The Way Forward to a World Free of Nuclear Weapons
A Project of Canadian Pugwash
July 9-11, 2015; Thinkers Lodge, Pugwash, Nova Scotia
Introduction
This year is the 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima /Nagasaki bombings and of the founding of the United Nations, and the 60th anniversary of the Russell Einstein Manifesto. Noting these anniversaries, our expert conference was structured to seek ways to move forward on nuclear disarmament. The conference was held in Pugwash, Nova Scotia at Thinkers” Lodge, and other venues in the village, on July 9,10,11, 2015, with the title “The Way Forward to a World Free of Nuclear Weapons”.
The program is inserted below.
Education on global security, in a broad sense, is the mandate of Canadian Pugwash. The goal of the meeting was to provide insights which can be useful in the formation of government policy, and assessment of existing policy. The major outcome document “Recommendations to the Government of Canada”
Canadian and U.S. experts, and two others, from a total of four countries, all recognized for their expertise at an international level, were the participants in the conference. This group, together, by discussing the presented material in the plenary sessions, and by discussing in small groups, produced the recommendations that are the outcome of this conference and all participants support them.
1. Recommendations to the Government of Canada
The document recording the major project outcome is the Recommendations. On August 16, it was sent individually to all party leaders, to the MND and the MDFATD and to all party Defence and Foreign Affairs critics, and to all members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, in one message, and to all members of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, in one message.
English
Recommendations to the Government of Canada
Canadian Pugwash Group Conference – July 2015
The Canadian Pugwash Group (CPG) held a conference entitled “The Way Forward to a World Free of Nuclear Weapons” July 9-11, 2015 at the National Historic Site of Thinkers” Lodge in Pugwash, Nova Scotia. In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japan, the conference, which featured leading Canadian and American experts, examined the challenges posed by the current international security context and ideas for making real progress on the road to a world without nuclear weapons. The executive of the Canadian Pugwash Group has endorsed the following recommendations developed by the conference participants for consideration by the Government of Canada:
- The Government should implement the unanimous motion of Parliament adopted in 2010 to support the UN Secretary General’s Five Point Plan for Nuclear Disarmament and to immediately take a major diplomatic initiative to advance nuclear disarmament objectives. To this end, the Government should endorse the Humanitarian Pledge and host an inclusive international meeting to explore effective legal measures for the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons and to elaborate elements of a working agenda for a multilateral negotiating process to achieve this goal.
- In light of ongoing modernization of nuclear weapons assigned to NATO, Canada should advocate within Alliance councils for the end of NATO’s reliance on nuclear weapons. As an interim measure, Canada should urge that a global policy of no foreign basing of nuclear weapons be adhered to.
- Given the crucial role that transparency plays in ensuring the accountability of states with respect to their commitments, Canada should intensify its efforts to enhance the transparency of the nuclear disarmament process through information reported by states on the size and nature of their nuclear weapon arsenals, research and production facilities, delivery vehicles, fissile material holdings, doctrines and related budgets.
- The Government is to be commended for its participation in the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification and is encouraged to strengthen its engagement in the development of nuclear disarmament verification measures.
- Canada should sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty in order, as a state party, to play its full role in the future development and implementation of this important accord.
- Canada should consider a moratorium on the development and deployment of lethal autonomous robots, and the desirability of an international ban on such weapons.
- Canada should seek the early international regulation of unmanned armed aerial vehicles/drones.
- As a contribution to both regional and global security, Canada should support the full implementation of the Minsk Accords and the material enhancement of the OSCE monitoring mission in Eastern Ukraine.
- The Government should revisit its earlier proposal (set out in Conference on Disarmament working paper CD/1865 5 June 2009) to advocate that states make three “pledges” to safeguard the security of outer space.
- In recognition of its crucial role in preserving a secure and sustainable environment in outer space, Canada should advocate for the convening, and possibly host, a conference of the states parties to the Outer Space Treaty to mark the 50th anniversary of that treaty in 2017.
- In applying the principles of strategic foresight, the Government should produce a policy statement setting out its global role on peace and security.
- The Government should initiate a process to ensure the nuclear weapon free status of Canada and promote an Arctic Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.
- The Canadian military should be appropriately represented (CDS or designate) in any future Canadian delegation to nuclear disarmament negotiations.
The Canadian Pugwash Group believes that Canada can make substantial contributions to achieving a world without nuclear weapons. It therefore commends the above recommendations to your active attention and is ready to discuss them further with you or your officials.
Yours sincerely,
David Harries, Chair
on behalf of the CPG Executive
* David Harries (chair), Adele Buckley, Bev Delong, Walter Dorn, Pierre Jasmin, Paul Meyer, Sergei Plekhanov, Shane Roberts, Douglas Roche, Metta Spencer, Murray Thomson.
French
Recommandations au gouvernement du Canada
par Pugwash Canada
suite à la réunion en Nouvelle-Écosse de juillet 2015
Pugwash Canada a tenu une conférence intitulée “Vers un monde libéré des armes nucléaires” entre le 9 et le 11 juillet 2015 au Site Historique du Thinkers Lodge à Pugwash, Nouvelle-Écosse. En commémoration du 70e anniversaire des bombardements atomiques du Japon, la conférence, animée par de notables experts Canadiens et Américains, a examiné les défis posés à la sécurité par le présent contexte international et a mis de l’avant des idées qui permettent de progresser vers un monde libre d’armes nucléaires. L’exécutif* de Pugwash Canada a adopté les recommandations élaborées par les participants à la conférence pour les offrir à l’attention du gouvernement du Canada :
- Le Gouvernement devrait mettre en œuvre la motion unanime adoptée en 2010 par le Parlement en appui au Plan en Cinq Points du Secrétaire Général de l’ONU en vue du désarmement nucléaire et devrait immédiatement prendre l’initiative vers cet objectif. Le Gouvernement devrait donc adopter l’Appel Humanitaire du ministre autrichien des Affaires Extérieures et accueillir une rencontre internationale qui explorerait les mesures légales efficaces pour prohiber et éliminer les armes nucléaires et qui élaborerait des éléments d’agenda pratique contenant un processus de négociations multilatérales en vue d’atteindre ce but.
- À la révélation du processus actuel de modernisation des armes nucléaires en possession de l’OTAN, le Canada devrait profiter de sa position à l’intérieur de l’Alliance pour condamner sa dépendance aux armes nucléaires. Comme mesure intérimaire, le Canada devrait se faire champion d’une politique globale qui élimine les armes nucléaires des bases étrangères.
- Étant donné le rôle crucial joué par la transparence afin d’assurer la responsabilité des états face à leurs engagements, le Canada devrait intensifier ses efforts de transparence face au processus de désarmement nucléaire en révélant les informations rapportées par les états sur leurs arsenaux d’armes nucléaires, leurs outils de recherche et de production, leurs véhicules d’ogives nucléaires, leur matériel fissile, leurs doctrines et leurs budgets alloués à cette production.
- On félicite le gouvernement pour sa participation au Partenariat pour les Vérifications de Désarmement Nucléaire et on l’encourage à renforcer son engagement à développer toutes mesures de vérification de désarmement nucléaire.
- Le Canada devrait ratifier et signer le Traité de Commerce des Armes (ONU) afin de jouer un rôle, comme état participant, dans l’élaboration et la mise en vigueur de cet important accord.
- Le Canada devrait envisager un moratoire contre le développement et la mise en application de robots autonomes meurtriers et un bannissement international de telles armes.
- Le Canada devrait rechercher au plus tôt un règlement international sur les véhicules aériens armés sans pilotes/drones.
- Comme contribution à la sécurité tant régionale que globale, le Canada devrait appuyer la pleine mise en vigueur des Accords de Minsk et contribuer à la mission de surveillance en Ukraine de l’Est par l’Organisation pour la Sécurité et la Coopération en Europe (OSCE).
- Le Gouvernement devrait actualiser sa proposition du 5 juin 2009 faite à la Conférence sur le Désarmement (CD/1865) recommandant aux états l’adoption de trois pactes en sauvegarde de la sécurité dans l’espace.
- En reconnaissance de son rôle crucial pour préserver un environnement sécuritaire et soutenable dans l’espace, le Canada pourrait se faire champion, et possiblement s’offrir comme pays hôte d’une conférence des états membres pour célébrer et renouveler le Traité de l’Espace en vue de son cinquantième anniversaire en 2017.
- En application des principes de prévisions stratégiques, le Gouvernement devrait produire une déclaration de principe sur sa politique globale de paix et de sécurité.
- Le Gouvernement devrait engager un processus afin d’assurer au Canada le statut de pays libre d’armes nucléaires et de promouvoir l’Arctique Zone Libre d’Armements Nucléaires.
- L’armée canadienne devrait être représentée (Chef d’État-major de la Défense ou déléguéE) dans les futures délégations canadiennes aux négociations de désarmement nucléaire.
Pugwash Canada croit que le Canada peut effectuer une contribution substantielle à la réalisation d’un monde sans armes nucléaires. Nous recommandons donc à votre attention ces treize points que nous sommes prêts à discuter avec vous ou vos représentants.
* David Harries (président), Adele Buckley, Bev Delong, Walter Dorn, Pierre Jasmin, Paul Meyer, Sergei Plekhanov, Shane Roberts, Douglas Roche, Metta Spencer et Murray Thomson.
2. Project Program
“The Way Forward to a World Free of Nuclear Weapons”
Canadian Pugwash Group Anniversary Conference, Pugwash, N.S. July 9-12, 2015
Thursday July 9
1800-1900 — Dinner for participants at Lobster Factory, adjacent to Thinkers Lodge, 249 Water Street, Village of Pugwash
Public Forum at Pugwash District High School, 192 Church St., Village of Pugwash
1930-2100 — Lessons Learned and Unlearned
Chairperson: Ms. Alexa McDonough, O.C.
Welcoming Remarks: Mr. Shawn Brunt, Chairperson, Thinkers Lodge Society (or a TLS representative) and Mr. Giovanni Brenciaglia, Pugwash Park Commission.
Public Forum:
“The Legacy of Hiroshima — 70 years on” – Dr. Kennette Benedict
“How will the next generation champion disarmament?” – Mr. Poul-Erik Christiansen
Friday July 10
VENUE: St. Thomas More Church Hall, 79 Church Street, Village of Pugwash
0915 — Welcome by Conference Chair, Mr. Paul Meyer
0930-1030 – Current Context I
Chairperson: Dr. Peter Meincke
“Pugwash at 60 and Nuclear Disarmament: A Call to Humanity” – The Hon. Douglas Roche O.C.
“Cold War Redux: Implications for Nuclear Disarmament” – Prof. Sergei Plekhanov
1030-1100 – Coffee Break
1100-1215 — Current Context II
Chairperson: Mr. Shane Roberts
“The 2015 NPT Review Conference: An Assessment” – Prof. Erika Simpson
“Modernization Programs of the NWS” – Ms. Peggy Mason
“The Challenge of a WMD-Free Zone in the Middle East” – Mr. Paul Meyer
1215 — 1315 — Lunch break (Lobster Factory)
GROUP PHOTO — THINKERS LODGE GROUNDS [details to be provided]
1330 -1450 — Current Context III
Chairperson: Prof. David Fleming
“The Fissile Material Challenge: The GGE and Beyond” – Dr. Martin Larose
“Arctic Security: Prospects for a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone” – Dr. Adele Buckley
’strategic Foresight and a World Without Nuclear Weapons” – Dr. David Harries
1450-1500 Guidance to Breakout Groups -[Paul Meyer]
1500-1700 Breakout Group Discussion
[Coffee Break Included]
Themes for Breakout Groups:
1) Strategic Foresight’s role in Progress on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation – facilitated by Dr. David Harries
2) Ballistic Missile Defences and Outer Space Security -facilitated by Mr. Cesar Jaramillo
3) Nuclear Disarmament — facilitated by Ms. Peggy Mason
4) The Use of Force and Challenges to Conventional Arms Control — facilitated by Mr. Robin Collins
18:00-2000 Dinner (Lobster Factory)
Address — Chairperson: Ms. Dennice Leahey, O.C.
“The Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons Movement: A Game Changer for Nuclear Disarmament?” – Dr. Randy Rydell
Saturday July 11
VENUE: St. Thomas More Church Hall, 79 Church Street
0915 — 1045 The Way Forward: Options
Chairperson: Prof. Pierre Jasmin
“The Ban” – Mr. Cesar Jaramillo
“The Nuclear Weapons Convention” – Dr. John Burroughs
“Probing Existing Initiatives to Discern Smart Steps for Disarmament” – Ms. Bev Delong
1045-1115 Coffee break
1115-1245 The Way Forward: Activist Groups
Chairperson: Ms. Emma Hansen
“An Irish Perspective on New Agenda Coalition and the Way Forward” – Mr. Michael Hurley, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland to Canada
“The Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative” – Mr. Marius Grinius
“Civil Society Engagement” – Ms. Macha MacKay
1245-1400 Lunch break (Thinkers Lodge Dining Hall)
1400-1530 Breakout Group Discussion continued and Formulation of Recommendations (1 or 2 per group)
1530-1545 Coffee Break
1545-1730 Reports of Breakout Groups and Plenary Discussion of Recommendations
Chairperson: Mr. Paul Meyer
1730-1745: Concluding Remarks by Conference Chairperson
1800-2100 Dinner (Lobster Factory) with Guests from Thinkers Lodge Society (TLS)
Chairperson: Dr. David Harries
[BEFORE DINNER] Grace The Hon Douglas Roche, O.C.
[AFTER DINNER] Program:
- “The Way Forward for the TLS”, Mr. Shawn Brunt, Chairperson, Thinkers Lodge Society (or a TLS representative)
- “Canadian Pugwash and Existential Threats to Humanity” — Ms. Sandra Butcher, Prof. Walter Dorn and Prof. Pierre Jasmin
With Thanks to our Sponsors
The Organizing Committee for the July 2015 Conference wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the following groups and individuals for their generous support for this event:
- The Canadian Pugwash Group
- Thinkers Lodge Society
- Department of National Defence’s Defence Targeted Engagement Program
- Cumberland County Community Development Grant
- Pugwash Park Commissioners
- Anonymous donors
3. Summary Report
“The Way Forward to a World Free of Nuclear Weapons”
Canadian Pugwash Group Conference, Pugwash, N.S. July 9-12, 2015
Summary Report
Introduction: In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan and the founding of the United Nations as well as the 60th anniversary of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, the Canadian Pugwash Group organized a thematic conference at the Thinkers” Lodge, a National Historic Site, in Pugwash, Nova Scotia. The conference had____ participants and ___ observers. The detailed conference program with links to available individual presentations, biographies of speakers, as well as the recommendations generated by the four thematic breakout groups of the conference and communicated to the Government of Canada are annexed to this report.
Public Forum: The public forum featured speeches by Dr. Kennette Benedict and Mr. Poul-Erik Christiansen. Dr. Benedict’s address “The Legacy of Hiroshima- 70 years on” highlighted the major role civil society had played over the decades in achieving progress on nuclear disarmament. She spoke of the impact of fear, both as a motivating impulse (e.g. the negotiation of the Partial Test Ban Treaty in the wake of public outrage over the presence of radioactive elements in babies” teeth and mothers” milk) and at times fear was manipulated by authorities to paralyze public responses. She stressed the incompatibility of nuclear weapons with democratic governance and expressed the hope that recent initiatives such as the series of conferences on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons would lead to an empowered citizenry playing a full role in nuclear decision-making.
As a representative of Young Pugwash, Poul-Erik Christiansen spoke on the topic of “How will the next generation champion disarmament?”. He noted the pressing need to bridge the gap between civil society and governments and the importance of understanding the perspectives of others in resolving conflicts. He believed the younger generation of activists was well equipped to optimize the potential of information and communication technologies to advance the movement’s goals.
The discussion period highlighted the necessity to find ways, beyond the underlying fear of a nuclear holocaust, to motivate engagement, especially on the part of youth to advance the goal of nuclear disarmament. The need to counter “the atrophy of our democracy” and promote better accountability for nuclear weapon-related decisions was also a refrain.
Current Context I: The first panel of the conference featured addresses by Douglas Roche on “Pugwash at 60 and Nuclear Disarmament: A Call to Humanity” and Sergei Plekhanov on “Cold War Redux: Implications for Nuclear Disarmament”. In explaining why after so many years nuclear disarmament has not been achieved, Douglas Roche enumerated five reasons: 1. Duplicity of the nuclear weapon states; 2. Timidity of the non-nuclear weapons states; 3. Irresponsible media; 4. Weary and confused public opinion and 5. Lack of leadership. Despite these limitations there is no escaping the imperative to obtain a global law against nuclear weapons “before they kill us all”. Recalling the clarion call of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto to “remember your humanity, and forget the rest”, Roche drew hope from the growing humanitarian movement that was insisting on nuclear weapon elimination as a condition of common security. Concerned with current splits in the nuclear disarmament community, he advocated building bridges between the rival camps in favour of a ban and those supporting a convention and uniting around the aim of a global law prohibiting nuclear weapons.
Recognizing the chill that the deterioration of relations between Russia and the United States has brought to the disarmament enterprise, Sergei Plekhanov recalled that basic tensions in the strategic interests of both parties existed and could not be simply wished away. The game of the great powers would continue, but it should be conducted in a responsible way that would not undermine “the lesser evil” of mutual assured destruction and provide incentives for cooperation.
Discussion included questions as to how current Russian military doctrine is best interpreted and means by which divisions in the disarmament community could be overcome. References were also made to how the prism of climate change and that of human rights could be used to promote greater engagement on behalf of nuclear disarmament.
Current Context II: This panel featured presentations by Erika Simpson on “The 2015 NPT Review Conference: An Assessment; Peggy Mason on “Modernization Programs of the Nuclear Weapon States” and Paul Meyer on “The Challenges of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East”.
Having witnessed some of the failed NPT Review Conference this spring, Erika Simpson said no one should be surprised that the serious problems plaguing this “cornerstone” treaty could not be simply papered over in a vague outcome document. The impasse on nuclear disarmament reflected the continued reliance by the U.S and its NATO allies on nuclear deterrence and the mirroring of this stance by other nuclear-armed states. Part of the solution will also entail bringing North Korea back into compliance with the principal NPT obligations. While the Iran nuclear deal represents a possible bright spot for the non-proliferation pillar, the peaceful uses of nuclear energy pillar poses intractable problems to long-term safety and security.
Drawing on major studies undertaken by the Federation of American Scientists, Peggy Mason documented the apparently inexorable actions by nuclear weapon states (NWS) to modernize their nuclear arsenals in defiance of their NPT disarmament obligations. She stressed the exorbitant costs of these programs and the strategic danger represented by the claim that modernization will render nuclear weapons “more useable”. She also denounced the continuing complicity of those five non-nuclear weapon states in NATO that have accepted nuclear weapon delivery roles for their militaries.
The Middle East conflict has proven a protracted problem for the international community, not least within the context of the NPT. Paul Meyer outlined the history of the idea of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East as it has been addressed at successive NPT Review Conferences: from the original resolution on this subject adopted at the 1995 conference to the 2010 conference’s promise to convene a meeting dedicated to this topic before the end of 2012. Factors explaining this inability to deliver on the 2010 commitment were presented as well as reflections on how differences over the Middle East zone were exploited as a pretext for rejecting an outcome document that revealed more fundamental fissures in the NPT membership concerning nuclear disarmament.
Discussion focused on the consequences of the failed Review Conference for future progress on nuclear disarmament as well as the prospects for advancing the aim of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East in the absence of clear NPT guidance on a way ahead.
Current Context III: This session received presentations by Martin Larose on “The Fissile Material Challenge: The GGE and Beyond”; by Adele Buckley on “Arctic Security: Prospects for a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone”; and by David Harries on ’strategic Foresight and a World Without Nuclear Weapons”.
The recently completed report of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on aspects of a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT), which was chaired by Canada, was the focus of the presentation by Martin Larose. He stressed the utility, for future negotiators, of the group’s examination of the chief substantive issues posed by the envisaged treaty, including definitions, the handling of past production and options for verification. There was a close inter-relationship between these aspects. Choices made in one area would have major implications for other dimensions of the treaty. The report would be a valuable reference when and if the international community finds a way to commence work on this long-standing goal.
The growing significance of the Arctic as a “global commons” and a region being opened up as a function of global warming is a backdrop to efforts to enshrine the Arctic as a nuclear weapon free zone. Adele Buckley outlined the evolution of the concept and the support it has received from many civil society groups in the region including early advocacy by the Inuit Circumpolar Conference. She noted that such a nuclear weapon free zone would be unique in covering only a part of the territory of participating states and in the inclusion of two nuclear weapon states (Russia and the U.S.), but suitable arrangement could be developed if the political will were present to codify the Arctic’s nuclear weapon free status by means of a treaty.
The principles of strategic foresight were presented by David Harries who explained that it could be summarized as the development of shared long-term visions to inform short-term decision-making. He observed the dismal track record of predictions of the future and the importance of recognition that “context is king” and that circumstances will have changed between the time when plans are drawn up and when they are implemented. He enumerated a series of “what if” contingencies that could have major implications for reaching a world without nuclear weapons, such as the reactions to a future large-scale nuclear accident.
Discussion included speculation as to what impact the GGE report might have on the UN General Assembly in making progress on initiating FMCT negotiations and the various factors that might lead to successful establishment of nuclear weapon free zones.
Breakout Groups:
The conference had four breakout groups organized along the following themes: Strategic Foresight’s role in progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation; Ballistic Missile Defences and Outer Space Security; Nuclear Disarmament and The Use of Force and Challenges to Conventional Arms Control. These groups met for three and a half hours in order to generate recommendations for consideration by the Government of Canada. The recommendations were subsequently refined and endorsed by the CPG Executive and the communication conveying them is appended to this report. For some of the groups more detailed notes on their discussions are also included in the annex.
The Humanitarian Impact of the Nuclear Weapons Movement: A Game Changer for Nuclear Disarmament? A keynote address on this theme was delivered by Randy Rydell who recalled that the moral prohibition against the use of inhumane weapons is rooted in ancient practice. He outlined the development of the humanitarian imperative movement on nuclear disarmament, characterizing it (to cite Victor Hugo) as an “idea whose time has come”. The manner in which key civil society groups such as the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, Inter-Parliamentary Union and even the Conference of US Mayors have endorsed the call for a focus on the humanitarian imperative for nuclear disarmament has the potential to be a “game changer”. This however will require the democratization of nuclear disarmament, the application of the rule of law and actual congruency, i.e. policies and practices on the part of nuclear weapon states that are truly aligned with the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
The Way Forward: Options: In this session presentations focused on three approaches that have been suggested as a means to fill the legal gap that exists with regard to the possession and use of nuclear weapons. Cesar Jaramillo spoke on “The Ban”, John Burroughs on “The Nuclear Weapons Convention” and Bev Delong on “Probing Existing Initiatives to Discern Smart Steps for Disarmament”.
Cesar Jaramillo explained the emergence of the ban proposal as a reflection of a shift in discourse that had been brought about by the impetus of the humanitarian imperative movement. The ban idea was born out of an enormous frustration with the lack of progress on nuclear disarmament as not one of the NPT’s five nuclear weapon states had achieved full nuclear disarmament despite the treaty having been in force for 45 years. The ban supporters believe it can be an effective instrument of stigmatization even if no nuclear weapon states participate in its negotiation. He noted that a ban could be part of a broader framework of agreements, but observed that despite strong support from some quarters of civil society even states that had endorsed the Humanitarian Pledge emerging from the 2015 NPT Review Conference were noncommittal as to what treaty path to follow.
Disarmament in both its nuclear and conventional aspects has a long history of support by the UN and John Burroughs conveyed some of this history and key decisions of the General Assembly. He noted that while all NPT states parties had an obligation under Article VI to promote nuclear disarmament and that this led many to consider a multilateral nuclear weapon convention as the best vehicle, there was also the option of the nuclear weapon possessor states agreeing on disarmament among themselves. He remarked on the general silence of governments regarding the ban proposal and suggested that one possible initiative to clarify the way ahead would be the convening of a nuclear disarmament summit along the lines of the series of nuclear security summits that have been organized since 2010.
The myriad of existing international organizations and ad-hoc groups concerned with nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues was outlined by Bev Delong. She advocated a strategy that would aim to make greater use of these entities and discern creative approaches in order to make headway on nuclear disarmament. The possibility of extending existing conventions (such as the Convention of suppression of acts of Nuclear Terrorism) and their domestic law equivalents to provide a broader prohibition on nuclear weapons was a feature of this approach.
Discussion was largely focused on the relative merits of the two leading proposals for providing a nuclear disarmament treaty and the desirability of restoring a unity of approach amongst supporters of nuclear disarmament.
The Way Forward: Activist Groups: This session featured presentations by Michael Hurley on “An Irish Perspective on New Agenda Coalition and the Way Forward”; Marius Grinius on “The Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative” and by Macha MacKay on “Civil Society Engagement”.
The currently six nation New Agenda Coalition (NAC) has been an influential force within the NPT context for several decades and had a major impact on the outcome of the 2000 NPT Review Conference (e.g. the 13 practical steps for nuclear disarmament). Michael Hurley explained the power of the NAC as a cross-regional grouping to challenge the entitlement claimed by the nuclear weapon states. He saw the NAC continuing to function as a bridge-builder and champion of nuclear disarmament within the NPT and noted the special role Ireland had played in the establishment of the treaty. Noting that the NAC had not endorsed any particular diplomatic path forward, he stressed the need for states to decide among themselves as to what forum and format would be best to achieve their nuclear disarmament objectives.
The currently twelve nation Nonproliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) grouping had been established in 2010 as a vehicle for promoting implementation of the Action Plan adopted at the NPT Review Conference that same year. As a cross-regional grouping of non-nuclear weapon states, but one that contained several NATO members and other prominent allies of the U.S. the NPDI had “the ear of the P5” and tried to advance nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation aims through collaboration with them and other NPT parties. Marius Grinius enumerated several of the policy inputs the NPDI had contributed to the NPT process, notably its sustained emphasis on transparency and the promotion of standardized and comprehensive reporting by NPT states parties.
In her presentation Macha MacKay stressed the constructive role that civil society has played on the nuclear disarmament file and the mutual benefits that could flow from regular consultations between governments and concerned NGOs as had been the practice in past years. Civil society represented the vox populi on these subjects and a productive partnership should be maintained. She noted the challenges of maintaining democratic accountability on these files especially in light of the lack of governmental follow-up to the unanimous motion of Parliament in 2010 on nuclear disarmament.
Discussion covered several issues connected with the NPT process, including the significance of the proposal for a new Open Ended Working Group on nuclear disarmament to be established by the UN General Assembly this fall and the broader implications of the nuclear deal arrived at between Iran and leading powers. Reference was also made to Global Zero and its recent promotion of a de-alerting agreement as a step towards cooperation amongst nuclear weapon states on nuclear disarmament.
Concluding Panel: The concluding panel provided an opportunity for some “in house” reflections by Shawn Brunt on behalf of the Thinkers Lodge Society and by Sandra Butcher, Walter Dorn and Pierre Jasmin on the theme “Canadian Pugwash and Existential Threats to Humanity”. These speakers voiced their hopes and expectations for Pugwash’s future actions on behalf of a world at peace and free of nuclear weapons and paid tribute to those who have contributed so much to this cause over the years.
With Thanks to our Sponsors
The Organizing Committee for the July 2015 Conference wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the following groups and individuals for their generous support for this event:
- The Canadian Pugwash Group
- Thinkers Lodge Society
- Department of National Defence: Defence Targeted Engagement Program
- Cumberland County Community Development Grant
- Pugwash Park Commissioners
- Anonymous donors
