Thread by @nuclearban

We have been talking a lot about the big first meeting of state parties to the TPNW, but what will actually be discussed? The provisional agenda was just adopted, here is what’s on the table. A 🧵 1/12 #nuclearban #Vienna

The meeting will begin by electing officers and with some introductions and statements from high level-officials, including UN secretary-general @antonioguterres 2/12

Then delegates will go through important elements like officially adopting the agenda, the rules of procedure, deciding on how to organize work, and a general exchange of views 3/12

Then follow the substantive issues. Some highlights: 4/12

Universality (article 12): ICAN recommends that state parties adopt an action plan to promote universalization, including a framework for outreach, leadership, ownership, and accountability. 5/12

Deadlines for nuclear weapons destruction/removal (article 4): When states join the treaty that used to/still own nuclear weapons, or host nuclear weapons, special rules apply on how to get rid of them. State-parties will set deadlines for achieving destruction and removal 6/12

Victim assistance, environmental remediation, and international cooperation (articles 6 & 7): State-parties should agree to initial actions for implementing these positive obligations. ICAN calls for an approach centering affected communities. 7/12

Institutionalizing scientific and technical advice for treaty implementation: States may agree to create a scientific advisory board or group to gather information that will help with implementation 8/12

Intersessionals: States may create working groups to work on implementation in between conferences 9/12

Complementarity with the existing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime: We are expecting states to reaffirm support for the existing disarmament structure, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and emphasize the complementarity between it and the TPNW 10/12

Passing a declaration: States are expected to pass a declaration reaffirming the objectives of the treaty, highlighting the humanitarian risks of nuclear weapons use, and committing to pursuing nuclear disarmament 11/12

The 1MSP action plan and the political declaration will represent a crucial, exciting commitment to the #nuclearban norm 12/12