International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2023; August 29th.

FORUM: "Let’s end nuclear testing forever." International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2023.

Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous weapons on earth. One can destroy a whole city, potentially killing millions, and jeopardizing the natural environment. Every effort needs to be made to ensure the entry into force of the CTBT and to preserve its place in the international architecture. In this regard, the Secretary-General appeals to all remaining States whose ratifications are required for the CTBT to enter into force to commit to sign the Treaty at an early date if they have not already done so, and to accelerate the completion of their ratification processes. It is the hope of the United Nations that one day all nuclear weapons will be eliminated. Until then, there is a need to observe International Day against Nuclear Tests as the world works towards promoting peace and security.

Follow the conversation with the hashtags:#EndNuclearTesting, #IDANT, #InternationalDayAgainstNuclearTests, #AgainstNuclearTests, #29August, #StepUp4Disarmament.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2023; August 29th.

Since 1945, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have inflicted terrifying suffering on people, poisoned the air we breathe, and ravaged landscapes around the world.

On the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, the world speaks with one voice to end this destructive legacy.

This year, we face an alarming rise in global mistrust and division. At a time in which nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons are stockpiled around the world — and countries are working to improve their accuracy, reach and destructive power — this is a recipe for annihilation.

A legally binding prohibition on nuclear tests is a fundamental step in our quest for a world free of nuclear weapons. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, though not yet in force, remains a powerful testament to humanity’s will to lift the shadow of nuclear annihilation from our world, once and for all.

In the name of all victims of nuclear testing, I call on all countries that have not yet ratified the Treaty to do so immediately, without conditions.

Let’s end nuclear testing forever.

Other statements

Statement from CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd's on the occasion of the 14th International Day Against Nuclear Tests (IDANT) 

"The world is cleaner and safer without nuclear weapons tests. At the CTBTO, we have amazing technology to detect any nuclear test anywhere on Earth. This has helped create a powerful norm against testing. Because today, if a nuclear weapon is tested, the world will know. And know fast."

EVENTS: Commemoration of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2023.

On August 29th, the United Nations Security Council, the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, the 1540 Committee (Committee to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and their means of delivery), the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Member States, the UNODA, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) will held a conference to observe the 14th International Day Against Nuclear Tests (IDANT).

ACTIVITIES: Go the distance on August 29th, to help #StepUp4Disarmament! Join young people around the world in a global campaign to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests, launched by
United Nations Office for Disarmament, the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, the CTBTO & YFusion2000. Register to participate!

Developments and Initiatives

However, nothing can play as crucial a role in avoiding a nuclear war or nuclear terrorist threat as the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Bringing an irreversible end to nuclear explosions will prevent the further development of nuclear weapons. Since the International Day against Nuclear Tests was first declared, there have been a number of significant developments, discussions and initiatives relevant to its goals and objectives as well as conferences convened to elaborate and advance these developments.

 24 July-11 August 2023 : The first session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Working Group on further strengthening the review process of the Treaty were held in Vienna.

CAMPAIGN: Towards a cleaner and safer world without nuclear weapons tests.

On the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29 August, we remember the victims of testing and raise awareness of their destructive effects.