A world without nuclear weapons: Senzatomica

A world without nuclear weapons: Senzatomica

A thought-provoking exhibition examines the catastrophic effects of nuclear weaponry.

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Fri 31 Jan 2025 3:53 PM

Until March 23, the Refectory of the Santa Maria Novella complex becomes home to an exhibition that fights against nuclear weapons. Senzatomica immerses viewers in some of the deadliest horrors using virtual reality with heartbreaking accounts, elaborating on the role of scientists in efforts to effect change. We speak to the organizers to find out more.

Senzatomica ph. Irene Cappelli
ph. Irene Cappelli

What does Senzatomica communicate?

Senzatomica’s commitment stems from the belief that to overcome the era of nuclear weapons, it’s essential not only to fight against nuclear weapons themselves, but above all against the way of thinking that justifies their existence. Promoted by the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai, the campaign is the result of the commitment of young people who have dedicated themselves to nuclear disarmament since 2011…In pursuing this goal, Senzatomica promotes a profound reflection on the feasibility of a world without nuclear weapons.

Senzatomica ph. Irene Cappelli
ph. Irene Cappelli

What is the current relevance of the exhibition?

In today’s society, in which a sense of impotence reigns in people’s hearts, the exhibition transmits hope, starting from a vision of the world that is different from the one we are used to. The exhibition starts from the assumption that nuclear weapons are at the top of a pyramid of violence that reigns in our society, at the base of which are the conflicts in our daily lives. Our challenge is to rise above violence and indifference to stop the arms race and eliminate these weapons, the most fearsome that exist. In light of ongoing global conflicts, taking these steps is urgent if we are to avoid endangering our future. Such actions could in fact constitute significant progress towards building a global society of peace.

In recognition of its role in the approval of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons received the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. Have there been any subsequent developments or consequences?

On July 7, 2017, international civil society and the majority of the world’s states made history at the United Nations with the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). It was the long-awaited outcome of a decade-long global push to finally and categorically ban nuclear weapons in international law. Since that day a lot has happened: the treaty entered into force in 2021 and has continued to grow in terms of Member States, the work to implement it has begun in earnest with two successful Conferences of States Parties and a robust implementation process between meetings. The TPNW now has the support of half the world’s states, representing over 2.5 billion people. It is a concrete solution, calling governments, elected representatives, international organizations, civil society, the financial sector and affected communities to action. In recent years, the number of investors in nuclear weapons has significantly declined. More and more financial institutions recognize that supporting the nuclear weapons industry carries legal and reputational risks, with over $4 trillion in assets now supporting the treaty. Beyond the financial impacts, the TPNW has led to a more united and determined global community. Through initiatives such as the Italian mobilization “Italia, ripensaci”, promoted by Senzatomica and Rete Italiana Pace e Disarmo, we continue to build awareness and pressure for change. 

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