International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2023

International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness: The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, observed on March 5, contributes to deepening the global public’s understanding of how disarmament efforts contribute to enhancing peace and security, preventing and ending armed conflicts, and alleviating human suffering caused by weapons. The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness seeks to promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public, especially young people.

Weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, continue to be of primary concern, owing to their destructive power and the threat that they pose to humanity. Excessive stockpiling of conventional weapons, as well as the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, endangers international peace and security and long-term development, while the use of explosive weapons in populated areas endangers civilians. New and emerging weapon technologies, such as autonomous weapons, pose a challenge to global security and have received increased attention from the international community in recent years.

Through resolution A/RES/77/51, the General Assembly invites all Member States, the organizations of the United Nations system, civil society, academia, the media and individuals to commemorate the International Day, including through all means of educational and public awareness-raising activities.