaged in active discussions on a range of issues, including on the more effective implementation of the Treaty, ensuring transparency through improved national reporting, increasing the number of States Parties (universalization), and the importance of gender-related commitments. They also discussed elements to be included in the five-year strategy for the ATT currently being developed for adoption next year.
- In her statement during the general debate, Ambassador Ichikawa reaffirmed the contribution of the ATT to international peace and security and emphasized the importance of developing practical guidance to implement the Treaty more effectively, expressing Japan’s expectations for the role of the ATT five-year strategy. Japan also underscored the importance it attaches to capacity-building for national implementation of the Treaty, including through the Voluntary Trust Fund (VTF), as well as to universalization efforts, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan expressed its determination to work closely with all States Parties and other stakeholders.
- At the conclusion of the Conference, the United Kingdom was elected President of the 13th Conference of States Parties, to be held next year, while four countries, including Japan, were elected as Vice-Presidents. Japan will continue to work towards playing a leading role in the international community by strengthening the implementation of the ATT and promoting its universalization.
(Reference)Arms Trade Treaty Voluntary Trust Fund (VTF)
The VTF was formally established at the Second Conference of States Parties in 2016 with the aim of assisting requesting States requiring international assistance to implement their Treaty obligations, including with respect to legal or legislative assistance, institutional capacity building, and technical, material and financial assistance.