The Syrian Future Movement joins the international community in celebrating this day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/77/51 of December 2022, and observed annually on March 5th.
This day focuses on raising public awareness—particularly among youth—of the importance of disarmament, preventing the proliferation of weapons (especially weapons of mass destruction), and reducing the resulting human suffering. It also calls for educational and awareness-raising activities to be organized by states, organizations, and civil society.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that disarmament and non-proliferation are not merely legal obligations, but are fundamental to strengthening international peace and security, preventing conflicts, protecting civilians, and supporting sustainable development amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Syrian Future Movement presents some alarming facts drawn from recent, reliable reports (SIPRI 2025, FAS, and UN reports):
- The total global nuclear arsenal is estimated at approximately 12,241 warheads as of January 2025, of which about 9,614 are in operational arsenals, according to the SIPRI Yearbook 2025.
- The risk of nuclear weapons use remains high, with nuclear modernization programs continuing in several countries and the New START Treaty expiring in February 2026 without a potential replacement agreement.
- Global military spending reached $2.718 trillion in 2024 (according to SIPRI), marking an unprecedented 9.4% increase over the previous year, depriving societies of resources for development, healthcare, and education.
- Small arms and light weapons kill more than 700 people every day, or approximately one person every two minutes, according to the Small Arms Survey.
The Syrian Future Movement, recognizing the prolonged suffering of the Syrian people from armed conflict, foreign interventions, and the illicit proliferation of weapons,
sees this day as an opportunity to emphasize that lasting peace requires halting the arms race, strengthening political dialogue, and ensuring that weapons are solely in the hands of the state.
The Syrian Future Movement calls upon the international community and Syrian forces to:
- Strengthen their commitment to key international treaties, foremost among them the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and work diligently towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
- Combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, and support weapons collection and destruction programs in conflict zones, including Syria.
- Promote education and awareness on disarmament issues, with a particular focus on Syrian youth as a driving force in building a culture of peace and participating in local and international awareness-raising activities.
- Prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts, rather than resorting to violence, while leveraging this year’s UN events (such as discussions on the Secretary-General’s report on military expenditure, the launch of UNODA Papers, and interactive exhibitions in Vienna and New York).
- Supporting the role of Syrian youth in awareness campaigns through workshops, media campaigns, and participation in UN platforms to amplify their voices on global peace issues.
The Syrian Future Movement reaffirms its commitment to the values of peace, justice, and peaceful coexistence, and calls on all Syrian, regional, and international parties to work together to end the suffering of the Syrian people and build a safe and stable state free from illegal weapons and foreign interference.
