An update from Nuclear Ban Week in New York

‌ “In challenging times like these, we might be inclined to lower our expectations, to temper our demands. But the higher the stakes, the more ambitious we must be.”

Today, the third Meeting of States Parties to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons begins at the UN Headquarters in New York. This morning, I addressed the gathered states during the opening session, alongside powerful voices like those of Nihon Hidankyo and the International Committee of the Red Cross. I reminded the delegates of the urgency of this moment and the leadership required from them this week to bring us closer to the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons once and for all.

You can read more about the status of the TPNW as this meeting begins, and ICAN’s expectations for this crucial week here.

As over 350 ICAN friends from around the world met at our incredible Campaigner Forum yesterday, I was reminded once again of the power that lies in our community, and in the collaborations that arise when we have these moments together. But we know not everyone can make the trip, and that engagement does not have to be limited to in-person interaction.

If you are not in New York but would like to keep up to date, you can watch the remarks – and the full meeting – live on UN WebTV here. If you would like something more condensed, you can also catch up with MSP – TV (ICAN’s recap streams) at noon ET today, Wednesday and Friday, live or at your convenience. Today, we will hear from H.E. Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin, president of this MSP. So please tune in, and share this link with your network:

If you would like to help spread the word this week, we have social media toolkit that makes it simple for you to engage from home, and I would highly encourage you to follow ICAN and the conversation on #TPNW3MSP across social media. You are part of this moment.

80 years after the first ever nuclear weapons test in Trinity, and the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it is time to end this existential threat. The week ahead will be very busy for states and ICAN campaigners alike, because the task we are collectively taking on demands nothing less. Together, we are putting the plan to finally eliminate nuclear weapons into action.

Thank you for standing with us,

Sincerely,

Melissa Parke

Executive Director
ICAN