International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, 26 September 2024
On the occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on 26 September, we are reminded of the global call to eliminate nuclear weapons and reaffirm the commitment to a world free of such threats. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013 through resolution 68/32 this day aims to raise awareness of the existential dangers posed by nuclear weapons and promote their complete elimination.
Nuclear disarmament has been a central priority for the UN since its founding, beginning with the 1946 establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission. Despite some progress, including treaties like the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (not in force yet), over 12,000 nuclear weapons remain until today. Furthermore, nations possessing nuclear arsenals continue to modernize their stockpiles and the global arms control framework has weakened, particularly with the 2019 US withdrawal from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and Russia's suspension of the New START Treaty in 2023.
As we observe this important day, the UN calls on nations and civil society to push for nuclear disarmament, focusing on the humanitarian and economic benefits of eliminating these weapons. It serves as a reminder of the UN’s ongoing mission to ensure global peace and security through the eradication of nuclear threats.
You can read more on https://www.un.org/en/observances/nuclear-weapons-elimination-day