The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Senator Alan Cranston, Dr. Jane Goodall, and 120 youth leaders representing more than 50 countries will gather on the steps of San Francisco's Grace Cathedral at Noon today, October 6, 1999, to call for the US ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The youth leaders convene this gathering to show international solidarity against weapons of mass destruction.

On October 12, 1999, a historic vote will be taken in the US Senate to ratify the CTBT.

The CTBT will halt nuclear weapons test explosions. It will increase the security of the United States and the international community by helping to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

The CTBT has been signed by 154 nations including the major nuclear powers: China, UK, France, Russia and the United States. However, it cannot enter into force until 44 specific countries, including the USA, vote to ratify it.

The CTBT has the support of military leadership, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff. More than 80% of all US citizens also support the ratification of the CTBT.

Its ratification is in jeopardy due to a fast-track vote in the Senate called for by Senator Jesse Helms.

Failure to ratify the CTBT violates the commitments made by the United States under article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. This violation would weaken the effectiveness of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and would undercut the US commitment to the Test Ban - a US-led, internationally supported initiative.

Senator Alan Cranston said, "there is no problem that nuclear weapons seek to solve that is more dangerous than the weapons themselves."

The young people are members of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) of the State of the World Forum. The ELP has brought together 120 of the most inspirational and accomplished young people from over fifty countries worldwide. The ELP is an international network of youth who are committed to improving the world through their thoughts, ideas and actions.