The historical evidence shows that for each kind of indiscriminate and inhumane weapon subject to a regime for their elimination – for biological and chemical weapons, antipersonnel landmines and cluster munitions – establishment of an unequivocal norm of prohibition of weapons with unacceptable effects has preceded, enabled and been the basis for subsequent work towards their elimination. That is the proven, logical path. It is also the only feasible, practical option at this time. The states represented in this room cannot eliminate weapons they don’t own. But they can prohibit them, internationally and in domestic legislation. Banning and eliminating nuclear weapons is the only way to secure planetary health.