About Pugwash

A world free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and of war

The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs constitute an independent, international community of scientists, scholars, experts, and current and former policymakers from across regions and continents. United by a shared commitment to humanity’s survival and well-being, the Pugwash community seeks to reduce and eliminate those risks by advancing rational, evidence-based dialogue and cooperation.

Read the Pugwash Charter

Pugwash and its founder, Sir Joseph Rotblat, were jointly awarded the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize “for their efforts to diminish the part played by nuclear arms in international politics and, in the longer run, to eliminate such arms”.

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Pugwash History

Since 1957, Pugwash has addressed challenges at the intersection of science and international security through conferences, meetings, and publications.

It convenes scientists, scholars, and public policy specialists in their personal capacities for solution-oriented dialogue across political, geographical, and disciplinary divides. Participation is open to all who share Pugwash’s values, with no formal membership. Pugwash prioritizes impartiality and maintains independence from any political, religious or business interference.

Pugwash values and principles are rooted in the Russell–Einstein Manifesto (1955) and its enduring warning that humanity must choose between ending war and ending civilisation. From this recognition of existential risk flow the following core values:

Humanity

Humanity is the ultimate moral reference guiding Pugwash’s work. It affirms the shared fate of humankind and prioritizes the survival, dignity, and well-being of present and future generations in all considerations related to peace and security.

Responsibility

States, scientists, and other holders of knowledge and power bear a collective responsibility and inescapable accountability to ensure that scientific and technological developments serve humanity and do not cause harm or destruction. This responsibility includes the prevention of war and the elimination of weapons and practices that pose existential risks, in particular nuclear weapons.

Rationality

Decisions and actions in matters of peace and security must be grounded in scientific evidence, reasoned judgment, and careful consideration of consequences.

Cooperative security

In the nuclear age, lasting security cannot be achieved unilaterally at the expense of others’ security. The rejection of war and violence as instruments of policy and the promotion of peaceful resolution of conflicts through open-minded, respectful dialogue and cooperation aimed at reducing risks, building trust and confidence, and developing shared solutions to global security challenges.