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: "The history, success and challenges of Nuclear disarmament education." International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2025. 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 disarmament is important?; Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #IDDNPA2025, #Disarmament, #disarmamentawarenessday, #5march, #nonproliferationawarenessday #VCS, #peaceandsecurity.

EVENTS: Activities to Commemorate the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day 2025. on and around March 5th. Registration.

On March 5st, 2025: Side-event on “The History, Success, and Challenges of Nuclear Disarmament Education” - The Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (Cornell University), the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations, and the Office for Disarmament Affairs will be organizing a special lunchtime event marking the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness at UNHQ on March 5th. The title of the event is “The History, Success, and Challenges of Nuclear Disarmament Education.” The goal is for the attendees to hear from experts in the nuclear disarmament and education fields, to strategize on how best to inspire and educate students, and to ensure that students, especially from schools with less access to nuclear disarmament education, have an equal opportunity to study nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. This event will also explore the gap between those creating educational resources on nuclear disarmament and the intended beneficiaries, as well as those involved in curriculum development. The panelists will represent a broad cross section of experts in the field disarmament education.

On 18 March 2025: Vienna Conversation Series event youth empowerment for disarmament - This Vienna Conversation Series event, planned in cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic, commemorates the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness by underscoring the essential role of a diverse range of actors in promoting disarmament education, with a focus on youth engagement and empowerment. It will highlight new learning opportunities offered by UNODA and promote peer-to-peer exchange of experience to promote diverse applications to various UNODA programmes. The event also seeks to support the new calls for applications of UNODA learning programmes and boost their visibility among Member States, Vienna-based organizations, civil society, and, particularly youth groups, to ensure diverse applications. See additional information.

From 5 to 6 March 2025: Visibility among the Vienna community - The Office for Disarmament Affairs’ (ODA) Vienna Office will be kicking off a series of activities to mark the International Day. There will be an exhibition booth at the Rotunda of the Vienna International Center, featuring educational materials on the human cost of weapons and an interactive game on disarmament facts and fiction. Social media efforts, including promotion of ODA's e-learning opportunities, will continue during the week.

From 5 March to 13 April: Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons launches Call for Applications - The Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), with the generous support of the Government of Japan, is pleased to announce the launch of the second Call for Applications for the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF). Following the successful completion of Phase I, the UNODA is seeking to select the next 100 young leaders from around the world to participate in an innovative online learning programme. Fifty of these participants will be given the opportunity to travel to Japan for a week-long study visit to Nagasaki and Hiroshima. During this visit, they will meet with hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bombings), engage with other youth advocates, and gain firsthand insight into the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. Notably, Phase II of the programme is particularly focused on communication and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy. The programme aims to bring together a diverse and geographically representative group of advocates for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, aged 18 to 29. The Call for Application closes on 13 April. For further details, please visit Disarmament Education Dashboard.

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 2025; March 5th.