Disarmament, Non-Proliferation Critical to ‘Our Very Existence’ amid Nuclear Threat, Secretary-General Says on International Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, observed on 5 March:

This second International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness comes at a perilous moment, marked by rising levels of military spending, deepening geopolitical tensions and growing violent conflicts across the globe.

Meanwhile, some leaders are using apocalyptic rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons.  The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the use of explosive devices in populated areas and the growing military application of new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are also serious concerns.

Today reminds us that disarmament and non-proliferation are critical not only to a peaceful future, but to our very existence.

Global leaders must invest in peace by strengthening the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation and use of deadly weapons — including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons — and by developing disarmament solutions.

The proposed New Agenda for Peace includes new strategies and approaches to eliminate the threats posed by nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and other emerging dangers, such as autonomous weapons systems.

On this important day, let us speak with one loud, clear and united voice.  It’s time to stop the madness.  We need disarmament now.