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On March 3rd, 2025, parliamentarians from around the world gathered in New York alongside states parties, civil society representatives, and experts for a dedicated conference at the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). This meeting reaffirmed the crucial role of legislators in advancing the treaty’s objectives and strengthening international efforts toward nuclear disarmament.
The Parliamentarian Conference at 3MSP brought together representatives from across the political spectrum, including parliamentarians from Japan, Norway, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, France, French Polynesia, Canada, Scotland, and Austria. The conference was co-convened by the Simons Foundation Canada, and heard from 2024 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nihon Hidankyo.
A Clear Commitment to the TPNW
In a powerful joint statement presented to the 3MSP, the participating parliamentarians underscored their shared conviction that nuclear weapons have no place in our collective future. They recognized the TPNW as more than a legal instrument—it is a call to action and a roadmap toward eliminating the greatest existential threat to humanity.
The parliamentarians extended their congratulations to Nihon Hidankyo, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and to all survivors of nuclear weapon use. Their resilience and advocacy continue to serve as a moral compass for the global movement to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Challenging Nuclear Deterrence and Outlining Parliamentary Action
The Parliamentarians rejected the notion of nuclear deterrence as a viable security strategy, calling it a reckless gamble with humanity’s survival. The parliamentarians emphasized that nuclear weapons fuel proliferation, heighten geopolitical tensions, and increase the risk of miscalculation or accident.
With nuclear threats on the rise—from Russia’s rhetoric during its ongoing invasion of Ukraine to recent statements from Israeli officials suggesting nuclear use, alongside growing nuclear-sharing arrangements and modernization efforts by nuclear-armed states—the parliamentarians underscored the urgency of universalizing the TPNW.
The signatories committed to concrete parliamentary actions, including:
- Advocating for the ratification and implementation of the TPNW within their respective legislatures.
- Introducing resolutions and motions in support of the treaty.
- Engaging in diplomatic efforts to expand treaty membership.
- Ensuring budgetary oversight to shift funding away from nuclear weapons and toward humanitarian initiatives, sustainable security policies, and verification technologies.
Strengthening Political Momentum for the TPNW
80 years after the first nuclear bombings and testing, parliamentarians called on their global colleagues to sign the ICAN Parliamentary Pledge and actively work toward nuclear abolition. Their commitment, alongside the work of civil society and governments, is crucial in turning the TPNW from a growing international norm into a universal standard.
With mounting global tensions and the continued modernization of nuclear arsenals, the role of parliamentarians in challenging outdated nuclear policies and advocating for a safer future is more critical than ever. The discussions at 3MSP reinforced that a world without nuclear weapons is not only possible but necessary—and parliamentarians have a key role in making it a reality.