AS of today, approximately 12,100 nuclear weapons remain in existence worldwide. Countries possessing such weapons have well-funded, long-term plans to modernize their nuclear arsenals. However, these weapons pose threats not only to the countries that own them but also to surrounding nations. The most powerful nuclear weapons can endanger the entire world at any time.

While human innovation has led to the creation of newer and more powerful tools that benefit society, some innovations – such as nuclear weapons – pose significant dangers to global security. Although nuclear-armed countries showcase their capability, they are often concerned about passing these weapons on to future generations, fearing that they may fall into the hands of unscrupulous individuals.

Achieving global nuclear disarmament is a top priority for the United Nations. It was the subject of the UN General Assembly’s first resolution in 1946, which established the Atomic Energy Commission (dissolved in 1952) with a mandate to propose measures for controlling nuclear energy and eliminating atomic weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Since then, the UN has been at the forefront of major diplomatic efforts to advance nuclear disarmament. In 1959, the UN General Assembly endorsed the objective of general and complete disarmament. The first Special Session of the UN General Assembly Devoted to Disarmament in 1978 further emphasized that nuclear disarmament should be the top priority in the field of disarmament.

No one wishes to endure the consequences of another Cold War. People around the world are now acutely aware of the dangers and negative impacts of nuclear weapons, which has fuelled their eagerness to pursue disarmament by all means. Despite this, the doctrine of nuclear deterrence remains an integral part of the security policies of nuclear-armed states and many of their allies. Additionally, the international arms-control framework that helped prevent the use of nuclear weapons and promoted disarmament since the Cold War has come under increasing strain.

In accordance with UN General Assembly resolution 68/32 and subsequent resolutions, the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons aims to enhance public awareness and education about the threat posed by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their complete elimination. It is hoped that these efforts will help to mobilize new international initiatives towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world as well as an actually safety world so as to ease tension and worries of the people worldwide.