The New Agenda Coalition

On 9 June 1998, eight nations made a declaration demanding "the speedy, final and total elimination" of nuclear weapons. Calling themselves the "New Agenda Coalition," Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovenia,* South Africa, and Sweden highlighted the current problems in nuclear disarmament, and asked for a number of specific steps to be taken by the five nuclear-weapon states and the three nuclear-weapon-capable states.

Their resolution has been submitted twice to the UN First Committee, and passed overwhelmingly in the General Assembly.  The 1998 resolution went forward with 114 in favor, 18 against, and 38 abstentions; the 1999 submission garnered 111 in favor and 13 against, with 39 abstentions.  After the 2000 NPT Review Conference, the New Agenda Coalition resolution gathered an impressive 154 votes in favor, with only 3 against and 8 abstentions.

The New Agenda states have been instrumental in bringing the nuclear weapons states to the table in non-proliferation and disarmament discussions in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty context.  Notably, New Agenda engaged in  key negotiations for develop the steps toward disarmament, including a call for "total elimination of nuclear weapons," in the 2000 NPT Review Conference Final Document.

The New Agenda Coalition's work is supported by the Middle Powers Initiative, a non-governmental group organized to reduce nuclear dangers and move international discussions toward elimination of nuclear arsenals.

* Slovenia later withdrew as a member of the New Agenda Coalition.

Documentation and Information on the New Agenda Coalition

Opening Statement at the 2000 NPT Review Conference

Opening Statement at the 1999 NPT PrepCom

European Parliament Joint Motion for a Resolution
This document calls for EU support for the NAC resolution that passed the UN First Committee on 13 November 1998.

Toward a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World:  Time for a New Agenda
Declaration from the eight nations calling for immediate moves toward a nuclear-weapon-free world.
9 June 1998

Statement by Mr David Andrews TD
Ireland's Foreign Minister, on the the release of
"Towards A Nuclear-Weapons-Free World: The Need For A New Agenda"
9 June 1998

Glossary for "Towards a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World: Time for a New Agenda"
This document explains and elaborates on points made in the Declaration.  9 June 1998

BASIC's Press Release on the Call
9 June 1998

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