The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed annually on March 5th worldwide to raise public awareness and understanding of disarmament issues, especially among young people.
- The day also helps the global public understand how disarmament efforts promote peace, prevent conflicts, and reduce suffering caused by weapons.
- March 5, 2025, marks the 3rd observance of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the A/RES/77/51 resolution on December 7, 2022, and declared March 5 of every year as the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness.
ii.The 1st International Day of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness was observed on March 5, 2023.
ii.The day coincides with the date of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) entered into force on March 5, 1970.
- It helps prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology while promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
UN’s Multilateral Goals:
i.Multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central objectives of the UN in its efforts to preserve international peace and security.
ii.Weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, continue to be a significant concern because of their devastating power and the risks they pose to humanity.
iii.New and emerging weapon technologies, like autonomous weapons, present a growing challenge to global security.
Agenda for Disarmament:
i.In 2018, UN Secretary-General António Guterres unveiled “Securing Our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament,” a crucial roadmap aimed at building a safer world.
ii.The agenda outlines strategic measures aimed at advancing sustainable peace and security across the globe.
Key pillars of the agenda are:
- Disarmament that saves humanity,
- Disarmament that saves lives
- Disarmament for future generations
- Strengthening partnerships for disarmament
iii.It is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, targeting 6 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through 9 concrete actions.
2025 Events:
i.To celebrate this day, the Vienna Conversation Series event was planned in cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic, with a focus on youth engagement and empowerment.
ii.The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Vienna office organized a series of activities to commemorate the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness from March 5 to 6, 2025.
iii.During the event, the UNODA, with the generous support of the Government of Japan announced the launch of the second Call for Applications for the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF).
- Following the successful completion of Phase I, UNODA is seeking to select the next 100 young leaders from around the world to participate in an innovative online learning programme.
UN Disarmament Week:
The UN’s Disarmament Week is observed from October 24 to 30 every year to promote awareness of disarmament initiatives used throughout the world to establish international peace and security. It is organized by the UNODA.
Note: According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), the Global military spending surged to a record USD2.4 trillion in 2023, the ninth consecutive year of growth.
About United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA):
UNODA promotes nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation while also working to strengthen disarmament regimes related to other weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological weapons.
Under-Secretary-General (USG) and High Representative (HR) – Izumi Nakamitsu (Japan)
Headquarters – New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 1998
