Find out more in
Global Issues
Since nuclear weapons testing began on 16 July 1945, over 2,000 have taken place. In the early days of nuclear testing little consideration was given to its devastating effects on human life, let alone the dangers of nuclear fallout from atmospheric tests. Hindsight and history have shown us the terrifying and tragic effects of nuclear weapons testing. This International Day against Nuclear Tests (29 August) we understand that nuclear tests do not prove strength. They shatter trust, invite reciprocal tests, fuel a nuclear arms race and betray every community still living with the legacy of past nuclear tests.
As the world prepares to mark the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremonies on 6 and 9 August, we are reminded of the devastating human cost of nuclear weapons. A single nuclear weapon can destroy an entire city, killing hundreds of thousands of people—as tragically demonstrated in Hiroshima and Nagasaki—and causing long-term harm to human health and the environment. The complete elimination of nuclear weapons is both a moral imperative and a global necessity. The international community must continue advancing disarmament, strengthening non-proliferation, and working toward a world free of nuclear weapons.
Today, humanity is just one mistake or misunderstanding away from nuclear annihilation. The (NPT) is a landmark international treaty designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. From 27 April to 22 May, States parties will convene at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 2026 NPT Review Conference to assess the implementation of the Treaty’s provisions since 2022. Earlier review meetings in 2015 and 2022 were unable to reach agreement on the substantive part of the draft Final Document.
In his message for the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness (5 March), the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General points to escalating military spending, rising geopolitical tensions, and the spread of deadly weapons, stressing that disarmament and non-proliferation are vital to peace and human survival. He demands stronger systems to prevent proliferation and fulfill disarmament obligations, calling for action on nuclear, chemical, biological, and emerging tech risks. António Guterres urges leaders to "step back from the brink. Stop rattling the nuclear saber. Halt the arms races."
Marking 30 years of the (CTBT), the world celebrates a near-universal commitment to end nuclear testing, upheld by a unique global verification network and proving that multilateral progress is possible.
Weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, are back in the spotlight amid renewed concern over their devastating power and the existential threat they pose to humanity. At the same time, the build-up and illicit trafficking of conventional arms threaten global peace and civilian safety, particularly in urban areas. New and emerging technologies like autonomous weapons add new risks as norms lag behind innovation. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, disarmament and arms control remain vital, with genuine dialogue and negotiation offering the best hope to prevent conflict.
The Conference on Disarmament (CD) is a single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community. Over the years, it has considered the issues of cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament, the prevention of nuclear war and the prevention of an arms race in outer space. The CD has , including the nuclear weapon States and 60 other States. In addition, every year, non-member States participate, upon their request, in the CD’s work. It meets in an annual, (10, 7, and 7 weeks) starting in the penultimate week of January.
Nuclear weapons offer no security, only the threat of annihilation, with . The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (26 September) reminds us of the Cold War’s central lesson: humanity once risked its survival. Sadly, the shadow of nuclear annihilation is still with us and spreading fast, fueled by divisions and mistrust, along with rising military spending, growing stockpiles, and nations using nuclear threats as coercion. Humanity is headed in the wrong direction. It’s time to chart a new course for lasting peace through disarmament.
This year, the International Day against Nuclear Tests (29 August) comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing nuclear risks — including the disturbing prospect of a return to nuclear testing. In 2025, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test. We must never forget the legacy of over 2,000 nuclear weapons tests carried out over the past eight decades. The effects of these explosions have been horrific. Now is the time to silence the bombs before they speak again.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, on 6 and 9 August. Every year, Hiroshima holds the Peace Memorial Ceremony to console the souls of those lost to the atomic bombing, as well as pray for the realization of lasting world peace. Weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, remain a major concern due to their destructive power and threat to humanity. The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ has sought to eliminate such weapons ever since its establishment. Let’s work together to banish these devices of destruction to the history books, once and for all.
Mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices continue to cause death and injury, especially in situations of armed conflict. On average, one person is killed or injured by such explosive devices every hour. Mine action leaders and experts are attending the 28th (Geneva, 9 - 11 April). The goal of the meeting is to network and exchange views on pressing issues facing the sector. Under the overarching theme of "Safe futures start here," it includes five plenary sessions and 31 side events.
Humanity’s future depends on investing in the machinery of peace, not the machinery of war. Yet global tensions and nuclear threats are rising, and guardrails are eroding. The spread of small arms and light weapons, and advances in technologies such as AI and quantum computing, heighten the dangers. On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness (5 March), we urge leaders to strengthen systems to prevent the proliferation, testing and use of deadly weapons and fulfill their disarmament obligations. It's time to turn words into actions for a peaceful future for all.
By 2045, when United Nations celebrates its 100th anniversary, will disarmament, arms control, digital weaponization prevention, and diplomacy have effectively addressed global security challenges?