As the world approaches 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) along with organisations across the peace, labour, climate and economic justice movements issued a joint statement calling on governments and international institutions to prioritise nuclear disarmament and climate action amidst rising global instability in the face of the climate crisis.
The declaration points to a growing existential threat from a “billionaire coup” undermining democratic institutions, fuelling militarism and accelerating inequality.
Agnes Appiah-Hall, 350.org Global Campaigns and Organising Director, said: “Eighty years on from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The accelerating climate crisis, the rise of global conflicts, and the kidnapping of democracy by billionaires and fossil fuels lobbyists all feed into a dangerous path backwards.
“Instead of investment into our collective futures we’re seeing global defence budgets ballooning, fossil fuel subsidies rising, and democratic space shrinking. War, inequality, and environmental collapse are driven by the same system, and thus require bold, systemic action.
“The just transition to renewable energy is not just about emissions – it’s about freedom, dignity, and peace. This September we’re drawing the line against polluters, billionaires, and repression, and demanding a world that protects people and the planet, where those fueling these crises face accountability.”
The ITUC and allies call for:
- Universal ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and full-scale nuclear disarmament.
- Adoption of progressive and coordinated global tax reforms, including a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
- Implementation of living wages and decent work for all, with strong labour rights and support for union organising and collective bargaining.
- Reduction in global military expenditures, to redirect funds towards public services, social protection and climate action.
- Creation of a United Nations Fair Conversion mechanism to support countries shifting from military-based economies to sustainable industries.
- Universal expansion of social protection systems, especially for marginalised groups such as women, migrant workers and those in informal work.
- Integration of disarmament and sustainability into national climate plans, ensuring military industries are part of emissions reduction strategies.