#StepUp4Disarmament Youth Campaign
The nearly 2,000 nuclear tests that have taken place since 1945 have had devastating consequences for the survivors and communities affected by those tests. They continue to endure the biological, ecological and cultural consequences that are the legacy of nuclear testing.
On 2 December 2009, the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared 29 August to be the International Day against Nuclear Tests through the unanimous adoption of resolution 64/35. The resolution 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 an ongoing 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.
What:
The #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Campaign aims to raise awareness about 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.
The third annual #StepUp4Disarmament campaign will invite young people to utilise their sporting passion, interest, and ability to raise awareness of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.
As such, the campaign calls for all people – especially youth – around the world to participate by completing a distance of 8.29 km.
To ensure as many people as possible can take part in the activity, the #StepUp4Disarmament Campaign will provide two options for young people, and others, to participate:
- Completing a distance of 8.29 km
- Tracking 10.9k Steps; an approximate equivalent to 8.29 km.
Participants will be invited to register for the campaign via a webform on the youth4disarmament.org website, which will enable UNODA to collect information on number of registrations, disaggregated by age, gender and nationality.
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 sports to promote fairness, teambuilding, equality and inclusion.
Physical activities, like 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 culminate on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29 August 2023 (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.
Participants who would like to receive a system-generated certificate recognising their completion of the #StepUp4Disarmament Campaign and/ or be featured on the #Youth4Disarmament Instagram should send a record of their physical activity to [email protected]. Individuals will receive a certificate by using the hashtag #StepUp4Disarmament and sharing materials to the email noted above.