Topic: 2025 – No First Use Policies and Nuclear Disarmament
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Rocco Morrow
Nuclear weapons pose a horrifying threat to any and all nations and civilians globally. The mere thought of nuclear warfare being employed sends shivers down one’s spine. The immense human suffering associated with these types of weapons alone is proof that these weapons are heinous. Ireland is committed to a humanitarian-centered and legally grounded approach to the process of nuclear disarmament. By looking at governments and the UN as key leaders in disarmament efforts and promoting policies like “No First Use”, Ireland hopes to put an end to the atrocities associated with nuclear weapons for good.
Although Ireland does not possess nuclear weapons, we still believe “No First Use” to be a step in the right direction in reducing the risk of nuclear warfare. Given that, Ireland prefers legally binding negative security assurances over voluntary “No First Use” pledges. While “No First Use” could help to signal restraint and keep tensions low, Ireland warns that “No First Use” doesn’t fix the humanitarian issue posed by other countries’ ownership of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, Ireland stresses that government and UN leadership is the key to nuclear disarmament efforts. By taking action through legislation and treaties and gaining critical support from civil society and various advocacy groups, Ireland is a strong proponent of finding solutions to this particular issue legally.
In conclusion, Ireland aims to promote complete nuclear disarmament through treaty-based commitments, leadership in multilateral forums, and above all else, the humanitarian principles that we continue to stand for and live by. Although Ireland believes that “No First Use” is a helpful tool, we stress that it is not capable of fully disarming nations of their
nuclear weapons, and therefore, cannot replace full disarmament. Ireland supports the idea that the ball is in governments’ and the UN’s court along with the help of advocacy groups and civil society. Holding no nuclear weapons of our own, Ireland should be seen as the archetype for responsible behavior in regards to nuclear disarmament. Overall, Ireland is committed to the idea of nuclear weapons being completely eliminated in order to achieve true global security.
Works Cited:
Poole, Gregory. “Home.” GLICA.Org, GLICA.org, 6 Nov. 2025,
glica.org/glimun/committees/nuclear-use-and-disarmament/.
Disarmament and Non-Proliferation | Department of Foreign Affairs | Ireland.Ie, www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/role-policies/international-priorities/peace-and-security/disarmamen t-and-non-proliferation/.
“Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney on Nuclear Disarmament Coalition.” Gov.Ie,
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/press-releases/statement-by-minister-for-fore ign-affairs-simon-coveney-on-nuclear-disarmament-coalition/.
