Berkley Center

This virtual conference sponsored by the International Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) brought together thought-leaders, policymakers, and experts – from the United Nations, other domestic and international governmental agencies, think tanks, NGOs, and academia – for a comprehensive examination of this still grave but often overlooked subject. The program included panels on the present facts and policies about nuclear weapons, international law, including present and proposed treaties, the role of the United Nations and other organizations, and how to both increase public awareness of the continued threat of nuclear weapon and create new, more stable international norms of conduct and policy. The conference included major keynotes from the ranking United Nations official on disarmament, Hon. Izumi Nakamitsu, and the ranking State Department official on non-proliferation, Hon. Dr. Christopher Ashley Ford.

Senior Fellow Rev. Drew Christiansen, S.J., participated on the concluding panel of the conference, titled "Approaches for Advancing the Rule of Law and Morality as Concerns Nuclear Weapons." This panel addressed approaches for advancing the rule of law and morality as concerns nuclear weapons. It also included considerations as to litigation, defense of protesters, shareholders litigation, shareholders resolutions, FOIA requests, civic advocacy, universal jurisdiction, election of proactive prosecutors, civil engagement, the work of major faith groups, and other approaches.

This event was hosted by the International Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and co-sponsored by Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs; Fordham Law School Center on National Security; American Bar Association, International Law Section; New York City Bar Association, Committees on International Law, Military and Veteran Affairs, Nuclear Policy and the United Nations; Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice; New York County Lawyers Association, Committee on Foreign & International Law; Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy; and the Global Security Institute.

View the online archive, event video, and conference report on the New York State Bar Association's website.