Disarmament in Review
On 5 March, in recognition of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations and Cornell University’s Preppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, hosted a commemorative event titled “The History, Success, and Challenges of Nuclear Disarmament Education.”
The Kyrgyz Republic reaffirmed its dedication to raising awareness about the devastating impact of weapons of mass destruction. With a focus on digital skills, the country promotes disarmament education through annual seminars and guest lectures. Ambassador Maritza Chan of Costa Rica emphasized that nuclear disarmament is not just an aspiration but a reality in progress. She highlighted the significance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), signed in 1977, demonstrating global commitment. She also stressed the necessity of youth engagement and collective efforts from governments, scientists, educators, and civil society to sustain disarmament education. Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu underscored the urgency of disarmament education amid rising global military tensions. She called for expanding access to education through digital tools and diverse stakeholder engagement. UNODA’s ongoing initiatives, such as the #Youth4Disarmament program and new e-learning platforms, aim to amplify access to disarmament education.
Moderated by Dr. Vincent Intondi, Affiliate Scholar at the Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, Cornell University, the panel discussion featured experts exploring challenges and opportunities in disarmament education. Masako Toki, Senior Project Manager and Research Associate, Middlebury Institute of International Studies, shared insights on engaging high school students and the interdisciplinary nature of disarmament studies, by working together and sharing resources. Historian and author Eric Singer highlighted the importance of storytelling in history education, using narratives like Oppenheimer’s to capture students’ interest, while Melvin Hardy, Member of the Political Leadership Academy, George Mason University, stressed the role of creativity in policymaking, advocating for art and creative disciplines to be integrated into disarmament education. Emma Pike, Programme Manager at Lex International, explored social media’s role in spreading disarmament awareness, reflected on the importance of offline activism, while also emphasizing the necessity in reaching broader audiences online.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of local engagement. Speakers shared examples of youth-driven initiatives, such as storytelling projects on Hiroshima’s history that fostered emotional connections and activism amongst youth in Japan. The advocates emphasized making disarmament education relevant to everyday humanitarian concerns. Participants underscored the need to adapt language and messaging to make disarmament concepts accessible and actionable. The conversation was followed by a Q&A session that allowed audiences and participants to reflect further on their experiences on developing disarmament education.
UNODA remains committed to expanding disarmament education through innovative strategies and partnerships. The event reinforced that education is central to advancing a peaceful, nuclear-free future, requiring sustained effort from educators, policymakers, and civil society. For further updates and resources on disarmament education, visit UNODA’s dedicated online platforms.
