PURPOSE: Observed on March 5th, the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness aims to deepen the global public’s understanding about how disarmament efforts contribute to enhancing peace and security, to prevent and end armed conflicts, and to curb human suffering caused by weapons. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is convinced that education is one of the crucial 'missing pieces' of global security. This Disarmament Forum is dedicated to an exploration of previous education initiatives and potential future directions. We have taken a broad approach to this theme, looking at both peace education and disarmament education, formal education initiatives and non-formal ones.

FORUM: "It’s time to stop the madness. We need disarmament now!." International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024. Since the founding of the United Nations, the goals of multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central to the Organization’s efforts to maintain international peace and security. Weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, continue to be of primary concern, owing to their destructive power and the threat that they pose to humanity. The excessive accumulation in conventional weapons and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons jeopardizes international peace and security and sustainable development, while the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is seriously endangering civilians. New and emerging weapon technologies, such as autonomous weapons, pose a challenge to global security and have received increased attention from the international community in recent years. Why Do You think disarmement is important?; Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #IDDNPA2024, #Disarmament, #disarmamentawarenessday, #5march, #nonproliferationawarenessday #VCS, #peaceandsecurity.EVENTS: Activities to Commemorate the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day 2024.

TRAINING: Enroll in the Gender and disarmament courses - UN Women training centre.

STATEMENTS: Statement of the Secretary-General on the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2024; March 5th.

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PODCASTS: Today, the number of nuclear weapons held in stockpiles around the world remains at around 13,000 — more than enough to destroy our planet many times over at a time when risk of use is at its highest since the Cold War. Listen to audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Nuclear, chemical, biological, and unpredictable autonomous and other indiscriminate weapon systems have no place in our world. Explore the 2024 Campaign postcards and Get the communication materials!

WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?

HOW TO GET INVOLVED!

PARTNERSHIPS

Through resolution A/RES/77/51, the United Nations General Assembly establish March 5th as International Day for Disarmament and Non-proloferation awareness to raise awareness on Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons. In 2018, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres launched Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament, outlining a vision of disarmament actions that help set our world on a path towards sustainable peace and security for all. The Secretary-General called for fresh perspectives and renewed cooperation, against the backdrop of a deteriorating international security environment, new risks and unfulfilled commitments. His Agenda for Disarmament defines four key pillars with practical measures to be achieved through stronger partnerships and unwavering determination:

  • Disarmament that saves humanity by endeavouring for a world free of nuclear weapons, strengthening norms against other weapons of mass destruction, and preventing the emergence of new domains of strategic competition and conflict.

  • Disarmament that saves lives by mitigating the humanitarian impact of conventional arms and addressing the excessive accumulation and illicit trade.

  • Disarmament for future generations by ensuring responsible innovation and use of advances in science and technology, keeping humans in control of weapons and artificial intelligence, and ensuring peace and stability in cyberspace.

  • Strengthening partnerships for disarmament by reinvigorating disarmament institutions and processes, engaging regional organisations, ensuring the full and equal participation of women, empowering youth as a force for change, and enhancing participation by civil society and engagement by the private sector.

  • Commemorate the International Day, including through all means of educational and public awareness-raising activities.

  • Showcase the linkage between disarmament and development supported in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

  • Promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public, especially young people.

  • Urge leaders to take steps to strengthen the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime — including the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

  • Reflect on efforts to maintain international peace and security.

  • Investigate on the excessive accumulation in conventional weapons and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.

The Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament further recognises the important contribution of disarmament and arms control to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Agenda for Disarmament addresses six different Sustainable Development Goals through nine actions. Disarmament and arms control remain inextricably connected with development in a multitude of ways, providing a unique opportunity to advance both the implementation of the SDGs and the Agenda for Disarmament.

The International Day for Disarmament and Non-proloferation awareness is co-organized by the United Nations Security Council, United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Member States, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), the First Committee of the General Assembly (Disarmament and International Security), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the Disarmament Commission, the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, the 1540 Committee  (Committee to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and their means of delivery), the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), the International Atomic Energy Agency, the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, the organizations of the United Nations system, civil society organizations, academia, the media and individuals.

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