This course addresses the humanitarian impacts of various categories of weapons, with a special focus on nuclear weapons. It discusses the immediate and longer-term devastating effects of the use and testing of nuclear weapons on people, the environment and sustainable development. The course also highlights the importance of humanitarian approaches in advancing multilateral negotiation processes in international security, including the adoption and entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Young campaigners have worked at the forefront of successful international campaigns to ban landmines, cluster munitions and nuclear weapons. This course outlines the approach of the United Nations to youth engagement, and provides an insight into UNODA’s efforts to empower young people, with an overview on key organizations. It also examines the role of youth in disarmament and non-proliferation processes.

The virtual launch event addressed the role of disarmament education in advancing disarmament efforts and in contributing to other UN global agendas, as well as the centrality of partnerships in achieving such goals. It featured opening remarks by the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and a panel discussion with distinguished experts and representatives of key stakeholder groups, including government, the media, academia and former participants of UNODA’s flagship educational and youth initiatives.