Reflection for the 2026 International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 

By Baudouin Ngah Akoh, Strategic Advisor to the President on Peace and Security Programs, UNA-Atlanta

In early 2026, discussions between Anthropic, a frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) Company, and the United States Department of War highlighted a key tension at the intersection of technology, ethics, and national security. While Anthropic has deployed its AI models to support intelligence analysis, operational planning, and cybersecurity, the company has resisted government requests to remove safeguards against mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. Anthropic’s decision to maintain these safeguards-even under pressure from the Department of War, including threats of supply chain risk designation or invocation of the Defense Production Act-illustrates the emerging governance challenges posed by advanced AI in military contexts (Amodei, 2026).

Similar dilemmas appear in ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where security concerns among regional and international actors-particularly regarding Iran’s strategic posture could intersect with the growing use of AI-enabled intelligence and autonomous systems, potentially influencing defense planning and escalation dynamics.

Secretary-General António Guterres has underscored the imperative of disarmament, emphasizing that it forms the very bedrock of peace and urging the global community to invest in robust peacebuilding and conflict-prevention mechanisms (“International Day for Disarmament and Non Proliferation Awareness 2026 Message,” United Nations). Peace is not self-executing; it must be carefully constructed and in 2026, that construction demands both vigilance and deep understanding.

Disarmament in an Age of Disruption
Dag Hammarskjöld, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, observed that “The United Nations was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell” (Hammarskjöld). In 2026, his reflection is especially relevant: security risks now extend beyond conventional conflict into domains defined by technological speed, algorithmic decision-making, and autonomous systems.

Disarmament in the twenty-first century involves more than regulating stockpiles; it encompasses governing intelligence, autonomy, and escalation in a digitized battlespace. Public awareness is critical: informed citizens generate political will, and political will sustains multilateral agreements. Without understanding the risks, even the most resilient treaty architecture may weaken.

Multilateralism Under Pressure
Post-Cold War optimism for arms control has given way to strategic fragmentation. Nuclear modernization, eroding trust among major powers, and the mainstreaming of nuclear rhetoric highlight the fragility of global stability.

U Thant, another former UN Secretary-General, warned that “The arms race is not only a waste of resources. It is a theft from those who hunger and are not fed” (Thant). Today, this “theft” is measured not only in financial terms but also in underfunded health systems, and educational inequities. Multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, provide essential platforms for dialogue, transparency, and norm-setting. However, institutions alone cannot prevent escalation; they require political will, sustained engagement, and participation by states and civil society.

The Russia-Ukraine war provides a contemporary illustration of how modern warfare integrates conventional, cyber, and autonomous capabilities. AI-assisted intelligence analysis, logistics, and battlefield decision-support systems have influenced both strategic planning and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. The war also demonstrates the risks of rapid technological escalation outpacing international norms and the need for multilateral frameworks to mitigate both civilian harm and systemic instability.

Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention
My experience as an observer for think tanks and as a state representative at Meetings of States Parties to the BWC, and participating in Working Group discussions on strengthening the Convention, reinforced a critical insight: the BWC’s normative strength must be matched by institutional resilience and there exist persistent challenges:

• Lack of legally binding verification mechanisms,
• Capacity disparities among States Parties,
• Dual-use nature of emerging biotechnologies,
• Need for enhanced transparency and confidence-building measures.

Literacy and awareness are fundamental; understanding dual-use dilemmas is the first step toward preventing misuse.

Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems and the AI Frontier
AI-enabled systems, including Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), raise ethical and strategic questions: How is meaningful human control maintained? Who bears responsibility for malfunctions? Can escalation be contained at machine speed? In 1998, Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated, “For the United Nations, there is no higher goal, no deeper commitment and no greater ambition than preventing armed conflict” (Annan). Dialogue must precede normalization: if algorithms move at machine speed, diplomacy must move at moral speed.

Nuclear Risk in a Technological Age
The integration of AI into nuclear command-and-control systems introduces systemic risk. Automated early-warning systems, cyber vulnerabilities, and algorithmic misinterpretation could accelerate escalation during crises. Multilateral dialogue, transparency, and confidence-building are essential to prevent miscalculation and to stabilize deterrence.

Local and Global Leadership: UNA-Atlanta’s Role
As Strategic Advisor to the President on Peace and Security Programs, I believe local civic leadership must complement global diplomacy.
 
In alignment with the 2026 theme emphasizing public education and youth participation, UNA Atlanta will advance the establishment of a Research Fellowship Program on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness with a focus on:

• The Biological Weapons Convention.
• AI governance and Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems.
• Nuclear risk reduction strategies.
• Emerging technology ethics in warfare.
• Youth engagement in multilateral diplomacy.

The initiative will produce policy briefs aligned with UN processes, encourage research-informed civic engagement, develop the next generation of peace and security leaders, and build partnerships with academic institutions, Tech Firms and policy think tanks. Awareness becomes agency. Agency becomes policy. Policy becomes prevention.

Policy Priorities for 2026 and Beyond
To reinforce disarmament and non-proliferation in this era of disruption, the international community should prioritize:

• Strengthening Biological Weapons Convention mechanisms,
• Advancing multilateral negotiations on LAWS norms,
• Supporting UN transparency initiatives on military AI applications,
• Expanding civil society participation in treaty processes,
• Investing in youth-focused disarmament education,
• Reinforcing dialogue among major powers to reduce nuclear escalation risks.

Strategic restraint must be recognized as leadership, not concession.
 
A Call to Responsible Statecraft
Disarmament in 2026 is realism informed by responsibility. Prevention is stronger than reaction; transparency is stronger than secrecy; cooperation is more durable than coercion. On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, let us reaffirm that peace is deliberate, disciplined, and defended through diplomacy. Strategic restraint is not weakness it is responsible statecraft.

By Tracy Gray, President, UNA-USA, Atlanta Chapter

The United Nations recognizes February 20, 2026, as the UN World Day of Social Justice. The occasion is brought into focus by the beloved global community of social justice and peace losing a towering moral voice. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. devoted his life to social justice, dignity, and the conviction that a shared destiny binds humanity together.

For those of us in the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter, his work reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—advancing social justice, peace, equity, and opportunity across borders, and keeping faith with the promise of America and the nonviolent beloved community.

Over the years, it was my distinct honor to cover Rev. Jackson as a journalist. I had the privilege of witnessing his work up close—on the streets, in churches, in civic halls, and across international platforms. As I recently looked through several photographs I took of him in action, I was reminded of the urgency and compassion that defined his mission. Whether he was advocating for sustainable development, human rights, voting rights, or global peace and security, he cried out for radical freedom—both nationally and internationally. His dream was radical in its simplicity: to let every person know they are somebody, and to keep hope alive.

Photo credits: Tracy Gray

By Tracy Gray, President

I extend my sincere thanks to the TiE Atlanta Board for inviting me to serve as a featured speaker at the successful launch of the TiE Atlanta Global Sustainability Awards (GSA) 2026. The event brought together more than 70 participants, including corporate leaders, civic officials, academic partners, nonprofit organizations, mentors, and students. The strong turnout and thoughtful program confirmed the initiative's relevance and momentum. For more information, contact www.tieatlanta.org

It was especially encouraging to see TiE’s five pillars—mentoring, networking, education, incubation, and investment—translated into a practical, scalable platform for student engagement. By centering innovation, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship, the GSA program reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the growing commitment of Atlanta’s ecosystem to prepare the next generation of global problem-solvers.

The collaboration among corporate partners, universities, civic leaders, and community organizations demonstrates what is possible when sectors align around a shared purpose. Initiatives like GSA create meaningful pathways for students to develop ideas, access mentorship, and contribute solutions to real-world challenges.
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UNA-Atlanta is proud to be a partner in this effort. We look forward to supporting the program’s continued growth and to working with TiE Atlanta and its partners to empower young innovators who will help shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for our city and the world.

Each February, UNA-Atlanta proudly joins communities across the United States in celebrating Black History Month — a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and enduring contributions of Black people everywhere, from well-known leaders, activists, and changemakers to the countless unsung heroes whose efforts have shaped our world. Around the globe, many communities celebrate Black history at different times of the year, reflecting the diverse ways this legacy is recognized internationally.

This year carries special meaning as we mark 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926, a legacy reflected in the 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” This centennial is not only a moment of remembrance, but a call to uplift the stories, voices, and leadership that inspire us to build a more just and equitable future for all.

Atlanta’s Unique Role in Black History
Atlanta holds a special place in this history. As the hometown of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a cradle of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, our city reminds us that the pursuit of justice and equality is both a local responsibility and a global call to action. The values championed by civil rights leaders — dignity, freedom, and human rights for all — are deeply aligned with the mission of the United Nations.

Over the past century, Black history has shaped culture, policy, innovation, and movements for social change — not only in the United States but around the world. The leadership and lived experiences of people of African descent remain essential to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequalities, promoting quality education, improving health and well-being, and building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

Ways to Commemorate Black History Month in Atlanta
Be inspired by history and help shape the future by exploring these meaningful ways to honor Black History Month in Atlanta:

• Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, including the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Dr. King’s Birth Home
• Explore African American history and innovation at the APEX Museum 
• Walk along historic Auburn Avenue, known as “Sweet Auburn,” one of the nation’s most significant Black heritage corridors
• Experience the connection between civil rights and global human rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Discover exhibits on the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and African American history at the Atlanta History Center
• Tour the Herndon Home Museum, the former residence of Alonzo Herndon, Atlanta’s first Black millionaire
• Attend cultural festivals and performances such as the Roswell Roots festival
• Participate in youth-focused educational programming at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Support and shop at Black-owned businesses throughout the Atlanta area
• Attend local lectures, community dialogues, museum programs, and other cultural events honoring Black history and heritage

Black history is world history. By honoring it — and recommitting to equity and human rights — we strengthen our shared pursuit of the UN’s global vision for all.

By Precious Mawusi Kpornyo, Senior Communications Specialist, Communications Committee

On January 24, the world marks the International Day of Education, a United Nations commemoration that celebrates the role education plays in peace and sustainable development.

Similarly, here at UNA-Atlanta, we believe education comprises more than schooling. It is a public good, and a shared public responsibility. Education helps people gain knowledge, build skills, and get better opportunities. Yet millions are still being left behind. UNESCO notes that globally, 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate. This is a clear reminder that the right to education is still not equally realized.
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2026 Theme: The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education
The 2026 International Day of Education celebration highlights a powerful truth. Young people are instrumental in shaping the future of education. UNESCO emphasizes that youth under 30 make up more than half of the world’s population, yet they are often most affected by poverty, inequality, and limited access to quality education and decent work. Engaging young people in education policy and practice is critical in such a time of rapid technological and social change.

This year, UNESCO is convening a global hybrid event at its headquarters in Paris on January 23, bringing youth and students together with international decision-makers, and sharing fresh insights on youth participation in education policymaking.

How to Observe the Day
International Day of Education is a moment to move from celebration to action here in Atlanta. Consider engaging your organization through activities such as:

• Town halls that invite learners to share what they want to see changed in schools and universities
• Student advisory circles that meaningfully inform programs, services, and learning experiences
• Storytelling campaigns that spotlight students’ journeys, challenges, and aspirations
• Interactive workshops focused on strengthening youth participation in decision-making in schools and communities

On this International Day of Education, we are reminded that change in our education systems becomes stronger when they are built with young people at the hem of affairs. By investing in high-quality education and creating real space for youth leadership, we take a meaningful step toward a sustainable world.

Today, UNA-Atlanta joins Atlanta and communities across the nation in honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a native son of our city and a global leader for justice, peace, and human dignity.

Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community challenges us to work together toward a world rooted in nonviolence, equity, and shared humanity. As we reflect on his enduring message, we are reminded that the work of justice is both a celebration and a commitment.

We invite you to watch the 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service — the centerpiece of The King Center’s annual King Holiday Observance. The service will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and live-streamed beginning at 10 a.m. EST on Monday, January 19, 2026. You can view it on FOX 5 Atlanta and on The King Center’s social platforms.

This moment of remembrance invites us not only to reflect on Dr. King’s profound contributions but also to recommit to advancing justice, compassion, and peace in our own communities.
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Learn more and watch the service at The King Center’s website.

By Tracy Gray, President

Thank you all for joining us at the celebration of the United Nations International Volunteer Day, held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Sara J Gonzalez Memorial Park, at the 6th Annual Winter Resource Fair!
Created, hosted, and inspired by Mayor Andre Dickens and the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs-Welcoming Atlanta, the event was an incredible success.

With more than 275 families in attendance, this year’s celebration became one of the most meaningful and impactful community events to date. Because of the inspiration, leadership, and support of Atlanta, GA, Mayor Andre Dickens, the joy was unmistakable—families connecting, children laughing, and volunteers working in harmony to uplift our neighbors in the true spirit of the United Nations’ International Volunteer Day.

The United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter (UNA-ATL) was honored to join the event as a community partner, standing alongside the Atlanta Mayor’s Office and more than 38 dedicated partner organizations, including 14 tabling partners. As President of UNA-ATL, I was proud to join the Mayor’s Office at this event because we believe deeply in the power of community-centered collaborations that advance dignity, opportunity, and well-being for all Atlantans. The Winter Resource Fair is a shining example of how local action can drive global progress.

This year’s Fair strongly reflected several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a shared blueprint for peace, prosperity, and a sustainable future. Specifically, the event embodied:
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• SDG 1: No Poverty – by providing 2,700 pounds of groceries and essential resources to families.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – through free health screenings and wellness support.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by strengthening inclusive, resilient community networks.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – through trusted community engagement and safe access to vital services.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – demonstrated by the remarkable collaboration of partners, volunteers, and city leadership.

The SDGs serve as a global roadmap for building stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities—values that align seamlessly with the City of Atlanta's growth, vibrancy, and diverse needs. UNA-ATL is committed to ensuring that our city’s progress reflects global best practices, local compassion, and shared responsibility.

We are also grateful for the incredible volunteer spirit that powered the day. From setting up tents to organizing toys, assisting families, unloading food deliveries, and keeping the event running smoothly, your dedication made possible the distribution of 800 toys, the engagement of 35 volunteers, the joy of 318 soccer balls kicked, and even a festive hour of mariachi music to close out the celebration.

Congratulations to the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs-Welcoming Atlanta, Executive Director, Paulina Guzman, Community Navigator Coordinator, Pilar Baca, and the entire team at the Mayor’s office for hosting an outstanding and deeply impactful event.
 
Your leadership continues to strengthen Atlanta’s commitment to inclusivity, service, and community resilience. UNA-ATL is proud to stand with you on this shared mission and looks forward to continuing our partnership in the months ahead.

Today, we invite you to stand with the UNA–Atlanta community in advancing the work of the United Nations right here at home. Your Giving Tuesday gift directly supports our mission to educate, inspire, and mobilize Atlantans around global issues—from human rights and climate action to public health and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Every contribution, no matter the size, strengthens our advocacy, our programming, and our ability to build a more informed and engaged global community.
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Join us in making a meaningful impact.

Give today and help amplify Atlanta’s voice for a better world.

On this Veterans Day, UNA-Atlanta proudly honors you—the courageous men and women who have served our country with dedication and integrity in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Your commitment to peace, service, and the protection of human dignity mirrors the values we uphold through our work supporting the United Nations and its mission. We are grateful for your service, inspired by your example, and dedicated to ensuring your voices and contributions are recognized and celebrated—today and every day.

We also recognize the Atlanta community’s efforts to support and uplift veterans, from local ceremonies to initiatives that honor your contributions. These gatherings reflect the deep gratitude of our city and give public recognition to your service.

Thank you for your dedication and for reminding us that peace is something we must work to preserve every day. 
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Take a moment today to celebrate your legacy and know that your service enriches both our city and our nation.