In a commemorative year marking the 80 years since the founding of the United Nations, SGI actively followed and engaged with the eightieth session of the UN General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security, held from 8 October to 6 November 2025 in New York City. This year’s session took place against a backdrop of profound global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and growing concerns about the erosion of trust in multilateral institutions. Yet, it also revealed important opportunities for advancing humanitarian disarmament and strengthening inclusive global cooperation.

SGI’s participation spanned a range of activities, beginning with the Humanitarian Disarmament Forum (HDF), the annual gathering of the global humanitarian disarmament community. The Forum served as a space for strategic planning, shared reflection and solidarity among organizations working for people-centered disarmament. It also helped to strengthen existing partnerships and build new connections. The closing reflections also highlighted the essential role of inclusive participation, with one participant emphasizing the importance of increased involvement of faith-based organizations, an encouragement that deeply resonates with SGI’s mission and values.

Throughout the First Committee, SGI collaborated closely with partner campaigns, including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and the Stop Killer Robots (SKR) campaign. SGI also endorsed joint civil society statements on disability rights, gender and intersectionality, humanitarian disarmament, environmental protection in armed conflict, youth participation and emerging technologies.

The First Committee session offered a clearer view of where states currently stand on nuclear and emerging technology issues. Regarding the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), 2025 did not bring major shifts, though there were some positive developments; some governments voted in favor of the TPNW for the first time, and others that had shown inconsistent support in the past also supported the resolution. Although the broad increase in support many had hoped for did not materialize, there were also no unexpected movements toward opposition, which is significant in itself. On the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons (HCNW) resolution, there were meaningful signs of progress, with countries shifting from abstaining to voting in favor. These are small but important indicators that humanitarian perspectives continue to gain recognition.

One of the most notable developments this year was the outcome of the vote on Resolution L.41 on Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS). The resolution received 156 votes in favor, with five against and eight abstentions. Although this represents a slight decline from last year’s total, the shifts behind the numbers reveal an encouraging trend. Several states moved from previously not voting to voting in favor, while others shifted from abstaining to supporting the resolution. The number of co-sponsors also increased from 26 to 31, signaling growing leadership and political commitment to addressing the urgent risks posed by autonomous weapons.

Despite concerns raised during consultations about references to “future negotiations,” many states that had expressed reservations ultimately chose to support the paragraph encouraging negotiations. Their votes indicate that, even with differing views on the process, there is a growing recognition that international regulation of autonomous weapons is both necessary and pressing.

These developments arrive at a critical moment. With the CCW Annual Meeting of High Contracting Parties approaching, there is an immediate opportunity to encourage states to support the Working Paper led by Brazil, which calls for beginning negotiations based on the rolling text. The SKR coalition has emphasized the importance of this moment, and SGI will continue to contribute to this collective effort.

Across all discussions, the First Committee reaffirmed not only the importance of open dialogue but also the need to ensure that civil society continues to have space to participate meaningfully in multilateral processes. This is especially vital at a time when the United Nations and multilateralism face growing challenges, and when civic space in many regions of the world is shrinking. SGI’s engagement, through advocacy, partnership and dialogue, seeks to help restore trust in these institutions and reaffirm the irreplaceable role they can play in advancing peace and human security.

Guided by its Buddhist philosophy, SGI emphasizes the intrinsic dignity of life and the belief that every individual has a role to play in creating a more peaceful world. In an era marked by division, polarization and normalized violence, this humanistic vision offers a much needed reminder of our shared responsibility and interconnectedness. By amplifying humanitarian values, supporting inclusive education and promoting practical steps toward disarmament, SGI contributes to sustaining the ethical foundation required for genuine and lasting progress.

As the 2026 Review Conferences of both the NPT and the TPNW are approaching, SGI will continue to foster friendships, strengthen dialogue and elevate the voices of youth and marginalized communities. SGI’s sustained participation in international disarmament forums remains vital for monitoring developments, supporting collective action and advocating for a future free from nuclear weapons and other inhumane technologies.

Through these efforts, SGI reaffirms its commitment to advancing a peaceful, just and secure world—one grounded in the dignity of life and built through the shared efforts of people and nations working together.