Unfold Zero: Call to UN Members: Prevent nuclear war and achieve nuclear disarmament
Posted: 20th October 2026
Video messages for Nuclear Abolition Day from:
UN High Rep Izumi Nakamitsu
UN Peace Messenger Michael Douglas
Nobel Peace Laureate Oscar Arias
On Thursday October 15, Dr. Deepshikha Kumari Vijh, UN Representative for the International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms, presented the Nuclear Abolition Day Appeal to UN Member States participating in the UN First Committee (Disarmament and International Security).
The Appeal has been endorsed by more than 800 organizations and an additional 1400 individuals including Nobel Laureates, parliamentarians, local body representatives; former high-level political and military officials; academics and educators; scientists; medical professionals; leaders from faith-based, business, and youth communities; artists; and others.
The Appeal calls on governments to affirm that the threat or use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible, and announce concrete plans to:
- Reduce nuclear risks and prevent nuclear war;
- Commit to achieving the global elimination of nuclear weapons within a reasonable timeframe (no later than the 100th anniversary of the UN), and commence negotiations to achieve this objective;
- Redirect the billions spent on nuclear weapons to urgent global needs—peace, protection, and sustainable development—as envisioned in Article 26 of the UN Charter,
“In 1996 the World Court unanimously concluded that there exists an obligation to pursue in good faith—and bring to a conclusion—negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control… Excellencies, we humbly submit, our destination is a world without nuclear weapons. And we urge, that it does not remain a destination only in words. Every decision taken here, in this Committee, can bring us closer to it.”
Dr Deepshikha Kumari Vijh presenting the Nuclear Abolition Day Appeal to the UN First Committee on October 15, 2026. See full statement.
Nuclear Abolition Day event: High-level video statements
On September 25-26, 2026, NuclearAbolitionDay.org organised Towards a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World, a global, online, intergenerational event commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
The event included:
Short presentations by experts from the United Nations and around the world;
Special screenings of the documentary An Ordinary Insanity followed by discussion with the director and producer;
Discussion of the principal calls made in the Joint Appeal for Nuclear Abolition Day;
Short cultural performances for peace and nuclear abolition.
The event was held in four sessions spread across the world’s time zones. You can watch the video statements for the event and the full session recordings at the Nuclear Abolition Day 2026 YouTube playlist. Video statements include:
H.E. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs;
Michael Douglas, Academy Award Winning Actor and UN Messenger of Peace;
Hon. Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica 1986 to 1990 and 2006 to 2010, Nobel Peace Laureate1987;
Achin Vanaik, Founding member, Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace, India;
Bill Kidd, Former Member of the Scottish Parliament. Co-President, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament.
We also recommend reading the written version of the presentation by Hon Gareth Evans, former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Co-Chair of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament and Founder of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network.
For more information see the press release UN Day for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons – September 26: An Appeal to Get the Job Done, or visit the event webpage or flyer.
The importance of Nuclear Abolition Day
“We are living through a time of intense uncertainty and growing danger. Distrust amongst nations is deepening. nuclear risks are rising. Yet, this international day reminds of a simple truth. We will not have true security while nuclear weapons cast a shadow over humanity.”
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. Statement for Towards a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World, the global civil society event organized for Nuclear Abolition Day. See her full video statement.
UNFOLD ZERO