#StepUp4Disarmament Youth Campaign

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site on August 29, 1991. On 2 December 2009, the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared 29 August the International Day against Nuclear Tests by unanimously adopting resolution 64/35. The resolution calls for increasing awareness and education “about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.”, as well as emphasizes that "every effort should be made to end nuclear tests in order to avert devastating and harmful effects on the lives and health of people." Until then, there is a need to raise awareness and observe the International Day against Nuclear Tests as we work towards Securing Our Common Future.

UNODA’s #Youth4Disarmament initiative has provided an array of opportunities to engage, educate and empower young people of all expertise, backgrounds and interests on issues related to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. Previous projects have invited youth to use their artistic talents to share their voice on what disarmament means to them and their communities, including the #75Words4Disarmament Youth Challenge and the ongoing “What If - Spesterra” Youth Video Challenge. Now, #Youth4Disarmament is calling on young people to #StepUp4Disarmament, through either completing a distance of 8.29 kilometres or tracking 10.9k steps, an approximate equivalent, to raise awareness of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, on 29 August 2021, and its cause to ban nuclear tests.

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What: 

The devastating consequences of nuclear testing have significantly disrupted the lives of survivors. Nearly 2,000 nuclear tests have taken place since testing began on 16 July 1945. Affected communities around the world continue to endure the biological, ecological and cultural consequences. The #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Campaign aims to raise awareness of the devastating health consequences of nuclear testing through the emphasis on physical activity, also promoting Sustainable Development Goal 3 on ensuring good health and well-being for all at all ages.

As a result, the #StepUp4Disarmament campaign will invite young people to utilise their sporting passion, interest and ability to raise awareness of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, facilitating the participation of youth in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control through an innovative approach.

To ensure as many people as possible can take part, the #StepUp4Disarmament Campaign will provide two options for young people, and others, to participate:

• Completing a distance of 8.29km
• Tracking 10.9k Steps; an approximate equivalent to 8.29km.

Why: 

Sport has the power to change the world, forming a shared interest and universal language that unites people from around the world. By crossing boundaries and inspiring hope across nations, sport acts as a powerful way to engage, educate and empower people through the pursuit of a collective goal. In this context, the #Youth4Disarmament initiative calls on young people, supported and joined by others, from around the world to #StepUp4Disarmament, using their talent and passion for sport to raise awareness of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29 August 2021 and its cause.

Who: 

Youth of all nationalities, aged between 18 to 29, are invited to take part in the #StepUp4Disarmament Campaign, and can be joined and supported by family, friends and others from all ages! The campaign invites intergenerational participation, inspired by the ability for sport to promote fairness, teambuilding, equality and inclusion. Physical activities, alike running and walking, offer something to everyone, including younger people, older people, all genders, persons with disabilities, beginners, and experienced sportspersons.

When: 

The #StepUp4Disarmament Campaign will be launched on 16 July on the day of the first nuclear weapons test and the campaign will take place on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29 August 2021 (8/29).

How: 

Participants may consider using a free app on their smart phones or watch devices to track their progress, as well as other activity trackers. Individuals will receive a certificate recognising their completion of the #StepUp4Disarmament Campaign and will be featured on the #Youth4Disarmament Instagram by using the hashtags: #StepUp4Disarmament, #StepUp2StopNuclearTests, #ISteppedUp.

Registration for the #StepUp4Disarmament Campaign is currently closed.