By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN head Antonio Guterres on Friday has named an independent scientific panel of 21 experts to examine the physical and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades after such an event.
UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said in New York that the creation of the panel, mandated by a General Assembly resolution, came at a time when nuclear guardrails are being eroded and “the risk of nuclear war is higher than at any point since the depths of the Cold War”.
The panelists will seek input from a wide range of stakeholders including international and regional organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, civil society and affected communities, Mr. Haq noted.
He added that members will hold their first meeting in September and will submit a final report to the General Assembly in 2027.
