**Remembering the Past While Addressing the Future**
On **26 September**, the **International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons** calls attention to the persistent threat posed by the nuclear arms race. This day is not just a symbolic acknowledgment but a critical opportunity for the global community to recommit to the goal of nuclear disarmament—the very backbone of international peace and security.
Despite numerous pledges made throughout decades, a troubling reality persists: these commitments remain largely unfulfilled. The UN’s **Chef de Cabinet**, **Courtenay Rattray**, articulates the urgency of the situation, stating, “**Nuclear weapons continue to menace our world**.” Rattray, speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General **António Guterres**, adds that the threat posed by nuclear arms is not only accelerating but evolving, defying earlier assurances of safety.
Rattray poignantly invokes the memories of the **hibakusha**—the survivors of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Eight decades later, their suffering has transformed into a profound call for peace, reminding the world of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare. This reflection on history compels a renewed commitment to prevent a repetition of such devastation.
**‘Sleepwalking’ Into a Nuclear Arms Race**
One of the grave concerns expressed is the notion of the world “**sleepwalking**” into a new era of more complex and unpredictable nuclear proliferation. Rattray warns that innovations in technology and the emergence of new conflict domains—cyberspace and outer space, for instance—have drastically increased the margin for error. Advanced military technologies, like hypersonic missiles and autonomous deep-sea drones, only add layers of risk to global stability.
He emphasizes, “**This is not just a crisis of weapons. It is a crisis of memory, responsibility, and courage**.” This reflection implores nations to recognize the immense stakes involved—not only in terms of military power but also regarding ethical obligations towards humanity.
**Launching a New Independent Panel**
In a proactive measure, Rattray announced the formation of an **independent scientific panel** by the UN. This panel aims to evaluate the effects of nuclear war and ensure that collective responses to nuclear risks are grounded in sound scientific evidence. The objective is to fortify efforts towards disarmament, particularly in light of existing agreements like the **Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)**.
He stressed that there are no “right” conditions for disarmament—waiting for ideal circumstances will result in missed opportunities. “**Disarmament is not the reward for peace – it is the foundation of peace,**” Rattray affirmed, emphasizing the necessity for proactive steps towards disarming the globe.
**A Call for Commitment from Nuclear States**
Rattray’s plea is unequivocal: **nuclear states must recommit to dialogue**, rebuild trust, and ensure that the management of nuclear warfare remains in human hands, rather than ceding control to artificial intelligence. He expressed a pressing concern that all state parties must honor their commitments under the NPT to maintain a semblance of global stability.
Additionally, he urged for the ratification of the **Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty**, compelling nations, especially the US and Russia, to negotiate and progressively reduce their nuclear arsenals. These measures, while pivotal, are just a starting point. As Rattray cautions, “**Without them, we surrender our future to fear – and silence the promise of peace.**”
**Exploring the Positive Potential of Nuclear Technology**
General Assembly President **Annalena Baerbock** echoed these sentiments, cautiously outlining the intricate dangers that nuclear weapons present. From the threat of them falling into the hands of terrorists to the unpredictable rise of artificial intelligence in military operations, the stakes have never been higher. However, she emphasizes that treaties—while essential—become meaningless if not actively adhered to by nation-states.
Baerbock advocates for a “**no first use**” policy and stresses the importance of reallocating resources from the arms race toward crucial issues like climate action. Moreover, she encourages the international community to focus on how nuclear technology can be harnessed for constructive purposes—like **cancer treatment** and **environmental monitoring**—shifting the narrative from one rooted in fear to one grounded in humanity’s potential for good.
**Listen back to a survival story in this The Lid is On podcast:**
This structured approach clearly delineates the complexities and challenges surrounding nuclear disarmament while urging a collective, decisive response from the global community.
