Opening remarks at the senior level Short interventions by partner organizations A focused interactive discussion Key Issues for Discussion: The evolving role of Nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) in a changing security environment Lessons learned from existing zones, including the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ) Strengthening implementation, institutional capacity, and coordination across zones Engagement with nuclear-weapon States, including on security assurances The contribution of NWFZs to nuclear risk reduction, transparency, and confidence-building Enhancing cooperation between States, international organizations, and research institutions, including through improved information-sharing platforms and analytical tools Speakers: H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Chris King, Chief, Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Maria Cecilia Barcelos Cavalcante Vieira, Head of the Disarmament and Sensitive Technologies Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, and Chair of the Group of Governmental Experts to prepare a comprehensive study on nuclear-weapon-free zones Dr. Robin Geiss, Director, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) Mr. Mark Melamed, Deputy Vice President, Global Nuclear Policy Program, Nuclear Threat Initiative The discussion will draw on ongoing analytical work, recent cross-regional consultations on NWFZs, and practical tools, including digital platforms that support inter-zonal coordination, knowledge-sharing, and comparative analysis.