HISTORY has revealed the tragic consequences of these experiments, particularly when controlled conditions failed, and today the risks are magnified by the existence of far more powerful nuclear weapons. As such, it is important to consider whether the risks and advantages of nuclear tests are truly balanced.

Even though nuclear tests are sometimes justified as part of efforts to generate electricity from nuclear energy, their tragic consequences for human health and threats to biodiversity cannot be avoided. Moreover, even if such tests are conducted in remote areas far from communities, the explosions still cause environ­mental degradation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked, “In 2025, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test. We must never forget the legacy of over 2,000 nuclear weapons tests carried out over the last 80 years.” Recognizing these dan­gers of nuclear tests, the UN General Assembly, at its 64th session, declared 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Since 2010, the day has been marked annually.

The effort to end nuclear tests is embodied in the Com­prehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996. While 187 countries have signed and 178 have ratified it, the treaty cannot enter into force until ratified by all states with significant nuclear capa­bilities. The Preparatory Com­mission for the CTBT Organi­zation (CTBTO) continues to press for this goal, supported by its nearly complete Interna­tional Monitoring System – 337 facilities worldwide, more than 90 per cent operational – capa­ble of detecting any nuclear explosion.

Some global countries ar­gue that without testing, the reliability of nuclear weapons cannot be guaranteed, while others fear clandestine test­ing. Yet advances in science and monitoring technology have greatly improved the ability to verify compliance, strength­ening confidence in the treaty’s effectiveness.

The United Nations has also linked the fight against nuclear testing with broader disarmament efforts. On 26 September, a significant day is observed, reaffirming that only the complete eradication of nuclear arms can guarantee protection against their use or threat. Together, these observances reflect the growing momentum toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

The CTBT is both a disarmament and a non-proliferation measure. By halting the development of advanced weapons and serving as a strong barrier against proliferation, it remains vital to global security. While the CTBT awaits full ratification, every effort must continue to ensure its entry into force. Until nuclear weapons are eliminated, the international day stands as a pow­erful reminder of the urgent need to end nuclear explosions and safeguard humanity.