Overview

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) was established in 2007 as a global civil society coalition advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons. It brings together non-governmental organisations from multiple countries to advance nuclear disarmament through coordinated advocacy.The organisation’s philosophy centres on reframing nuclear weapons as a humanitarian, environmental, and ethical issue, rather than solely a security concern. ICAN gained international recognition in 2017 when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work on nuclear disarmament norms.

Mission and focus areas

ICAN’s primary mission is to abolish nuclear weapons and prevent their use by establishing binding international norms. Its work focuses on advancing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and encouraging state participation and implementation.The organisation operates at the intersection of humanitarian law, international security, and global risk reduction. While not a finance-focused body, ICAN’s work is relevant to sustainable finance and ESG integration by highlighting systemic risks associated with nuclear weapons, including catastrophic environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Structure and governance

ICAN functions as an international coalition with a central coordinating team and a broad network of partner organisations. Governance is supported by an International Steering Group, alongside designated leadership roles responsible for strategy, advocacy, and operations.The organisation works collaboratively with civil society partners, diplomats, academics, and international institutions. This decentralised structure enables coordinated global action while allowing regional partners to engage in national and multilateral policy processes.

Programs and offerings

ICAN produces policy research, briefing papers, and advocacy resources focused on nuclear disarmament and treaty implementation. It convenes events, conferences, and civil society forums, often alongside United Nations meetings and diplomatic negotiations.The organisation also delivers public education campaigns and analytical tools that document nuclear risks, legal obligations, and disarmament progress. These outputs support policymakers, researchers, and sustainability practitioners seeking to understand geopolitical and systemic risks relevant to long-term value creation and global stability.