Dialogue Across Divides

“We have to learn to think in a new way.”

Pugwash seeks a world free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Through our long-standing tradition of ‘dialogue across divides’ that also earned us the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, Pugwash aims to develop and support the use of scientific, evidence-based policymaking, focusing on areas where nuclear and WMD risks are present. By facilitating track 1.5 and track II dialogues in conflict zones, we foster creative discussions on ways to increase the security of all sides, reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and strategic miscalculation that could increase nuclear risks, and promote policy development that is cooperative and forward-looking.

“Remember your humanity, and forget the rest.”


Recent activities

IntlPugwashLogo_web

Statement on 2016 Nobel Peace Prize
On 8 October 2016, Pugwash President Jayantha Dhanapala and Secretary General Paolo Cotta-Ramusino issued a statement on the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize award to President Juan Manuel Santos.

Statement on DPRK Nuclear TestIntlPugwashLogo_web
On 11 September 2016, Pugwash President Jayantha Dhanapala and Pugwash Secretary General Paolo Cotta-Ramusino issued a statement on the DPRK nuclear test.

Statement on US No First Use PolicyIntlPugwashLogo_web
On 18 August 2016, the Pugwash President and Pugwash Secretary General issued a statement regarding possible developments in the US No First Use of nuclear weapons policy.

IntlPugwashLogo_webStatement on the Recent UK Independent (Chilcot) Report on Iraq War
On 12 July 2016, Pugwash leaders issued a statement on the Chilcot Report.


Moving towards Peace in AfghanistanKabul meeting, May 2016

Pugwash has been involved in many recent meetings, consultations, and efforts to promote peace and an agreement to end conflict in Afghanistan.


George RathjensRemembering George Rathjens
 (1925-2016)
former Pugwash Secretary General. Reflections by friends and colleagues Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell and Prof. Francesco Calogero.

 

StatemNagasaki Conference logoent by Japanese Pugwash on President Obama’s visit to Hiroshima
On 15 May 2016 Pugwash Japan issued a statement on their expectations for the historic visit of the US President to Hiroshima.

New – videos now available: 
20th AnniversaryLondon Symposium on “Addressing Extremism, Regional Instabilities & WMD Risks: A Symposium on the 20th Anniversary of the Awarding of the Pugwash/Rotblat Nobel Peace Prize.”

18 December 2015. Featuring keynote by H.E. Hussain Al-Shahristani.

Pugwash delegation visits KazakhstanTokayev_Kazykhanov
From 31 January – 2 February 2016 the Pugwash Secretary General Paolo Cotta-Ramusino and Executive Director Sandra Ionno Butcher visited Astana, Kazakhstan to explo
re possibilities for hosting the 62nd Pugwash Conference in Astana in 2017 with Chairman of the Senate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other officials and leading academics.

IntlPugwashLogo_webDoha meeting on peace and security in Afghanistan
Pugwash convened a meeting on “Peace and Security in Afghanistan” on 23-24 January 2016, in Doha, Qatar.

IntlPugwashLogo_webStatement on DPRK nuclear test
On 6 January 2016 Pugwash President Jayantha Dhanapala and Pugwash Secretary General Paolo Cotta-Ramusino issued a statement on the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Nagasaki Conference logo61st Pugwash Conference, Nagasaki
From 1-5 November 2015, Pugwash will hold its 61st International Conference in Nagasaki.  The schedule, working papers, and information for media and press are now all available on the website.

ISYPgroup1_6582Thinkers Lodge, Pugwash, N.S.
On 9-13 July 2015 Pugwash Executive Director Sandra Butcher and International Student/Young Pugwash board member Poul Christiansen spoke about  the 60th anniversary of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto and prospects for disarmament at conferences organized by Canadian Pugwash and ISYP.

IntlPugwashLogo_webStatement on the Comprehensive Nuclear Agreement with Iran
On 15 July 2015, Pugwash members released a statement welcoming the conclusion of talks with Iran and proposing some forward-looking measures to ensure its success.

West Bank Consultations on the Future of Palestine
On 7-8 June 2015, a Pugwash delegation visited the West Bank for consultations on issues and options regarding the Palestinian State.

Herzliya workshop on the Middle East
On 5-6 June 2015, Pugwash and the Alliance Center organized workshop looking at the Iran nuclear issue, the ongoing Daesh threat in the region, and the future of the Peace Process.

IntlPugwashLogo_webStatement and Commentary on the 2015 NPT Review Conference
On 25 May 2015, Pugwash President Jayantha Dhanapala and Secretary General Paolo Cotta-Ramusino issued a statement on the 2015 NPT Review Conference. Pugwash Council Member Sergio Duarte also provided commentary on the RevCon.

NPT discussionNew York meeting on Dialogue in Areas of Nuclear Risk
On 18 May 2015, Pugwash held a meeting in the UN Headquarters, New York City, addressing the importance of facilitating track two dialogue.

NPT RevCon 2015New York report on the NPT RevCon
On 16 May 2015, Pugwash held a workshop in New York City to address prospects for the NPT Review Conference, focusing on disarmament and the Middle East WMD free zone.

IntlPugwashLogo_webDoha meeting on security in Afghanistan
On 2-3 May 2015, Pugwash held a non-official meeting in Doha on Security in Afghanistan.

 


Message to the Pugwash Community from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon:

“I urge the international community to find common ground and come together to achieve our shared dream of a world free of nuclear weapons. In this effort, we count on the invaluable contributions of the Pugwash Conferences, with its bold mission and proud history. The United Nations fully supports you in our common quest for a safe, secure and sustainable world.”

Delivered to the 61st Pugwash Conference, 1 November 2015

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