Protecting our World for Future Generations: An Interfaith Call to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

This webinar is held in advance of the 2024 Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (22 July to 2 August), and the commemorations on 6 and 9 August of the United States detonation of atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that killed over 226,000 people, mostly civilians. Anticipating Nuclear Prayer Day , diverse international faith leaders will call for prayer and action to abolish nuclear weapons and cataclysmic threat they pose for current and future generations.

Anticipating Nuclear Prayer Day , diverse international faith leaders will call for prayer and action to abolish nuclear weapons and cataclysmic threat they pose for current and future generations.

Webinar: July 18, 2024 03:00 AM in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Register for this webinar

Overview

The Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will hold its second session from 22 July to 2 August 2024 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This will be the second of three planned sessions that will be held prior to the 2026 Review Conference.

The Preparatory Committee, open to all States parties to the Treaty, is responsible for addressing substantive and procedural issues related to the Treaty and the forthcoming Review Conference. The Chair of the second session is Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin of Kazakhstan.

Background

The NPT entered into force in 1970 and was extended indefinitely in 1995. The Treaty is regarded as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. It was designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to further the goals of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament, and to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Under the Treaty, the nuclear-weapon States are obliged not to transfer possession or control to any recipient nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, and not in any way to assist, encourage or induce non-nuclear-weapon States to manufacture, acquire or control over such weapons or devices. The non-nuclear-weapon States are obliged not to receive any transfer of or control over nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices, and not to manufacture or otherwise acquire such weapons or devices as well as not to seek or receive any assistance in this regard. The non-nuclear-weapon States further undertake to accept safeguards administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency on all source or special fissionable materials in all peaceful nuclear activities within their territory or under their jurisdiction or control, with a view to preventing diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.

The Treaty guarantees the right of all States parties develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in conformity with their basic non-proliferation obligations. Article VI of the NPT includes the only legally binding treaty-based obligation requiring States to pursue in good faith effective measures related to nuclear disarmament.

Nuclear Prayer Day

The magnitude of death and destruction of the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 made clear that nuclear weapons must never be used again.

​Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons (a part of the United Religions Initiative) invites all individuals of good will and all organizations of concern to draw strength from each one’s deepest convictions and longings for a better future on Nuclear Prayer Day, August 6. A world united in moments of silence, in words spoken from the heart, and in a sure vision of a world beyond nuclear weapons – such moments will anchor and sustain our commitment as we work together to bring an end to the nuclear threat.

• Help promote Nuclear Prayer Day to your networks and encourage them to pray (or offer mindful presence, bold intention) on August 6.
• Organize your own Nuclear Prayer Day event on or around August 6. Invite people from your own practice or tradition and consider inviting a broader, multi-faith presence and participation.
• Participate in Voices’ live program for Nuclear Prayer Day on August 6 (more information coming soon). This event will be streamed globally featuring ambassadors for peace calling through prayer and short presentations for our voices to be raised with renewed vigor and persistence for a nuclear weapons-free world.

Download the PDF Flyer for this Webinar