The elimination of all nuclear weapons is an urgent medical, humanitarian, and public health imperative.
From 30 November to 12 December, the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will take place in the United Arab Emirates. For the first time, IPPNW is sending an official international delegation to COP to ensure human and environmental health is at the center of decision-making.
As physicians and health workers we warn that the climate crisis, militarisation and nuclear weapons pose an acute threat to global health. At the same time, enormous health benefits can be realised from overcoming our “fossil-fuel addiction” and destructive need for militarised power plays.
In March, IPPNW established a new office in Geneva, the “Peace Capital” of the world. IPPNW’s Policy Director, Chuck Johnson, is overseeing Geneva operations to ramp up our efforts to collaborate with the United Nations and our international health organizations.
The time is ripe for our message to be heard and understood. Eliminating all nuclear weapons is an urgent humanitarian and environmental imperative. Setting up a liaison office in Geneva is a logical next step in strengthening IPPNW’s global network of 55 national affiliates and our partners in the health community worldwide.