Achievements of the International Anti-Nuclear Movement “Nevada–Semey”

This year marks the 37th anniversary of the International Anti-Nuclear Movement “Nevada–Semey.” Activists and guests of the round table analyzed the activities of the anti-nuclear movement in Kazakhstan and worldwide over more than thirty years, identified key stages of its development, and developed future plans.

Conference participants emphasized the significant role of the “Nevada–Semey” Movement — the first public organization in Kazakhstan — in the struggle for peace. It is recognized as one of the most authoritative and effective peace movements in the world. By decision of UNESCO, in recognition of its services to humanity, its activities were included in the “Memory of the World” Register.

For the first time in world practice, the Movement applied a new model — the interaction of people’s diplomacy and parliamentary diplomacy — taking a real step toward universal disarmament by stopping nuclear tests at the world’s largest testing sites. 

The Movement is ready to give new momentum to its activities through parliamentarians of nuclear-armed states, promoting the construction of a nuclear-free world and strengthening principles of mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of universal disarmament.

Preventing the nuclear threat remains on the global agenda, as some countries continue to seek possession of nuclear weapons. Through its activities, the Movement contributes to the elimination and complete rejection of nuclear, biological, chemical, and other weapons of mass destruction, and to shaping public opinion against further development and improvement of such weapons.    

Given the current global arms race, it is too early to stop; the struggle continues. Understanding that achieving these goals under new conditions requires long-term efforts, the Movement’s veterans are preparing a worthy new generation of young supporters.

At this new historical stage, the Movement considers its main priority to involve the youth of Kazakhstan and the entire world in the struggle for peace — a world free from violence and threats — thus giving new powerful momentum to the global nuclear-free movement.

Senior Lecturer

UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Development

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Gulzhanat  Tanabekova