Dear Friend,

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it's ever been to the moment signalling the end of humanity as we know it. This is a reflection of their concern for the increased risks to our planet from nuclear weapons, climate change and artificial intelligence. But the path to the end of the world is not set in stone, and ICAN is actively working with governments, international organisations and individuals around the world to change course.

For example, today, in Accra we partnered with the governments of Ghana and Austria to bring over a dozen countries together from West and Central Africa. The meeting was an opportunity to bring countries that are already part of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, together with regional colleagues to raise awareness about the humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and about the TPNW itself, its importance for African States, and its place in the global and regional peace and security architecture in the current global and regional geo-strategic context.

Despite the deteriorating security situation around the world, the TPNW is the bright spot for peace and disarmament. More than half of all states have already signed, ratified or acceded to the treaty and more have indicated they will join soon.

While the Doomsday Clock is a stark warning, it is not a prediction for the way things will go. There is still a window of opportunity to change course, and we will continue working alongside governments, organisations and individuals to do so.

Thank you for your support as we chart a better course forward.

Melissa Parke,
ICAN Executive Director