Nuclear Weapons banned as of today

As of today, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons adopted at the UN is valid international law. The international press never tires of saying that the treaty is merely symbolic.

It is true that this ban does not apply to states that have not acceded to the treaty. For example, all official and unofficial nuclear powers did not participate in the negotiations on the treaty. It can hardly be expected that they will accept the ban on nuclear weapons at some point. In addition, there are countries that see themselves deprived of their sacred sovereignty if they join the treaty. They could, after all, at some point come up with the idea of arming themselves with nuclear weapons or are already on the way to doing so. And unfortunately, it is possible to withdraw from the treaty at any time. That is why the question arises whether a World without Nuclear Weapons will be possible at all under these circumstances.

But this is nothing new. This is how existing international law works. If you're not in favour of it, it doesn't apply to you. It is as simple as that. What is missing is a World Law that is binding for all and a democratically elected World Parliament that sets this law.

Peace Movement 1981

Most organisations and groups from the Peace Movement see the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as a groundbreaking success. This view seems naïve because of the given reality. On the other hand, it is nevertheless a success, even if only a symbolic one. And the ban on nuclear weapons will have repercussions that will make the activities of the nuclear powers more difficult, provided that the states parties implement the ban conscientiously and consistently. What is certain is that a majority of UN member states have decided in favour of the abolition of nuclear weapons, thus manifesting an emancipation from the nuclear powers that should not be underestimated.

As Mondialists and World Federalists, we must support all efforts to expand and enforce the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons within our means. It is also our task to convince the actors that the current state of the world must be changed if we want to secure the results of these efforts in the long run. And this concerns not only nuclear armament, but other world problems that by now should be well known to anyone who is not daydreaming with blindfolded eyes and plugged ears or adhering to irrational ideologies. The threat of nuclear weapons is real and their abolition one of the most urgent Affairs of Mankind.

On World Religion Day - recognising the potential

Last year I wrote about the origins of World Religion Day, which is celebrated today on 17 January. Religions continue to exert a strong influence on a large part of humanity. The spectrum ranges from intolerant fanaticism to selfless altruism.

Just as the world is constantly changing, so are religions. What appeared to be unbearable tyranny yesterday can have beneficial effects today. World Religion Day stands for the good sides of religions and their positive commonalities. See Pope Francis' Encyclica Fratelli tutti.

There are a number of interfaith organisations that focus specifically on the positive commonalities of religions, work to strengthen them and have national chapters as well as local groups in many countries. Here I would like to mention a few:

Religions for Peace

United Religions Initiative (URI) 

Parliament of the World Religions 

I would also like to remind you of the upcoming Week of Interreligious Harmony from 1 to 7 February, in which our small group of Mondialists will participate with a special internet action.

As World Citizens and World Federalists, we should recognise and use the positive potential of religions. It would be a worthwhile task to convince the interfaith organisations mentioned above, which are easily accessible via the internet and well connected in social media, of the advantage of world federalism. Their commitment to a democratic World Union would be of considerable value.

Policy study on the subject of the World Parliament

Last summer, Domocracy Without Borders published the study A United Nations Parliamentary Assembly in English. The document is now also available in German.

On 180 pages, the authors Dr. Maja Brauer and Andreas Bummel examine the proposal for the creation of a Parliamentary Assembly at the UN as a first step towards a World Parliament. In addition to the detailed study, concrete recommendations for action are presented.

This document is currently the most up-to-date scientific presentation of the perspectives of a further developed organization of the United Nations, as an impetus and guarantor for a domocratic world. It will convince anyone who is seriously looking for politically viable paths to a better future. 

Download English Edition (PDF)

Download German Edition(PDF)

The Policy Platform of the Young World Federalists

What are the concrete goals of the Young World Federalists? They present these in the latest version of their Policy Platform (PDF) with detailed justification. An excellent work.

The world must become democratic. We are all global citizens because we share a common planet, universal human rights and responsibility for each other. These rights and responsibilities should become a reality for everyone. Through a World Parliament, the will of all people should be the basis for legitimate and responsible decision-making in global affairs.

War must be ended and abolished. The realisation of world peace shall be based on binding World Law. A ban on violent conflict must be enforced and disputes should be resolved in the courts. We need an effective global rapid reaction force for peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance that operates according to world law. Relations between neighbouring communities should be stabilised through compromise and truth and reconciliation processes.

Human Rights and global solidarity must be realised through responsible governance. This includes a minimum standard that ensures clean water, sanitation, quality food, health care, education and housing for all. Oppression must be ended by putting an end to exploitative economic practices, neo-colonialism and discrimination through empowerment of individuals, groups and nations. We need the diversity of cultures and at the same time we need to promote the growth of a common human identity.

The nature of our planet must be saved and protected because it is our common home. This requires laws that criminalise crimes against the environment. More effective measures must be taken against climate change. We need a sustainable economic order that ensures that a healthier planet can be passed on to future generations.

We need to go beyond this by advancing science, technology, art and education from a global perspective so that all people can contribute to and benefit from new innovations. A science without borders should be at the service of global governance. Expanding the free exchange of information and people everywhere can lead to unification. Let's think bigger! The exploration and use of space is a matter for all humanity. All people should be able to benefit from the next technological revolution.

 

A coalition for the UN we need

At the beginning of last year, there was a sense of expectation among World Federalists and other activists working on United Nations issues as part of civil society. On the occasion of its 75th anniversary, a reform of the world organisation was not only considered necessary, but also possible. Accordingly, the initiatives to support it were manifold. 2020 was supposed to be something.

Then the COVID 19 pandemic spread. Inevitably, much changed in 2020. But there were no reforms at the UN. There were only declarations of intent. Not only were the official institutions of the UN restricted in their work, but civil society groups were also hampered and could only partially do what they had set out to do in 2020.

The start of vaccination activities gives us confidence that we will overcome the threat of COVID 19 in 2021. The pandemic also seems to have contributed to a growing understanding worldwide that global cooperation can effectively meet the challenges of the future. Many forward-looking organisations are therefore in a mood of optimism. Democracy without Borders has formulated a "Theory of Change" and the World Federalist Movement is also getting things moving. I have now registered there as an individual member.

The UN 2020 Campaign, which has been active since 2017, wants to establish a "Coalition for the UN we need". For this purpose, the name and the organisational form are to be adapted. This emerges from a strategy paper (PDF) published by UN 2020 in December. The plan, which is initially set for three years until 2013, is intended to lead to more intensive cooperation in civil society. There is a vision of "transform the UN system by promoting inclusive people-centered multilateralism in partnership with civil society, governments, and the UN."

So one can hope that 2021 will be something. I wish all readers a Happy New Year. Welcome to the 21st year of the 21st century.

 

UN75 – Survey for our Future

Covid-19 highlights the importance of cooperation across countries, sectors and generations. For its 75th anniversary, the UN has started a global exchange of ideas on this with its UN75 initiative, in which everyone can participate by taking part in this survey. The text can be accessed in many languages, including Esperanto.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated:

"Everything we do during and after this crisis must be with a strong focus on building more equal, inclusive and sustainable economies and societies that are more resilient in the face of pandemics, climate change and the many other global challenges we face."

As part of UN75, the UN wants the world's population to think about how closer international cooperation can lead to a better world by 2045, when the UN turns 100. The responses in this survey will inform global priorities now and in the future.

Every voice is heard. Participation is possible in many languages. The views and ideas received will be presented to leaders and senior UN officials at the UN General Assembly. They are also continuously disseminated online and through partner organisations.

Of course, as a Mondialist, I have taken the opportunity to share my ideas for the future of a World Union of truly united nations. I would encourage all people who want a better world to do likewise by the end of the year at the latest.

Click here for the >>> Survey