Supporters of a worldwide agreement prohibiting nuclear tests announced their intention to use US President Barack Obama's efforts towards disarmament to advance their cause at the United Nations this month. Obama has expressed his backing for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has not been implemented due to the lack of ratification by nine countries, including the United States. "There is a pressing need now more than ever to promote the non-proliferation regime," stated Omar Zniber, Morocco's ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, where the CTBT agency is headquartered, during a press conference. Morocco and France are leading the efforts to encourage nuclear-capable nations like India, Pakistan, and North Korea to sign the treaty. Egypt, Iran, and Israel are among the countries that have not yet ratified the treaty. Senior officials from countries participating in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the United Nations Security Council will convene on September 24-25 at the United Nations headquarters in New York to discuss the treaty. This marks the first time in ten years that the United States will be participating in such discussions. The previous administration under George W. Bush did not prioritize nuclear diplomacy and arms control, and the US Senate's failure to ratify the treaty dates back to 1999, during President Clinton's term. At that time, US politicians argued that there was no foolproof way to ensure compliance with the treaty. However, proponents now argue that verification technology has significantly improved. President Obama has pledged to make renewed efforts to secure Senate ratification of the treaty. The administration of President Obama and Russia have emphasized the importance of eliminating nuclear arsenals worldwide, starting with their own countries. The upcoming UN talks will coincide with a special Security Council meeting on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, which will be led by Obama. Tibor Toth, the executive secretary of the CTBT implementing agency, stated that while the US and Russia committing to gradual disarmament is significant, achieving a global test ban pact is also possible given the current diplomatic environment. He believes that there is renewed support for multilateralism and nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and that there should be tangible results from these efforts. This is the treaty that is considered the most significant in terms of achieving a meaningful outcome. Approximately 180 countries have signed the treaty, with around 150 having ratified it. However, the treaty cannot come into effect until the remaining nine nuclear states sign and ratify it. Supporters believe that if the United States also joins the treaty, it will encourage other countries to follow suit.