New York-based youth members of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse The Trend, who participated in both the 3MSP and 2025 NPT PrepCom delegations, expressed a strong interest in continuing their activities. As a result, we have established a New York Chapter.

We deeply value the power of art as a tool of advocacy. As such, we are pleased to feature art pieces on the twin existential threats of nuclear weapons and climate change by children and young adults in Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, respectively. Through art retreats and contests organized by RTT Pacific Coordinator Maverick Peter Seda, as well as RTT advisers Ereti Tekabaia and Dr. Becky Alexis-Martin, young artists reflect on their heritage, share untold stories, and advocate for a world free from nuclear weapons. These community-based projects serve to amplify Pacific voices, build solidarity, and inform the world of the impact of nuclear weapons.

Youth Delegation to the 2026 NPT Review Conference

We will be organizing a youth delegation to the forthcoming NPT Review Conference. Our program will run from April 27 to May 8. Participants will meet with diplomats, attend meetings, collaborate with other groups on an international youth statement, and may also have the opportunity to speak at side events.

In October, NAPF and RTT attended the First Committee on International Peace and Security, where they monitored discussions on nuclear justice, provided coverage about side events for Reaching Critical Will, convened a side event on gender and nuclear weapons, and actively contributed to the UN Office for Disarmament’s Youth4Disarmament Forum.

Members of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse The Trend participated in the 2025 NPT Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Our youth delegation engaged with diplomats, delivered statements, and advocated for bold action on nuclear disarmament. Their presence ensured that youth voices are part of critical global conversations on peace and security.

The Third Meeting of States Parties took place in New York from 3 March to 7 March 2025 in New York under the presidency of H.E. Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin (Kazakhstan). The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and its youth initiative, RTT, delivered key statements at the plenary meetings and organized a series of events that included: youth empowerment, nuclear justice, and the relationship between gender and nuclear weapons. We deeply appreciate our funders who made this program possible.

“NYU is a universal key,” said the campus tour guide leading Yulianna Acuña and other prospective students around Washington Square four years ago. “Here, you unlock opportunities not just in New York City, but internationally across NYU’s vast global network,” the guide continued.

For Yulianna, this message hit home. “As the daughter of Costa Rican immigrants, the word international has always meant a lot to me. NYU is a school that encompasses international in every sense of the word,” she says.

“While I was a student at NYU, I got involved with the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse the Trend during the 2025 NPT PrepCom. As someone whose professional and academic experiences centered on global justice, peace efforts, and youth advocacy, I became interested in nuclear disarmament advocacy and chose to register for the 2025 Hiroshima-ICAN Academy webinars. After hearing from hibakusha, downwinders, scientists, and policy experts in these sessions, I applied to the Hiroshima session of the program which brings 20 individuals from nuclear- and non-nuclear-weapons states to Hiroshima for five days to foster a global dialogue and engage in deeper learning. I learned that I was accepted to the program and in October, boarded my flight to Hiroshima.”

On Speaking at the Second Meeting of States Parties

“A full circle moment for me today and an absolute honor and privilege to have been selected to speak on part of civil society representing Reverse The Trend and on youth engagement and nuclear disarmament at the United Nations' Second Meeting of States Parties. Thank you to my wonderful colleagues for the never ending support.

Middle school me probably wouldn’t have believed it, high school me would have been relieved that her efforts paid off, but currently I’m elated and in shock. Forever grateful for this!“

Opportunity to Attend the United Nations

“This past fall was my first time at the UN General Assembly. I cannot say what a great honor it was to be sitting in observance of this august body: a very different experience to seeing it on TV.

My thanks go to Reverse The Trend for providing me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have this experience.”

Nuclear abolition is the only way to eliminate nuclear risk

"Reflecting on Nuclear Ban Week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Second Meeting of State Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at UN headquarters in New York. It’s a true honor to serve as a youth representative for this significant cause.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Reverse The Trend for making this experience possible and amplifying youth voices at the table.”

Daiki Katsukawa, Soka University of America

“Through this experience, I’ve come to deeply understand the importance of collective approaches and the essential role of collaboration among those passionate about nuclear disarmament and advocacy. It’s a reminder that progress is only possible when we work together toward a shared vision.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse The Trend who made this opportunity possible.”

On Promoting Nuclear Justice at UNGA

“In Fall 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to work with NAPF and Reverse The Trend, where I covered the UN General Assembly's First Committee on International Peace and Security. It was a true honor to contribute to a resolution addressing the legacy of nuclear weapons, engage directly with diplomats, and uplift other young voices in the nuclear justice debate. I also had the incredible opportunity to work on advancing gender equality within this critical space. 

I am deeply grateful to NAPF and RTT for making this life-changing opportunity possible and for their unwavering support throughout. This experience has solidified my commitment to diplomacy and global justice.”

On Delivering Gender Statement at 3MSP

“I had the honor of delivering a civil society statement for the Gender Focal Point at the Third Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW, addressing how nuclear weapons have inflicted lasting harm on women—through radiation exposure, generational health consequences, and systemic marginalization. Too often, these voices have been ignored in the name of ‘security.’

As a young Costa Rican-American woman pursuing a career in diplomacy, international security, and disarmament, I felt it was crucial to emphasize one truth: women and young people aren't just 'tomorrow's leaders'—we are stepping up and speaking out today. I am deeply grateful to NAPF and RTT for giving me the platform to amplify these essential voices in disarmament forums where they have too often been overlooked. This opportunity has left me more inspired than ever to continue advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons!”

On Experience at 3MSP

“I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as a Youth Delegate for Reverse The Trend and Nuclear Age Peace Foundation at the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). It was inspiring to witness firsthand the global commitment to nuclear disarmament and to participate in key discussions shaping the future of a world free from nuclear weapons.

Attending plenary sessions and engaging in impactful side events deepened my understanding of the diverse strategies needed to advance this cause. One standout was Artists Against the Bomb, where panellists — including co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Ben Cohen, artist Pedro Reyes, and Mr. Eduardo Alcibiades Sanchez Kiesslich (Permanent Mission of Mexico) — discussed how media, pop culture, and art can mobilize public support and pressure governments to take action against nuclear weapons. The session, mediated by Melissa Parke, Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), emphasized the power of creative activism in shaping policy and public opinion.”

On Experience at 2025 NPT PrepCom

“As we reflect on 80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the responsibility falls to our generation to share survivors’ stories and raise awareness of nuclear weapons’ impact. It's critical that NPT States Parties reaffirm commitments to disarmament and nonproliferation.

Some meaningful moments included joining side events with the Nagasaki Youth Delegation, speaking with a U.S. representative, and watching plenary debates unfold. I’m deeply grateful for the inspiring individuals I met from across the world”

On Experience at 3MSP

“During the week of March 3rd to 7th, I had the opportunity to be at the United Nations Headquarters for the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)! A huge thank you to the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse The Trend for having me as part of the youth delegation.

A special highlight was getting to spend my 21st birthday, March 4th, at the UN—an amazing way to celebrate! From getting interviewed by a Japanese news station to hearing from diplomats and amazing global leaders and experts, each moment was eye-opening and inspiring. My favorite moments included hearing from the delegations of Kiribati and Kazakhstan and meeting 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner Masako Wada (Under-Secretary General of Nihon Hidankyo).

I’m beyond grateful to have had the chance to support the TPNW and its peacekeeping efforts. Thank you again to Christian Ciobanu and Yulianna Acuña for your incredible support. The TPNW and the work we've done over the past few months have deepened my passion for nuclear disarmament, and I’m excited to keep contributing to this important cause!”

On Role as Event Organizer and Head of Press and Media at 3MSP

”I am honored to have participated as a civil society delegate at the Third Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons!

Serving as an event organizer and head of press and media management for Reverse The Trend throughout the week was an invaluable experience. I had the privilege of engaging in dialogue with international parliamentarians, academics, community leaders, and youth, highlighting key efforts toward total disarmament. It was especially meaningful to reflect on the progress made since attending the first and second MSP and to witness the remarkable growth of this movement.

I was also grateful for the opportunity to speak on two panels, sharing insights on my work and background in disarmament efforts alongside distinguished leaders, civil society representatives, and renowned experts.”

On Experience at 2025 NPT PrepCom

“As part of this delegation, I attended plenary sessions where States Parties and civil society leaders debated the future of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Some highlights include collaborating with the Nagasaki Youth Delegation at a side event on new strategies for disarmament, engaging with representatives from the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) on the role of education in advancing this issue, and connecting with youth advocates, diplomats, and NGOs from across the globe who are deeply committed to peace.” 

On Youth Advocacy

“From completing graphic design and social media work to monitoring UNSC meetings and high-level international forums, this summer has been an incredible experience that has revealed the hands-on nature of disarmament work. Working with NAPF’s youth initiative, RTT, particularly its Canada chapter, I am grateful to have collaborated with and built lasting relationships with fellow youth in this field.”      

On Experience at 2025 NPT PrepCom

“During the third NPT PrepCom, I had the pleasure of attending general and thematic debates on a treaty widely recognized as the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament. Through Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse The Trend, I learned about the transnational effects of a nuclear detonation and the importance of nuclear justice. Moreover, I had the best time organizing and attending side events with fellow youth delegates that specifically addressed these timely issues and more”.   

On Experience at 2025 NPT PrepCom

“Over the past 2 weeks, I had the greatest experience being a part of the youth delegation for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and their youth initiative Reverse The Trend to the 2025 NPT PrepCom at the United Nations. I got to sit in on plenaries with States Parties and participate in side events discussing the importance of nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. It has been 80 years since the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and the responsibility is shifting to the next generation to tell the stories of survivors and stress the humanitarian and environmental effects of nuclear weapons. Nuclear war is a zero-sum game with disastrous consequences that will impact each and every one of us, no matter where you live or who you are. It is in the best interest of all of us and critical that States Parties to the NPT reaffirm their commitments to disarmament and nonproliferation.”            

On Youth Advocacy

“With Christian N. Ciobanu as my supervisor, my internship at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse The Trend was an eye-opening experience that further strengthened my commitment to promoting nuclear disarmament and peace. I conducted research on the humanitarian and environmental effects of nuclear weapons, supported policy-based research work, and contributed to international outreach activities. One of the watershed moments was the honor of presenting a speech at an 80th anniversary ceremony of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, during which I opened with a minute of silence for survivors and victims. In addition to refining my public speaking and strategic communication skills, this experience also filled me with a greater sense of responsibility to work toward a safer, nuclear-free world.”

On Youth Advocacy

“My internship with the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse the Trend gave me the chance to see how grassroots activism and high-level policy connect. From coordinating advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill to supporting youth dialogues in Southeast Asia, I learned how to translate research into action and amplify the voices of those most affected by nuclear weapons and climate threats. Working alongside international partners and young advocates, I left the experience with sharper policy skills and a deeper commitment to building bridges between communities for the shared goal of a safer and more just world.”