"Right now we are witnessing an almost ideal configuration of factors pointing to progress in the years ahead. The future of this Treaty will be bright indeed if it is guided by enlightened leadership from the nuclear weapon states, a growing support from the general public, and persistent efforts specially by the non nuclear states in the international diplomatic community. Just as the NPT has three essential pillars, I will view these additional factors: leadership, persistence and support from the civil society, as constituting the three political pillars of the Treaty."

Ambassador Sérgio de Queiroz Duarte