Position paper for Lithuania
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| Since regaining independence in 1990, Lithuania has witnessed how technological advances can both unite and divide the international community. As a nation bordering Russia's heavily militarized Kaliningrad exclave, Lithuania understands that outer space represents humanity's next frontier for either cooperation or conflict. The recent October 2024 Russian military aircraft violations of Lithuanian airspace remind the delegation that transparent norms are essential for preventing escalation in all domains, including space. Space must not become the next battlefield. Lithuania strongly supports developing legally binding instruments to prevent an arms race in outer space. Unfortunately, some states continue developing anti satellite weapons and dual use technologies that could weaponize space, undermining collective security. Lithuania recognizes that space militarization would threaten not just international peace but the global economy, which depends on space infrastructure for communications, navigation, and disaster response. Lithuania advocates for establishing clear norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviour in outer space activities. Building on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, Lithuania calls for new agreements addressing anti satellite weapons testing, kinetic and non kinetic threats to space assets, and space debris that threatens all nations' access to space. Lithuania would support the UN in developing a comprehensive Space Security Treaty including verification measures, advance notification requirements for launches and maneuvers, and prohibition on destructive anti- satellite weapons tests. Because Lithuania developed significant expertise through its Cyber Command established in 2024 and leadership of the EU's Cyber Rapid Response Teams project, the delegation recognizes parallels between cyber and space threats. Lithuania proposes establishing a UN Space Security Monitoring Center that could track potentially threatening space activities, provide early warning, and coordinate international responses. Lithuania stands ready to share its experience building multilateral security cooperation frameworks. Lithuania believes space security and sustainable development are inseparable. Massive expenditures for space weapons divert funding from addressing poverty, disease, and climate change. Lithuania would support UN initiatives encouraging states to redirect space militarization budgets toward peaceful exploration and Earth observation programs benefiting humanity. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| Lithuania understands firsthand the devastating consequences of uncontrolled weapons proliferation. Following independence, Lithuania faced securing vast Soviet-era weapons and preventing their diversion to illicit markets. The nation's experience transitioning to a stable democracy taught Lithuania that effective small arms control requires comprehensive approaches addressing supply, demand, and socio-economic conditions fueling armed violence. Lithuania strongly agrees with the Secretary-General that preventing armed conflict is paramount. Unfortunately, small arms in circulation globally continue growing, killing more people annually than weapons of mass destruction. Easy availability of small arms fuels conflicts, enables terrorism and organized crime, undermines state authority, and destroys development prospects. No state can address this challenge alone. Lithuania strongly promotes universal adherence to the Arms Trade Treaty and rigorous implementation of its provisions. Lithuania supports expanding the UN Register of Conventional Arms to include detailed small arms reporting. Unfortunately, many states lack capacity to effectively track, mark, and trace small arms, creating diversion opportunities. Lithuania would support the UN developing technical assistance programs to help states strengthen control systems, including training for customs officials, police, and border guards. Lithuania advocates addressing the disarmament-development relationship. The Suwalki Gap between Lithuania and Poland requires substantial defense resources, yet Lithuania recognizes excessive arms expenditures drain social programs. Lithuania proposes establishing a "Weapons for Development" program, modeled on Albania's success, where states exchange collected illicit weapons for UN development assistance for infrastructure, education, or healthcare. Because illicit small arms trade follows organized crime routes, Lithuania supports creating integrated border security programs addressing multiple trafficking forms simultaneously. Lithuania's Schengen border experience shows effective control requires international cooperation and information sharing. Lithuania proposes regional small arms tracking systems allowing states to share information on suspicious transfers and coordinate interdiction. Furthermore, addressing demand is as important as controlling supply. Small arms proliferation thrives in environments of insecurity, poverty, and weak governance. Lithuania would support UN programs helping states provide alternative livelihoods for those in arms trafficking, strengthen rule of law, and address underlying grievances fueling violence. Lithuania stands ready to share its post-conflict reconstruction and security sector reform experience with states facing similar challenges. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Lithuania recognizes the vital role of the General Assembly Second Committee in addressing contemporary challenges related to international economic growth and sustainable development. As a member state dedicated to multilateral cooperation and the principles of the United Nations Charter, Lithuania underscores the necessity of comprehensive strategies for advancing global economic stability, poverty reduction, and responsible financial practices. The rapidly evolving dynamics of the global economy demand persistent commitment to existing frameworks and innovative approaches to tackle emerging economic and financial challenges that affect all Member States. Lithuania understands how powerful globalization can be when managed responsibly. As a small but open economy that depends heavily on trade, Lithuania has seen how global connections can boost development and innovation. Its educated workforce, strong European partnerships, and participation in global markets have helped the country grow quickly. At the same time, Lithuania recognizes that globalization often leaves some nations behind. Lithuania believes globalization and interdependence must work for developing nations, not just the most advanced economies. The country supports fair trade, technology sharing, and financial cooperation that help developing states strengthen their economies and reduce inequality. By promoting inclusive partnerships, Lithuania aims to ensure that every nation benefits equally from global progress. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| Climate protection is another major focus for Lithuania. The country is part of the Paris Agreement and other key UN climate initiatives. Lithuania has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and aims for all electricity to come from renewable sources by that time. It believes the UN should push for stronger accountability, more funding for developing countries, and cooperation on green technologies. To address the environmental consequences of rapid global growth, Lithuania supports transitioning toward renewable energy, promoting green technology transfer, and strengthening sustainable infrastructure in developing nations. Lithuania supports partnerships that connect trade incentives with clear environmental standards, backed by transparent monitoring to ensure real progress toward low-carbon development. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| The right to self-determination has become increasingly difficult to guarantee in various places across the globe. The war in Ukraine has raised issues about how states can help guarantee their territorial integrity without violating on the right of individuals to self-government. The same issues are being faced in Gaza and other non-self-governing territories. These cases show that even though the United Nations Charter has recognized this right since 1945, many regions still struggle to turn it into reality. International law often tries to balance between national boundaries and the desire of people for independence, but such a balance is difficult to achieve in modern conflicts. As a state, Lithuania strongly supports the right to self-determination. After all, the people of Lithuania also had to fight for their independence when Lithuania was under Soviet occupation. Lithuania has therefore become a committed supporter of the independence and strongly condemns any illegal occupation and annexation of sovereign States' territories. Lithuania is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the UN and it fully supports democracy and good governance as a way of life to secure peace and development. Lithuania also directly funds the Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Program, which supports democratic reforms, electoral observation, and fair elections in places like Moldova and Ukraine. Lithuania supports the idea that self-determination is best achieved through peaceful and cooperative means. It has therefore called on the UN to support early warning and response systems to prevent violence and help new governments to build their democratic institutions. Lithuania also recommends that the UN should establish a forum for discussing all independence issues in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect between countries and communities. Lithuania is also asking all States to monitor and report on the citizen's participation in the exercise of governance and the protection of cultural identity. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Rural women and girls continue to face serious barriers to equality and development.
They often have less access to education, healthcare, and technology, and their work in
farming and family care is undervalued. Although the international community has
made progress through agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
(1995), many gaps remain. UN Women's 2022 report on rural women showed that
economic challenges, climate change, and limited digital access continue to hold
women back. In Asia, for example, many rural women cannot own land or receive equal
pay for their work.
As a member of the European Union, Lithuania promotes education and equal
opportunities for all women, including those in rural areas. Through its Development
Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Program, Lithuania helps partner countries
build fairer systems for women's education, healthcare, and employment. Lithuania
believes that stronger data collection is needed to better understand the gender gap. The Global Gender Gap Report (2024) shows that many countries lack accurate data on rural women, which makes it harder to create policies that truly meet their needs. Lithuania believes that empowering rural women requires access to education, technology, and fair employment. Artificial intelligence and digital tools can help by giving women online access to training, banking, and healthcare. Lithuania supports UN efforts to close the digital divide and create affordable internet and digital literacy programs in rural areas. It also encourages countries to strengthen women's land rights, promote leadership roles, and ensure that rural women are part of local decision- making. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Lithuania is a Baltic nation in Northern Europe bordered by Latvia, Belarus, and Poland with a coastline along the Baltic Sea. Lithuania is a parliamentary democracy and a proud member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Lithuania recognizes the ocean is an essential system for sustaining life, regulating the climate, and supporting economic activities. However, industrial pollution and overfishing continue to threaten marine ecosystems worldwide, including the fragile environment of the Baltic Sea. These challenges hinder progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 14: Life Below Water. Lithuania firmly believes that the preservation of our oceans requires collective global effort and the responsible management of marine resources. Lithuania strongly supports the international frameworks that guide ocean preservation, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the London Convention, and the âOur Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibilityâ declarations adopted in 2022 and reaffirmed at the 2025 Nice Ocean Conference. Lithuania actively participates in regional cooperation through the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), working to reduce pollution and promote sustainable fisheries, emphasizing the importance of environmental education and technological innovation to strengthen ecosystem resilience. Lithuania encourages expanding marine protected areas and investing in clean maritime technologies to support the transition to a clean and circular economy. Lithuania calls upon the global community to unite in safeguarding marine biodiversity and to prioritize sustainable ocean management as a shared responsibility of all Member States. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Lithuania recognizes the growing importance of strengthening global coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance. As climate-related disasters and conflict increase, Lithuania advocates for greater collaboration between Member States, OCHA, and CERF to deliver efficient, transparent, and equitable humanitarian aid that reaches those most in need. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| The global community currently recognizes that nuclear security is fundamental to international stability and is an indispensable pillar of the Agency's "Atoms for Peace" mandate. While the international system has established instruments like the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its Amendment, escalating and evolving risksâparticularly those involving non-state actorsâthreaten the security of nuclear material worldwide. These threats, which include sophisticated cyberattacks, the proliferation of uncrewed aerial vehicles, and malicious insider threats, require a multilateral response to prevent intentional unauthorized acts against nuclear facilities and radioactive material. The Delegation of Lithuania approaches nuclear security with an uncompromising standard, based on its unique experience in the Baltic region. We are deeply concerned by nuclear facilities constructed and operated without full adherence to international safety and transparency norms, as this regional threat directly impacts the safety and security of the Lithuanian populace. As a State Party committed to the A/CPPNM, Lithuania calls for the immediate and universal sharing of national legal frameworks with the IAEA to ensure global compliance. Lithuania is actively working to mitigate threats on a national level and is a party to the Joint Statement on Mitigating Insider Threats, recognizing that personnel with authorized access pose a critical risk. The delegation of Lithuania urges for collaboration among its Member States for a plan with the following goals: prioritizing the security of nuclear facilities in zones of armed conflict; promoting full financial and political support for the Nuclear Security Fund; and emphasizing specific areas for assistance in the Nuclear Security Plan 2026--2029. We stress the need for expanded IAEA assistance to Member States in developing robust cybersecurity regulations and protocols, particularly for digital systems controlling physical protection regimes. Furthermore, we call for the strengthening of technical assistance to improve national capacities to address insider threats and to utilize the Agency's Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan (INSSP) framework for sharing best practices and technical knowledge among peers. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| The use of nuclear science, technology, and applications for peaceful purposes is a
cornerstone of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and is
vital for achieving sustainable development goals related to health, agriculture, and
energy. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), through its three pillars,
remains the indispensable global forum for ensuring the safe, secure, and beneficial
utilization of this technology. However, the rapid advancement of nuclear technology,
coupled with the continued need for global capacity building, requires a flexible and robust framework of cooperation. The Republic of Lithuania has been active in fulfilling its international commitments related to nuclear technology, specifically by successfully implementing the complex decommissioning of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. This experience has generated a unique national expertise in safe radioactive waste management and facility remediation. Looking forward, Lithuania has established a strategic working group to assess the potential deployment of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet its future energy security and decarbonization goals. This dual history of decommissioning and exploration positions Lithuania as a firm proponent of practical cooperation. The delegation of Lithuania urges for collaboration among its Member States for a plan with the following goals: prioritizing the sharing of specialized national experience through the Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme; increasing resources and expertise devoted to regulating and ensuring the safety of advanced reactor designs, such as SMRs; and expanding the Agency's cooperative initiatives that deliver immediate social impact. We specifically advocate for enhanced support for programs like ZODIAC (combating zoonotic diseases) and NUTEC Plastics (managing plastic pollution), which demonstrate tangible benefits of nuclear science for Member States. We affirm our commitment to making timely contributions to the Technical Cooperation Fund and ensuring the successful achievement of the objectives laid out in the Medium Term Strategy 2024--2029. We stand ready to actively share our knowledge in decommissioning and waste management to assist the international community. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| In order to combat the ongoing drug crisis, we must focus on strengthening rehabilitation and social reintegration programs for individuals affected by addiction. While imprisonment can play a role in addressing drug-related offenses, it is equally important to support the health and social needs of both male and female prisoners after their release. This support should include access to healthcare, social services, employment opportunities, housing, and reintegration assistance. Upon release, overdose awareness training and the provision of naloxone (a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses) can help reduce the number of overdose deaths. Statefunded, non-anonymous healthcare services for individuals struggling with addiction are provided free of charge. The Republic Centre for Addictive Disorders offers a range of treatment options, including counseling and psychotherapy. Finally, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding drug addiction and encourage open dialogue about substance abuse and recovery. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| Lithuania prioritizes prevention as a key strategy in combating drug, alcohol, and tobacco
use
disorders. We have already made significant strides in drug prevention through the adoption
of
programs such as the National Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol Control and Use Prevention
Programme and the National Agenda for Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol Control, Prevention of
Consumption and Harm Reduction. However, we aim to ensure the consistent application of
prevention tools across all age groups, with a particular focus on early intervention. This
includes
educating youth and providing access to adequate mental health services for children and
expecting mothers. Lithuania believes that addressing this issue requires a balanced,
evidencebased, and human-centered approach, especially through school and community-
based
programs. We support initiatives that promote education and awareness campaigns,
ensuring that
information about the harmful effects of drug use is widely available and that prevention
measures are effective, measurable, and sustainable. In alignment with the EU Drugs
Strategy,
Lithuania advocates for initiatives that combine prevention, treatment, and harm reduction
with
efforts to disrupt the production and trafficking of illicit drugs. Furthermore, Lithuania
encourages the exchange of best practices among member states, as well as increased
financial
and technical support for developing countries to strengthen their healthcare and law
enforcement systems. Our delegation firmly believes that only through global solidarity and
shared responsibility can the international community effectively combat the drug crisis and build a healthier future for all. | |
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