Shoring up the Non-Proliferation Treaty: Working for a Successful Outcome at the 11th NPT Review Conference (2026)

By Tariq Rauf

7 April 2026

This technical overview and recommendations by Atomic Reporters board member Tariq Rauf are provided ahead of the eleventh review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), scheduled to be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 27 April to 22 May 2026.

Its main focus is the Strengthened Review Process (SRP) established in Decision 1 of the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, further elaborated at the 2000 NPT Review Conference, and as reflected in the acquis (achievements) of the Treaty, to assist diplomats in their negotiations in New York.

It is essential to recognize that the SRP framework adopted in 1995 and 2000 is inherently flexible and designed to accommodate evolving working methods. Decision 1 of 1995 cannot be substantially changed or amended as it was part of an indivisible package of decisions and resolution that enabled the indefinite extension of the Treaty without a vote.

Tinkering with the SRP risks unravelling the indefinite extension decision, especially as there is now “buyer’s remorse” felt by a majority of non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS) parties that the nuclear-weapon States (NWS) not only did not deliver on their nuclear disarmament obligations and commitments but have hollowed out the nuclear arms control and disarmament (NACD) architecture. Recommendations that follow are for more effective management of the 2026 NPT Review Conference—including structural reforms to working methods of main committees, negotiating methodology, the shape and scope of the final outcome document, and the range of substantive issues it should address across all three pillars of the Treaty – nuclear disarmament; nuclear non-proliferation; and peaceful uses of nuclear energy..

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About the author

Tariq Rauf served as an Expert with Canada’s NPT Delegation from 1987-2000, in which capacity he was involved in formulating the strengthened review process for the NPT at the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference and at the 2000 NPT Review Conference; from 2002 to 2010, he was Alternate Head of the IAEA NPT Delegation.

Photographs: Photo: United Nations General Assembly Hall, New York. United Nations, Photo # 27811, UN News Centre