Dear Friend,

“Nuclear weapons are a threat to the security, and ultimately the existence, of all states, irrespective of whether they possess nuclear weapons, subscribe to nuclear deterrence or firmly oppose it.”

Moments ago, the third meeting of states parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the UN in New York ended with the adoption of a timely and powerful political declaration rejecting nuclear deterrence, and a whole host of decisions that strengthen this crucial treaty. States agreed that the best way to advance global security from nuclear weapons is to bring more countries on board the treaty, now including 94 signatories and 73 states parties.

In this 80th anniversary year since the invention of nuclear weapons, the first nuclear test in New Mexico, and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that killed hundreds of thousands of people, including more than 38,000 children, states are highlighting the urgency of ending this threat once and for all. They are also, for the first time, recognising the particular vulnerability of infants and children to the effects of nuclear weapons. 

In the context of the escalatory rhetoric among pro-nuclear weapons states, the importance of this meeting – and of the TPNW – should not be understated. The TPNW states parties are showing their leadership to put an end to the threats nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence pose to their - and everyone else’s -  security.  With this declaration, states are reminding the world that there is a viable and robust alternative: the total elimination of nuclear weapons through the TPNW. 

After seven full days of powerful events, meetings and statements both inside and outside the UN,  Nuclear Ban Week is drawing to a close. In this time, it has been an honour and a joy to work alongside over 1000 civil society colleagues, including many from affected communities, scientists and diplomats to keep the ambition and urgency high. It has been so inspiring to see the dedication and collaboration, and the many new faces as our movement continues to grow. 

The next step for the TPNW will be the review conference, in November 2026, presided over by South Africa. But until then, there is so much to do!

I hope ICAN campaigners and all of our friends and allies with whom we have worked shoulder to shoulder this week, return home energised to keep organising, educating, and campaigning locally and globally until we achieve that goal for which we are all here: the total elimination of nuclear weapons!

I hope you will continue to stand with us until we do. 

In solidarity,

Daniel Högsta
Deputy Director
ICAN

Photo: Walking Exhibition of  Artists Against the Bomb in New York's iconic Central Park, kicking off Nuclear Ban Week, ahead of the start of the TPNW Third Meeting of States Parties. Credit: ICAN | Darren Ornitz