News story
Get ready to #StepUp4Disarmament to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests
Join the N.O.N.E. campaign – Not One Nuclear Explosion
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) #Youth4Disarmament initiative and collaborating partners, as part of the first activity of the N.O.N.E. campaign – Not One Nuclear Explosion, are calling on young people to #StepUp4Disarmament by either completing a distance of 8.29 kilometres or tracking 10.9k steps, an approximate equivalent, to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests, on 29 August 2024 and raise awareness on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear explosions.
The devastating consequences of nuclear explosions have significantly disrupted people’s lives and livelihoods around the world. Over 2,000 nuclear tests have taken place since testing began on 16 July 1945. The only wartime use of nuclear weapons was the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 and 9 August in 1945. History has shown us the terrifying and tragic effects of nuclear explosions, with affected communities continuing to endure the biological, ecological, and cultural consequences today.
Join a global movement of N.O.N.E and #StepUp4Disarmament towards the 29th of August!
As part of the N.O.N.E. campaign, the #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Challenge aims to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of the use, testing and development of nuclear weapons. Through the N.O.N.E. campaign, youth from affected communities will be empowered to share their experiences and to place their voices at the forefront of nuclear disarmament efforts.
Participants can complete the challenge either by downloading the Pacer App, or by using the webform below:
By registering for and completing the# StepUp4Disarmament Youth Challenge 2024 you will receive a certificate recognizing your achievement. Tag your posts with #StepUp4Disarmament to be featured on the #Youth4Disarmament Instagram.
Collaborating Partners
The #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Challenge is being conducted in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Steppe Organization for Peace (STOP) – Qazaq Youth Initiative for Nuclear Justice, the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI), and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
The N.O.N.E. campaign is also being conducted with support from advocacy partners, including The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Peace Boat US, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse the Trend.
Learn more about the #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Challenge
What:
The #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Challenge 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 fourth annual #StepUp4Disarmament Challenge invites young people to utilise their sporting passion, interest, and ability to raise awareness of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.
To ensure as many people as possible can take part in the activity, the #StepUp4Disarmament Challenge will provide two options for young people, and others, to participate:
-
Completing a distance of 8.29 km including by running, walking, biking, wheelchair, or an equivalent means.
-
Logging 10.9k steps on a tracking app or device; an approximate equivalent to 8.29 km.
Why:
Sports has the power to change the world, forming a shared interest and universal language that unites people from around the world. By crossing boundaries and inspiring hope across nations, sports acts as a powerful way to engage, educate and empower people through the pursuit of a collective goal. In this context, the #Youth4Disarmament initiative calls on young people, supported and joined by others, from around the world to #StepUp4Disarmament, using their talent and passion for sports to raise awareness of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29 August 2024 and its cause.
Who:
Youth of all nationalities are invited to take part in the #StepUp4Disarmament Challenge, 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. Please reach out to the Youth4Disarmament email (youth4disarmament@un.org) to discuss any needs or requirements to facilitate inclusion.
When:
The #StepUp4Disarmament Challenge 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 2024 (8/29).
How do I Participate?
Participants may download the free “Pacer” app, a Walking & Running Pedometer, from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and join the #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Challenge by clicking HERE.
-
Virtual Challenges are a fun way to get active with your favorite community. Use the Pacer app to complete your challenge where and when you want.
-
After joining the challenge, participants must start a walk or run by tapping the GPS heading on the home page and completing a distance of 8.29 kilometres.
Participants who are unable or unwilling to download the Pacer App but would still like to receive a system-generated certificate recognizing their completion of the StepUp4Disarmament Challenge and/ or be featured on the #Youth4Disarmament Instagram should share a record of their physical activity through the webform on this page. Individuals will receive a certificate by using the hashtag #StepUp4Disarmament and sharing materials to the email noted above.
Get Prepared!
Check out these materials to help you get prepared for this year's #StepUp4Disarmament Youth Campaign on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29 August 2024.