The Project for Nuclear Awareness congratulates President Obama on winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his work on international diplomacy and cooperation. The Nobel Peace Prize Committee specifically mentioned President Obama’s vision for a world without nuclear weapons as one of the cornerstones of his nomination and award.

While some said the award was premature, the Nobel Committee and the President in his acceptance noted that the prize has been awarded as a call to action, to push forward the winner’s peace-minded agenda, and encourage other world leaders to follow in his or her footsteps.

Obama’s acceptance speech was humble. He said he did not deserve to be in the company of other Nobel Peace Prize winners, and that this award was in the spirit of all people who want to live in a more secure and peaceful world, a world without nuclear weapons, a world not drastically altered by climate change, a peaceful solution in the Middle East, and a respect for human dignity and rights everywhere.

World leaders responded with mixed emotions, many people did, but there were many positive notes from former Nobel Prize winners. Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA who won in 2005, said “I cannot think of anyone today more deserving of this honor.  In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself.” (NY Times).

Desmond Tutu said: “It’s an award coming near the beginning of the first term of office of a relatively young president that anticipates an even greater contribution toward making our world a safer place for all. It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama’s message of hope.”

While Obama’s vision of a more peaceful world is certainly deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize, this year’s Prize has awarded promise and vision of what is to come.

With over 23,000 nuclear weapons still existing in the world, Obama should use his award status to encourage even more countries to move towards disarmament, nonproliferation, and peace. In the next few years, there will be no less than three major nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation treaties to move through the Senate. Obama still faces the Iranian threat, despite recent positive movement. India, Pakistan and Israel should sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and allow inspections and safeguards, so we can begin to assure against accidental launch, theft of materials or information, and safety of nearby communities.

Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize must now become a call to action. The driving force behind his ideas can turn rhetoric into concrete change. Nobel Peace Prize winners are often visionaries, but at the heart of the matter, they are awarded and recognized for their leadership in the direction of their dreams, not simply the dreams themselves.

The Project for Nuclear Awareness is one of the NGOs motivating change towards a world without nuclear weapons. One of our innovative programs is our International Youth Dialogue on October 26^th and 27^th, connecting students from Russia, Mexico, and the United States in a global dialogue for disarmament and peace. Check out the press release here!