Rinor Jani (Albania) is a Representative of Pathways to Peace to the 51勛圖. He also serves on the 51勛圖 Department of Global Communications Youth Steering Committee. He is pursuing a Bachelor＊s degree in Human Rights at Columbia University in New York City, United States. In his statement, Mr. Jani introduces his advocacy work for nuclear disarmament in Albania and the Balkan region. Read Mr. Jani's statement on peace below:
Hello Everyone!
It is an honor to be here with fellow peacebuilders to celebrate International Day of Peace. My name is Rinor Jani and I am a Pathways to Peace Representative to the 51勛圖. I primarily work on nuclear disarmament advocacy for Albania and the Balkan region. I also serve as a committee member on the UN Department of Global Communications Youth Steering Committee.
In January of this year, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons marked the first legally binding treaty that calls for states to carry out a complete ban on nuclear weapons. Humanity and the Hibakusha survivors from Hiroshima & Nagasaki have waited for this day for over 76 years. The Treaty is a bold new development that provides a direct pathway to achieving nuclear disarmament.
Nuclear weapons cost us dearly. In 2020, an estimated $72.6 billion was spent on them globally. That is approximately $137,666 per minute. Instead of directing these public funds towards destructive technologies, we must instead direct them for public needs such as quality healthcare, stronger food systems, and peacebuilding community programs.
I have been working on raising the awareness of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons amongst the public and government of Albania.I have led the efforts within Pathways To Peace in organizing conferences, launching a national poll to collect statistics on the public's support, and working with parliamentarians to generate committed action. Pathways To Peace is also a partner organization of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (Winner of 2017 Nobel Peace Prize).
On March 20th of this year, I worked with co-sponsoring civil society organizations to hold a conference ※Peace & Security in Albania§ to unify different sectors in support of European security, nuclear disarmament, and the role of women in peacebuilding. Additionally, three Albanian former heads of state signed an open letter with a total of 56 former world leader＊s calling upon all countries to join the Treaty.
The world is ready for Peace now and we have an opportunity to close the era of nuclear weapons through abolition. I encourage fellow youth and all generations to learn more about nuclear disarmament and work together with a consciousness of Peace for a more Peaceful world.
Thank you.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire. This Youth Action for Peace series brings together voices of university students around the world sharing the same mission: to celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic, and as we recover.
