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The movement known as Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs brings together experienced figures from the worlds of science and public affairs to assess the dangers posed to humanity by weapons of mass destruction. The movement draws its inspiration from the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, released on 9 July 1955. Drafted by Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein, and signed by prominent scientists including Max Born and Joseph Rotblat, the manifesto urged leaders of the world to “think in a new way”: to renounce nuclear weapons, to “remember their humanity,” and to find peaceful means for the settlement of all disputes. This led to the first conference in July 1957 at Thinkers’ Lodge in the village of Pugwash, Nova Scotia, hosted by Canadian philanthropist Cyrus Eaton. Twenty-two eminent scientists from across the Cold War divide (including the US, USSR, UK, Japan, and China) attended. Pugwash’s influence has always been rooted in its reputation for scientific integrity and lack of bias. Pugwash working groups critically contributed to the Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963), the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968), and the Chemical Weapons Convention (1993). In recognition of these efforts, Pugwash and its co-founder, Joseph Rotblat, were jointly awarded the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize.
At Pugwash Iraq, our enduring mission is to bring scientific insight and reason to bear on the catastrophic threats facing humanity. We advocate for the strict control of conventional weaponry and champion a Middle East Free of Weapons of Mass Destruction to eliminate armed conflict in our region. Because the landscape of risk is constantly evolving, we actively confront the destabilizing dangers of emerging technologies like cyber warfare and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, we seek scientific, equitable solutions to intersecting crises—such as climate change and resource scarcity—that often fuel resentment and violence. Through all these efforts, we champion the ethical responsibility of scientists, ensuring their innovations serve the betterment of humankind rather than contributing to its destruction.
These objectives are pursued through impartial debate, collaborative analysis, specialized workshops, and working groups. Proposals are communicated to decision-makers and the public through reports, open letters, and the personal interactions of Pugwash participants with political leaders.
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