Earlier this month, over 50 IPPNW leaders from around the world gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). It was an inspiring and dynamic week filled with important discussions, powerful advocacy, and collaboration. Here are some of the key highlights:

ICAN kicked off the week with a day-long Campaigners Forum at the historic Riverside Church with over 200 people in attendance. I was honored to join a panel alongside South African Ambassador Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Dr. Rhys Crilley of the University of Glasgow, Luxembourg Parliament Member Sven Clement, and Edwick Madzimure of WILPF. Together, we discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead, and explored the crucial need to center the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons (HINW) in every disarmament conversation.

The following day, IPPNW students hosted an interactive Medical Student Forum to orient our young members to the week ahead. IPPNW Student Board Members Stella Ziegler (Germany) and Walusungu Mtonga (Zambia) facilitated the session with over 20 students from five different countries, many of whom were new to our organization. These students left with an understanding of the HINW and TPNW, and set concrete actions they can take at their universities, on the national stage, and internationally to help eliminate nuclear weapons before they eliminate us.

On Tuesday, IPPNW helped lead the largest youth event of the week: the YouthMSP hosted by Youth for TPNW. It was an energizing gathering, with participants eager to discuss how they can secure their future and contribute to disarmament efforts beyond the Meetings of States Parties.

We did not slow down mid-week. On Wednesday, Stella and Walusungu delivered our federation's statement during the general debate. Introducing themselves as "members of the generation that is rising up to reject the deadly inheritance of nuclear weapons," the duo urge all UN member states to "create a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons – a world where our patients, where humanity, no longer lives under the constant threat that the nuclear powers can extinguish most life on Earth within a matter of minutes".

Hours after the statement was delivered, we hosted IPPNW's official side event, "The Role of Evidence-Based Policy-Making in Advancing a Nuclear Weapons Free World", moderated by Maja Fjellvaer Thompson of IPPNW Norway and featuring Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross of Parliamentarians for the TPNW (Ma’ohi Nui), Fatima Khan of the World Health Organization, and Dr. Jans Fromow of the TPNW's Scientific Advisory Group and IPPNW. The lively discussion showed the importance of using both scientific evidence and lived experience to push for sound policy changes. Notably, this event marked the first time the World Health Organization (WHO) participated in a TPNW meeting, underscoring the growing recognition of the role the health community plays in adverting nuclear war.

Beyond the events listed above, throughout the week, IPPNW delegates stayed active by engaging with diplomats, attending and speaking at side events, and connecting with civil society partners to keep momentum going beyond the walls of the UN. Our conversations were not just about the present, but about the work ahead.

The urgency to take action has never been clearer. But, despite the numerous challenges, our vision is stronger than ever.

None of this work would be possible without your support. Every step we take towards a nuclear weapons-free world is thanks to your dedication and commitment.

Thank you for standing with us, for being part of this movement, and for helping to create a safer, more peaceful world for all.

In Partnership,

Molly McGinty
IPPNW Program Director

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