Dear Friend,

Over the last few days, a lot has been said about the end of the old world order. With the visible challenges to international cooperation, some might suggest that rules, norms and international law are giving way to power politics. But there is more to the story.

Over these same days, ICAN partners and allies have celebrated the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as a hopeful light in what seems like an otherwise dark time for the world.

ICAN brought together leading governments to discuss plans and preparations towards the first TPNW Review Conference.

We’ve heard about activities across at least three continents marking this important milestone in the history of abolishing nuclear weapons. From governmental meetings, to public roundtables, demonstrations and discussions, people gathered to build momentum against nuclear threats.

Many of our partners also took this opportunity to publish opinion pieces - including in Norway, Belgium, Italy, France and Germany. In the Netherlands and the US, campaigners briefed parliamentarians on the increasing risks of nuclear weapons, and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as a way to reduce those risks, while the Australian Red Cross seized the chance to “reiterates its call for all remaining States, including Australia, to sign and ratify the TPNW and join the global movement to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons once and for all.”

The Mayor of Hannover, Belit Onay, called on more states to join the TPNW which he called an important milestone in international efforts towards nuclear disarmament. Hannover joined the ICAN Cities appeal in 2019.

We want to thank everyone for their ongoing support in building the case for the end of nuclear weapons, and coming together to mark this important occasion.

Florian Eblenkamp