New York, On the occasion of the second International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, the UN Secretary-General highlighted the urgent need for global disarmament efforts amidst increasing military spending, geopolitical tensions, and violent conflicts worldwide. The Secretary-General’s message, delivered against the backdrop of some leaders using apocalyptic rhetoric about nuclear weapons and concerns over the proliferation of illicit arms and the military application of emerging technologies, underscores the critical importance of disarmament for both peace and survival.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the Secretary-General pointed out the alarming challenges facing global security, including the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the growing use of artificial intelligence in military operations. He emphasized that disarmament and non-proliferation are not only vital for a peaceful future but are essential to the existence of humanity itself.

The message urged global leaders to prioritize peace by reinforcing the mechanisms and treaties designed to prevent the spread and use of deadly weapons, notably the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Secretary-General advocated for the proposed New Agenda for Peace, which outlines new strategies and approaches to eliminate the threats posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as other emerging dangers such as autonomous weapons systems.

On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, the Secretary-General called for a unified voice from the global community to advocate for disarmament, stating, “It’s time to stop the madness. We need disarmament now.”