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Three things ICAN is looking forward to in 2026

3 Jan 2026, https://www.icanw.org/2026_3_things_anticipating

As 2026 begins, nuclear risks and the false myths about nuclear deterrence on the rise. ICAN, working with countries and partners across continents, are challenging nuclear weapons and taking our work to the next level. Here are three things we’re looking forward to this year:

Celebrating five years of the nuclear ban treaty

On 22 January, we’ll mark five years since nuclear weapons officially became illegal under international law. That’s not symbolic — it’s transformative.

ICAN and partners around the world will commemorate the moment that nuclear weapons finally became illegal. With celebrations, seminars, screenings, actions and activism across the globe. This anniversary is a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come — and to build momentum for the work ahead. The ban treaty has changed the global conversation. Now we’re making sure it changes reality.

Evidence for action: exposing the myths of nuclear deterrence

Nuclear deterrence is built on theory. Our campaign is built on facts. 

Throughout the year, we’ll be working with our partners, scientists, health experts, economists and governments to make one truth unavoidable: any use of nuclear weapons would be catastrophic.

The evidence is clear. Nuclear weapons:

• threaten public health
• destabilise societies
• devastate ecosystems and undermine food systems
• have consequences that would last for decades.

We’ll use this evidence to challenge decision-makers, dismantle dangerous deterrence myths, and demand an end to the billions spent on weapons that put all life on Earth at risk.

Diplomacy that protects people, not power

Real security doesn’t come from weapons of mass destruction. It comes from negotiation and cooperation. 

ICAN is working closely with governments that support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to ensure diplomacy in 2026 reduces nuclear risks and advances disarmament. With two major nuclear weapons treaties under review, we’ll seize opportunities to: 

• strengthen global norms against nuclear weapons
• hold governments accountable to their commitments
• push disarmament from words into action

Alongside these milestones, we’ll also publish impactful and informative reports, amplify survivor voices, engage media worldwide and support our partners.

The risks around nuclear weapons are growing, making our work to educate, empower and act together more urgent than ever. 

January 5, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | opposition to nuclear