Any nation may join the TPNW at any time. Those that are currently reluctant to do so might reassess their positions as the treaty’s membership grows larger and the demands of their citizens grow louder.

This has been the case in the past for other treaties. France and China, for example, opposed the Non-Proliferation Treaty when it was negotiated but felt compelled to join it decades later.

The world is rapidly changing, and today’s leaders will not remain in power forever. Future governments might accept the merits of the treaty where current governments do not.

Nations that have joined the TPNW are required to encourage others to come on board, with the ultimate goal of “universal adherence”.

Joining the treaty sends a clear message that nuclear weapons are unacceptable and must be abolished. At a time of increasing nuclear dangers, it offers the best hope for eliminating the worst weapons.

“Let us seize now the unique opportunities brought to us by this treaty and bring the era of nuclear weapons to an end.”

– International Committee of the Red Cross, 2020