Delegation from Represented by
Belgium Al Ma’arifa International School
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topics: The treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the threat of Cyberterrorism
Country: Belgium
Delegate name: Sana Musab Alsaman
Represented by: Al Ma’arifa international private school.
The Disarmament and International Security Committee is a subsidiary body of the United
Nations General Assembly, established in 1945, which primarily focuses on identifying and
addressing issues related to disarmament, arms control, and the regulation of weapons of mass
destruction. It aims to promote international peace and security by implementing policies and
initiatives targeted at reducing the global stockpiling and proliferation of armaments.
Furthermore, Its main objective is to find solutions to the challenges facing the international
security regime by considering all matters related to disarmament and international security that
fall within the scope of the Charter or the functions of other United Nations organs.
I. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is a multilateral accord that enforces
a comprehensive ban on the fabrication, experimentation, acquisition, stockpiling, deployment,
utilization, and intimidation of employing nuclear weaponry. Its fundamental objectives
encompass the advancement of disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as paving the way for
the ultimate eradication of nuclear armaments.
Belgium aims to forward concrete recommendations and initiatives non-nuclear weapon states
that are part of a nuclear alliance could take to actively pursue a nuclear disarmament agenda.
Belgium’s position in this respect is a non-nuclear weapon state that is also a member state of
NATO. Belgium believes that TPNW is not the right tool to achieve its objectives of initiating
global, reciprocal, and gradual efforts toward disarmament since nuclear weapons help maintain
the minimum level sufficient to preserve peace and stability.
Belgium strongly advocates for the universalization of the Treaty. Therefore, it has taken steps in
that matter by hosting a meeting, on the 28th of June 2022, of the International Partnership for
Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV) consisting of more than 25 countries with an
endeavor to inaugurate a world free of nuclear weapons. In addition, addressing the complex
challenges associated with monitoring and verifying nuclear weapon dismantlement.
Furthermore, on October 4, 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
European Affairs and Foreign Trade Sophie Wilmès is pleased that Belgium is allocating
1,607,508 euros to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the prevention of
nuclear proliferation and the strengthening of civil nuclear cooperation. This includes a
Delegation from Represented by
Belgium Al Ma’arifa International School
contribution of 707,508 euros to the Technical Cooperation Fund, 200,000 euros for nuclear
medicine and 350,000 euros for the modernization of the IAEA lab complex. The lab complex
carries out research and provides support for nuclear applications used in development projects
and capacity building in areas such as medical aid, food and agriculture, environmental
protection, and technology training.
II. The threat of Cyberterrorism
The threat of cyberterrorism is a formidable challenge for governments, businesses, and
individuals globally. The increased dependence on technology and the Internet has provided an
opportune environment for cyberterrorists to launch attacks that can inflict extensive harm,
disruption, and damage. The major threats of cyberterrorism include the potential for the
destruction of vital infrastructure, such as power grids, water treatment facilities, or
transportation systems, which can cause significant chaos and disruption. Additionally, cyber-
attacks can result in severe economic damage due to operational interruptions, the loss of
confidential data, or reputational harm to businesses. Moreover, the compromise of national
security through the theft of sensitive data or the disruption of governmental operations could put
military operations or intelligence gathering at risk. The use of cyberterrorism to target medical
devices, industrial control systems, or other physical infrastructure can also result in physical
harm. Lastly, cyberterrorists may seek to spread fear and panic by propagating false information,
engaging in ransomware attacks, or other forms of cybercrime.
Belgium advocates an open, free, and secure cyberspace where citizens and businesses can fully
develop, where they can engage internationally, and where fundamental rights are safeguarded
and protected. To build and ensure society’s essential trust in cyberspace, cybersecurity is of
necessary and decisive importance. This is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders and
requires a broad-based approach. The Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0 aims to make Belgium one of
the least vulnerable countries in Europe in the cybersecurity domain by 2025. This will be
underpinned by outlining action plans to protect all stakeholders, from the general population
and private organizations to Organizations of Vital Interest. The strategy is aligned with
government and private sector investment strategies for future development and ensures these
investments and the creation of new opportunities and jobs. In addition, the strategic objectives
enable us to be prepared for new technological developments and the potential risks.
The Belgian Ministry of Defense is developing a cyber strategy and capabilities to support
military and intelligence operations in the cyber domain. These investments aim to protect
necessary infrastructure from cyberattacks and enable the country to carry out counter-attacks if
necessary. The Ministry of Defense is also supporting national cybersecurity policy by fulfilling
commitments in the National Cyber Emergency Plan, providing technical support for legal cases
and CERT.be cases, offering senior expertise level malware analysis, integrating relevant cyber
threat intelligence into the national platform, tracking cyber attackers, coordinating Belgian
Delegation from Represented by
Belgium Al Ma’arifa International School
participation in international cybersecurity exercises, and providing mailcart infrastructure as a
backup site for CERT.be's Incident Management in crisis situations.
Bibliography:
1. the role and functions of the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly
Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/ga/first/
2. Belgium supports the International Atomic Energy Agency in the prevention of nuclear
proliferation and for civil nuclear cooperation (October 4, 2021)
Retrieved from https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/belgium-supports-international-atomic-
energy-agency-prevention-nuclear-proliferation-and-civil
3. Belgium's role in advocating for nuclear disarmament within a nuclear alliance
Retrieved from
https://documents.unoda.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TPNW.MSP_.2022.NGO_.35.
pdf
4. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and its adoption at the United Nations
Retrieved from https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/tpnw/
5. https://www.icanw.org/belgium
6. https://ccb.belgium.be/sites/default/files/CCB_Strategie%202.0_UK_WEB.pdf
7. https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2019/belgium/
