The world faces a pressing need to monitor civilian use of nuclear technology and maintain strong discipline in the face of weapons proliferation, former Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said Monday in Tokyo.

Kawaguchi, announcing the creation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament Commission, said Japan has a huge role to play in nuclear issues.

"As the only country in the world to have been victimized by nuclear weapons, it is essential that we contribute to this process," Kawaguchi told a news conference.