First ever International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness on March 5, 2023

By Department of Home Affairs

Saint Lucia joins   the rest of the   global community in recognizing the   firstever commemoration of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness (IDDNPA). The new International Day  seeks to promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues, especially for young people. Disarmament and non-proliferation have been central to the United Nations’ efforts to maintain international peace and security since its founding.

Through resolution, 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, through educational and public awareness-raising activities.

The Office for Disarmament Affairs has launched a social media campaign from March, 1 to 5 inviting Member States, civil society, youth, and other stakeholders to raise awareness on this important day. The public is invited to visit the website and to   take part in this initiative by sharing on their social media accounts a picture of themselves and/or a group, holding the designated visual. There are also created two texts options that could accompany one’s pictures on Twitter and/or Instagram.

Observed annually on March 5 henceforth, the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is meant to   play a significant 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.