On 8 October 2014, Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans, AC, QC, former Foreign Minister of Australia, in his capacity as Convenor of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, and Professor Ramesh Thakur, former Senior Vice-Rector of the United Nations University and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, as Director, Centre for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, Australian National University (ANU), gave a special briefing and held an exchange of views on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of relevant government, academics and students at Narathip Auditorium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Professors Evans and Thakur were received by H.E. Mr. Manasvi Srisodapol, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Acting Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, who gave the opening address.

 In their presentation, Professors Evans and Thakur gave the overview and examined key progress of the global actions towards nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, especially the topics of disarmament, non-proliferation, nuclear security, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which are matters on which the international community, including Thailand, attaches importance. On Thailand’s part, the Royal Thai Government and agencies concerned focus on developing the capacity to put in practice Thailand’s relevant international commitments, raising knowledge and awareness of nuclear security, risks and humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, as well as promoting the involvement of all sectors of society. This reflects the fact that these are matters to be made known to and understood by the general public.

  Thailand remains committed to taking a constructive part in the international efforts on disarmament and non-proliferation, at both the regional and global levels. This will emphasise as well as strengthen Thailand’s role in international peace and security, which is in line with the campaign for Thailand’s candidature for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2017-2018.

 Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans served as Australia’s Foreign Minister from 1988-1995, and also held various other ministerial portfolios. He was formerly President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, and currently is the Chancellor of the Australian National University. Professor Ramesh Thakur is an internationally-renowned political science and international relations scholar who has had an active role in the work of the United Nations.