The United Nations (UN) International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is annually observed across the globe on 5 March to promote awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public, especially among the youth.
- 5 March 2024 marks the observance of the 2nd International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness.
Note:
- The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) emphasises education as a crucial component in global security.
- The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) supports multilateral efforts aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.
Background:
i.On 7 December 2022, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/77/51 and proclaimed the 5 March of every year as the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness.
ii.The 1st International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness was observed on 5 March 2023.
Multilateral Goals of the UN:
i.Since the inception of the UN, the goals of multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central to maintaining international peace and security.
ii.Ongoing Threats: Weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons, pose a continuing threat to humanity, due to their immense destructive power.
iii.New Challenges: Emerging weapon technologies, such as autonomous weapons, challenge global security.
Agenda for Disarmament:
i.In 2018, UN Secretary-General António Guterres introduced “Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament,” a pivotal roadmap for a safer world.
ii.The key pillars of the agenda are:
- Disarmament that saves humanity
- Disarmament that saves lives
- Disarmament for future generations
- Strengthening partnerships for disarmament
iii.The Agenda for Disarmament aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing 6 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through 9 specific actions.
2024 Events and Activities:
i.A Vienna Conversation Series event has been planned for March 2024, in cooperation with the Diplomatic Academy Vienna, Austrian Research Association, Kyrgyz Republic.
ii.The UNODA Office in Vienna (Austria) has been organising activities to mark International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness from 28th February to 8th March 2024.
iv.On 5 March 2024, the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) launched a social campaign to raise awareness of disarmament.
About United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA):
It was established in January 1998 as the Department for Disarmament Affairs.
It was originally established in 1982 upon the recommendation of the UNGA’s 2nd special session on disarmament (SSOD II).
Under-Secretary-General and High Representative– Izumi Nakamitsu
Headquarters– New York, The United States of America(USA).
