Mayors for Peace: Jena Shows Its Support for Peace

Wars, climate change, and a global threat to democracies: Against this backdrop, Mayors for Peace Flag Day will take place on July 8. This year, once again, the city of Jena, together with around 600 other cities in Germany, is sending a clear message against war and in favor of a peaceful world without nuclear weapons by raising the Mayors for Peace flag at City Hall. 

According to the latest annual report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the global stockpile of nuclear warheads has fallen to an estimated 12,121. At the same time, the number of warheads kept on high alert has risen to around 2,100. Nine countries possess nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia possess the largest number of weapons ready for immediate use. China continues to expand its nuclear arsenal at a rapid pace. SIPRI also observes efforts to modernize existing arsenals in all nuclear-weapon states.

Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is also accompanied by an erosion of international arms control agreements. Russia has suspended its participation in the New START Treaty, which regulates the limitation of strategic nuclear weapons between the United States and Russia. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is also coming under increasing pressure.

“Peace cannot be taken for granted. Especially in times of armed conflict and growing international tensions, it is important for cities to take a stand as well. By raising the Mayors for Peace flag, the city of Jena reaffirms its commitment to peace, dialogue, and international understanding. As a member of the Mayors for Peace network, we support the shared goal of a world without nuclear weapons and remind everyone that lasting security can only be achieved through cooperation and disarmament,” emphasizes Mayor Thomas Nitzsche.

What Is Flag Day?

On Flag Day, Mayors for Peace commemorate an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague on July 8, 1996. The Court ruled that the threat or use of nuclear weapons generally violates international law. Furthermore, the Court determined that there is an obligation under international law “to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control.” 

Who Are Mayors for Peace?

The organization Mayors for Peace was founded in 1982 by the mayor of Hiroshima. The global network is primarily committed to the abolition of nuclear weapons, but also addresses current issues to discuss ways to promote peaceful coexistence. More than 8,390 cities in 166 countries belong to the network, including 895 cities in Germany. Around 600 cities in Germany are participating in this year’s Flag Day.