A Message from NGOCDPS President Bruce Knotts

Dear Friends,

At this point in history, the world needs the UN NGO community to
raise our voices as one, demanding global disarmament and an end
to the big business of weapons trade between nations.

The Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security has pledged to
provide NGOs and the public with forums and information to help
clarify the issues and strategize solutions. And we need your help.

Nuclear powers are modernizing their arsenals, triggering concerns of a 21
st
century nuclear
arms race. Security experts, including the National Research Council and the U.S. military, warn
that climate change poses severe risks to peace and security that might well result in disruptive
movements of populations and conflict over increasingly scarce resources.

Meanwhile, the UN and civil society are trying to wrap their arms around new challenges like
drones, killer robots, and the horrific specter of biological weapons.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PEACE
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Our committees educational work is more crucial than ever, and we have completed the first
phase of our revitalization efforts over the past year, launching new programming, publications
and internships.

PROGRAMS Under the expert guidance of our program chair, Guy Quinlan, we have
dramatically improved our programming, with plans for very exciting programs over the
coming year. Future planned program topics include
- the protection of civilians in conflict areas
- developing international law on drones/autonomous weapons systems ("killer robots")
- the impact of advanced conventional weapons (e.g. missile defense and supersonic
precision missiles) on the prospects for nuclear disarmament

This week, we are co-sponsoring an NGO panel on disarmament and sustainability. In
October we host an event to honor Randy Rydell, long-time senior political affairs officer in
the Office of the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, who will speak to the key role
NGOS must play in furthering nuclear disarmament.

PUBLICATIONS Our new email/online edition (Disarmament Times E-News) and print
edition (Disarmament Times) are up and running with two new editors. The content has
been well received and is varied, interesting and engaging. And were just getting started.

INTERNSHIPS Were recruiting new interns under the guidance of intern coordinator and
former NGOCDPS President Hiro Sakurai to support our program and publication efforts,
cover/participate in UN events, and update our long neglected website.

We are just starting to realize the rewards of our changing paradigm, which has injected new
energy and passion into our work. Now certainly isn't the time to cut back on educational efforts
highlighting global disarmament, peace and security. But we need your support to continue.

The NGOCDPS must raise $7,000 over the next six months to keep our programs going.

The situation is serious and we are asking for your financial support. In order to continue, we
need for our NGO members and readership to support us through direct donations and (NGO)
membership dues.

OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON GLOBAL DISARMAMENT, PEACE and SECURITY
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In the spirit of forming new partnerships and welcoming new voices to the committee, we also
ask for your help with our committee recruitment efforts.

Enjoy this wonderful issue of the Disarmament Times. We invite you to attend our Fall Programs
and thank you for supporting the vital work of this committee with your generous contributions.

In Peace,
Bruce Knotts
President, NGOCDPS