Options for the Further Strengthening of the NPT's Review Process by 2015

Parties participating in the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) decided to defer its consideration of further strengthening of the review process of the Treaty to the next review cycle. Consequently, this issue was addressed at the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference, held in Vienna from 30 April to 11 May 2012. This paper examines the various proposals that have been put forward thus far and that could incrementally improve accountability and efficiency as well as provide greater continuity and substantial savings. This includes smarter use of the time for substantive consideration, on the general debate and early establishment of subsidiary bodies, on moving to digitised records, on the establishment of an NPT Secretariat and the enhancement of participation by non-governmental organisations