Nobel Laureate Jody Williams was a keynote speaker on nuclear disarmament at an annual gathering of civil society convened by the United Nations, held this year in Mexico City. In her speech to over 500 international policy-makers and non-government representatives, Williams called upon civil society to look beyond their differences and “work together” to bring about the abolition of nuclear arms.

“I was part of the ‘duck and cover’ generation in the US,” said Williams. “We were taught at school how to duck under our desks in case of nuclear war. It is not only ludicrous to think that you can protect yourself from nuclear weapons by getting under your desk—it is outrageous to think that any child, anywhere, should have to worry about dying because of nuclear weapons. We can make this craziness stop.”

William’s remarks—which earned the only standing ovation of the opening plenary—followed a speech by UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon. He renewed a call for support of his five-point plan for nuclear disarmament, first unveiled last October. In her remarks, Williams endorsed the Secretary General’s plan. She noted that while it may seem ambitious, no one 15 years ago thought the banning of landmines was possible—and yet there is now a successful international landmines treaty in place.

To read Jody Williams’ full speech, click here.