The Elders Foundation

Without the New START treaty nuclear risks become a lot less predictable. Russia and the U.S. must negotiate a new long-term agreement to maintain limits on their nuclear weapons and prevent a dangerous arms race.

Today, the New START treaty expires, leaving no limits on U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons. This is a dangerous moment. Washington and Moscow should urgently extend or replace New START and restore arms control.

While global crises go underfunded, record sums are being spent on nuclear weapons that must never be used. Yet, public pressure has succeeded in reducing stockpiles before. It can again, if we act together. Member of The Elders, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein outlines how collectively we can tackle rising nuclear risks.

We are mere months away from a world without restrictions on the world's largest nuclear arsenals. Together, we can push leaders towards dialogue and restraint. Member of The Elders, Helen Clark, explains why arms control treaties are more than just pieces of paper and why we must collectively push leaders to maintain these vital safeguards.

The risk of a nuclear conflict is greater than at any point since the height of the Cold War. As those who’ve led nations and dealt with crises at the highest level, The Elders understand how fragile this moment is. Yet, a nuclear-armed world is not inevitable: nuclear weapons are a human-made threat with a human-made solution. Together, we can build a safer future. #OneFuture: Beyond nuclear weapons

“We can accept a world in which power decides what is permitted, or we can stand up for a world in which the same rules apply to everyone.” From illegal wars to rising nuclear threats, the thread that connects many global risks is the marginalisation of international of law. The Elders’ message at the UNGA is clear: leaders must defend the rules that protect humanity and uphold the UN’s founding principles.