What is International Day against Nuclear Tests?
International Day against Nuclear Tests is commemorated annually on August 29th to promote awareness and education about the dangers of nuclear weapons testing and use. To be clear, this day is NOT against nuclear power, a vital energy source that can be considered “clean”, but rather the hazards of using nuclear weapons both as a threat or a weapon. Remarkably, for some people, this day is a recent addition to the multitude of United Nations International days, as it was established on December 2, 2009 by the UN General Assembly.
Why is it important to recognize this day?
As the abrupt end of World War II gets farther away in our rearview mirrors and the generation of students who participated in nuclear drills at schools gets older, it’s essential to not forget the horror nuclear weapons can impose on innocent lives. While the amount of nuclear testing has significantly decreased since the end of the Atomic Age, there are still countries – such as North Korea – conducting routine nuclear arms testing. Another notable example is Iran, whose nuclear program has been well known and was truly only pacified by sanctions. In fact, recent reports show that Iran has become more brazen and officials are saying, or at least implying, that they are willing to violate sanctions and continue work on nuclear weapons.
These developments necessitate critical concerns, especially in an increasingly de-globalizing world, since if governments deem the risk of violating sanctions or threats from Western powers regarding nuclear weapon testing pales in comparison to actually building the weapons, countries will start to use nuclear warheads in war. Furthermore, nuclear weapon technology that is proven successful may be given to militias who might use them inappropriately and inflict chaos on innocent lives.
How can awareness and education be spread in commemoration of this day?
Clearly, it is imperative that an understanding of the risks of letting countries conduct nuclear testing is grasped, even if they are under so-called controlled conditions, which can go out of control at some point since nothing is perfect or a hundred percent safe. But how can awareness be spread about the perils of nuclear weapon testing?
Firstly, by emphasizing the benefits and hazards of nuclear weapons in schools, children would be much more cognizant about the historical and present context of nuclear arms, even if modern newspaper headlines don’t print US-Russia nuclear tensions ad nauseam. Additionally, since the younger generation is more concerned about climate change, a concentration on the severe environmental degradation of nuclear weapon testing can further ingrain the urgency to stop it. These efforts require collective action, from around the globe, not just in a few Western countries. If people want a healthier future, a world that can survive for generations to come, communities from all over the world must come together to spread awareness and educate the population about the menace of nuclear arms.
UNESCO BMW’s Involvement
UNESCO Body and Mind Wellness Club is extensively dedicated to spreading peace around the world. While we do not have any programs dedicated to educating the wider populus about nuclear arms, through articles like these, we can spread awareness and educate from school-aged children to senior citizens; so make sure to spread about this and other articles! UNESCO BMW hosts meditation programs and many other events that enable people to take a break from the stresses of ordinary life, achieve inner peace, and spread it to others.
UNESCO BMW’s Vision
Our vision mission encompasses three main goals that are also in line with this occasion today and engage people of all ages, especially the youth-improvement of the inner ecosystem, enhancement of inner creativity through arts and crafts and, lastly, encouragement of inner peace on a global level.
Informational Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-nuclear-tests-day
https://www.history.com/news/duck-cover-drills-cold-war-arms-race
https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-iran-dubai-nuclear-d96093efcf1e6b8581138b9db48cbedc