By Noah Hudson, law student and activist from West Yorkshire
Earlier this month, New York was host to the 3rd Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), bringing together diplomats, activists, and experts to push forward the fight for nuclear disarmament. While I couldn’t be there in person, attending virtually as a youth delegate still offered an incredible opportunity to learn from the discussions, hear from inspiring speakers, and connect with others working toward a nuclear-free world. From lobbying strategies to the human impact of nuclear weapons, here are five key takeaways from my experience.
- The Significance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
I’ll admit I didn’t know much about the TPNW before signing up to be a youth delegate. It sounded like something worth learning more about and I was quickly taken by the ambition of the project. The TPNW is the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively ban nuclear weapons, prohibiting their development, testing, possession, and use. It entered into force in 2021, and following the 3rd Meeting of State Parties (MSP) this march, over 90 countries had signed it, with more than 70 fully ratifying the treaty. Perhaps unsurprisingly, no nuclear-armed states have signed the treaty to date but the early take up of the majority of the global south is providing momentum.
TPNW signature and ratification status is concentrated in the global south.
- There’s no link between defence spending and job creation
One meeting I attended comprehensively took apart the idea that increased defence spending is good for job creation. In reality, research shows that for every £1 spent on defence fewer jobs are created than the same amount invested in other industries. Clean energy and health care spending creates 50% more jobs than the equivalent amount of spending on the military. Education spending creates more than twice as many jobs. Shifting funding away from military expansion and towards socially beneficial sectors is not only a moral no-brainer, it will generate more employment opportunities.
- The treaty goes beyond nuclear disarmament
The TPNW isn’t just about eliminating nuclear weapons—it also addresses the lasting harm they have caused. Articles 6 and 7 of the treaty focus on victim assistance and environmental remediation, ensuring that communities affected by nuclear weapons use and testing receive support. These provisions acknowledge the devastating humanitarian and ecological consequences of nuclear weapons, from the long-term health effects suffered by survivors to the environmental destruction caused by nuclear testing. The treaty also emphasizes international cooperation, urging states to work together to provide resources and expertise to affected regions. This broader scope makes the TPNW not just a disarmament treaty, but a commitment to justice and healing for those impacted by nuclear weapons.
- Political lobbying starts at home
One of the most valuable insights I gained was that lobbying isn’t just about pressuring politicians—it’s about mobilizing the people around you. At the event Strategies for Promoting the TPNW in the US Congress, speakers emphasized that getting 25 people to send letters to a politician about a single issue is far more effective than one person sending 25 different letters. Engaging friends, family, and local communities in advocacy efforts creates a ripple effect, making our collective voice harder to ignore.
- We’re part of a global movement
The most motivating thing about attending the 3rd MSP was seeing how vast and interconnected the movement for nuclear disarmament really is. It’s easy to feel isolated when attending small-scale demonstrations or lobbying MPs who seem unwilling to listen. But being part of this conference showed me that we are not alone—there is a huge, dedicated network of activists, diplomats, survivors, and campaigners around the world, all pushing for the same goal. From youth delegates in Japan to grassroots organizers in Latin America, the commitment to a nuclear-free future reaches across the globe. Knowing this gives me renewed motivation to continue our work at home, knowing that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a much larger movement.
Photo credit: ICAN
