Reversing the Doomsday Clock: Nuclear Disarmament and the Need for SSOD-IV

Event Details
Date & Time: Saturday, 21 September, 17:30 – 20:00 EDT (a light dinner will be provided during the event)
Event Type: Hybrid, open discussion following introductory remarks
Location: Church of the Covenant, 310 East 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10017 & Zoom

Zoom Registration: https://bit.ly/SSOD-IV_Zoom
In Person Registration: https://bit.ly/SSOD-IV-Inperson by 18 September

Co sponsored by: Kiribati, International Peace Bureau (IPB), SCRAP Weapons (SOAS University of London), Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF), Parliament of the World’s Religions, Justice for All, Agora Mexico, Reverse the Trend (RTT), Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS), and the Episcopal Church.

In the Secretary-General’s words, the Summit of the Future and its Pact for the Future present a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for member states and multistakeholders to convene and compel substantive action on a global front. Detailing ambitions and commitments set out by member states on topics such as disarmament, climate change, and multilateral governance among others, the Pact for the Future illustrates a hope for the world to switch trajectories from its present tumultuous state of affairs, and onto a more peaceful, developed, and just path.

The Pacts provision on disarmament, and its call to activate a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-IV) will be integral to securing this improved reality. It importantly dedicates two action clauses to matters of disarmament, developing on the illegality of nuclear weapons use and the need for better non-proliferation and disarmament frameworks. The Pact also explicitly mentions the SSOD-IV, as a means to accelerate disarmament efforts. Undoubtedly, to promote a shift away from a status quo which perilously teeters on the brink of omnicide, this side event will hone in on advancing the disarmament agenda, as provisioned by the Pact for the Future, specifically discussing what SSOD-IV can do to fashion a peaceful society, and how member states and the civil society can play a role in making this a reality.

At this event, we’ll have some excellent speakers who will introduce the key points of this important discussion, paving the way for a meaningful exchange. After their contributions, the floor will be open for everyone to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. We hope you’ll take part in this crucial conversation and show your support by signing the open letter calling for the preparation of the UN’s Fourth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-IV). Together, we can help shape a more peaceful and just world!