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A child and a man holding phones near sculpture of a knotted gun
Olumuyiwa Ogunbamow and his son Adefie (5), visiting from Nigeria, take photos in front of the “Non-Violence” (or “Knotted Gun”) sculpture.
Photo:UN Photo/Kim Haughton

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.

Since the founding of the United Nations, the goals of multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central to the Organization’s efforts to maintain international peace and security.

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. The excessive accumulation in conventional weapons and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons jeopardizes international peace and security and sustainable development, while the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is seriously endangering 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.

Observed on 5 March, the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness plays a role in deepening the global public’s understanding about how disarmament efforts contribute to enhancing peace and security, preventing and ending armed conflicts, and curbing human suffering caused by weapons.

Through , 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.

ODA Card

Rebalancing world military spending for a sustainable and peaceful future

Global military spending is soaring, fueling a new arms race, and placing immense pressure on national budgets and priorities. In 2024, the world spent a staggering $2.7 trillion on its militaries — the steepest increase since the Cold War and the tenth consecutive year of growth. Learn more about the impact of rising global military spending and the need for a human-centered and multidimensional approach to security, one that prioritizes diplomacy, cooperation, sustainable development, and disarmament over military build ups.

On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, I urge leaders to step back from the brink. Stop rattling the nuclear saber. Halt the arms races.

António Guterres
The bronze statue "Let Us Beat Swords into Ploughshares"

The Office for Disarmament Affairs supports multilateral efforts aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. The Office also works to address the humanitarian impact of major conventional weapons and emerging weapon technologies, such as autonomous weapons, as these issues have received increased attention from the international community.

 

Orizuru, an origami paper crane

As the Secretary-General stressed in his disarmament agenda “Securing our Common Future” launched on 24 May 2018, disarmament and non-proliferation must be at the centre of the work of the United Nations and an integral part of our common efforts for peace and security. Outlining a set of practical measures across the entire range of disarmament issues, including weapons of mass destruction, conventional arms and future weapon technologies, the agenda focuses on disarmament as a critical tool to maintain international peace and security, uphold the principles of humanity, protect civilians, promote sustainable development, and prevent and end armed conflict.

 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.