Examining the Relationship between the TPNW and the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons
On March 6, we convened a special event at New York University with the NYU's International Relations Society, Japanese Cultural Association, and Latinos Unidos Con Honor y Amistad. The event featured: Director General Arman Baissuanov of Kazakhstan; H.E. Ambassador Alexander Kmentt of Austria; H.E. Ambassador Elayne Whyte Gómez, the President of the 2017 Negotiating Conference on the TPNW; Yayoi Tsuchida, Assistant General Secretary of Gensuikyo; Masako Wada, Assistant General Secretary of Nihon Hidankyo, the 2024 Nobel Prize Winner; Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Messengers; Taraem Taukaro of Kiribati; Maverick Peter Seda, RTT Pacific Coordinator; Asuka Oka, RTT Japan’s coordinator; and Kenneth Chiu, the Communications and Media Coordinator at NAPF.
Showing of Silent Fallout and Panel Discussion at Columbia University
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) and Reverse the Trend (RTT) hosted a powerful film screening of Silent Fallout, directed by Japanese filmmaker Hideaki Ito, at Columbia University. The film, narrated by Alec Baldwin, aimed to raise awareness about radiation poisoning and nuclear contamination in the U.S. and globally. Following the screening, Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, and engaged in a Q&A with audience members. Dr. Ivana Hughes of NAPF moderated the panel, which delved into the human cost of nuclear testing and emphasized the critical need for nuclear justice. The event aimed to shed light on the far-reaching impacts of nuclear testing, focusing on the exposure of U.S. communities to fallout from American nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the Southwest U.S.
Gender and Nuclear Weapons
On March 6, 2025, Kiribati, Mexico, NAPF, RTT, and the Simons Foundation Canada co-convened an event focusing on how gender intersects with the impact of nuclear weapons. The discussion raised awareness about the disproportionate effects of nuclear weapons on women and girls. The event also addressed Kiribati's role as Co-Chair of the Informal Working Group on Articles 6 and 7 and Mexico's role as the TPNW Gender Focal Point. The event featured Dr. Ivana Hughes of NAPF; Rooj Ali, RTT’s Canada Coordinator; Senator Marilou McPhedran of Manitoba; and Dr. Jennifer Simons, Founder and President of the Simons Foundation Canada, who delivered the keynote presentation. Oemwa Johnson, a youth delegate of Kiribati; and Sylvia Paola Mendoza, Economic and Social Affairs Coordinator of Mexico served as additional speakers. Stella Dean Rose, a former NAPF intern and youth advisor, moderated the discussion.
On March 7, 2025, NAPF, RTT South and Southeast Asia, and Youth for TPNW hosted a side event focused on the psychological and long-term effects of nuclear weapons, particularly on vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The event fostered dialogue and cooperation to create pathways for justice and reconciliation within the ASEAN region.
Given the growing proliferation of nuclear weapons near the ASEAN region—including countries such as India, Pakistan, China, and North Korea—the event highlighted ASEAN as a model for non-proliferation efforts and emphasized its importance in advancing nuclear disarmament.
Lasting Physical and Psychological Effects of Nuclear Weapons
The Power of Art as a Form of Nuclear Justice
Reception
This brief yet poignant art exhibition aims to center the difficult realities of many youth in the Asia Pacific region and Kazakhstan, as a result of the use and testing of nuclear weapons throughout the 20th century. This exhibit draws attention to the intergenerational effects of nuclear weapons on populations across the globe and art’s unique ability to empower youth voices and construct a deeper sense of international kinship. It also features a series of paintings that are part of Wakana Yamaguchiʼs exhibition “Two Suns.” Yamguchi’s paintings are focused on the Japanese fishing boats that were exposed to US nuclear testing on Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands.
On March 4, 2025, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) and Reverse the Trend (RTT) hosted a special art reception entitled From the Pacific to the Steppes: Solidarity, Reconciliation, and Nuclear Justice at the Church Center in New York. This impactful event brought together speakers and advocates from various regions affected by nuclear testing to share their personal stories and efforts toward nuclear justice. Speakers included: Christian N. Ciobanu, the Policy and Advocacy Director of NAPF and RTT Project Coordinator; H.E. Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin, Chair of the 3MSP and Deputy Minister of Kazakhstan; Karipbek Kuyukov, the honorary ambassador of the ATOM Project who also experienced the tragic impact of Soviet testing in Kazakhstan. Keita Takagaki, a youth representative of ICRC Japan; Setsuko Shimomoto, whose family was exposed to fallout; and Ereti Tekabwaia the Principal Officer of the Line and Phoneix Islands of Kiribati.
Youth Perspectives on the 3MSP
During the 3MSP, our amazing youth participants shared their expectations and perspectives about the meeting. Check out their recordings below.
Stella and Ibraheem, two former NAPF interns and RTT activists, discuss their expectations for the 3MSP.
Jonathan , a participant from Cornell University, shares his views about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the 3MSP.
Representatives of RTT Canada (Linda, Rooj, Naya, and Sarah) share their thoughts about the 3MSP.
Izzah, a participant from Malaysia, presents her views about the TPNW and the 3MSP.
YOUTH TESTIMONIALS
“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!
I also moderated our event at New York University on the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons. Bringing together Ambassador Alexander Kmentt of Austria (President of the 1MSP), Ambassador Elayne Whyte of Costa Rica (President of the 2017 Negotiation Conference), 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Masako Wada, (Secretary General of Nihon Hidankyo), and Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Messengers, who reinforced why youth involvement in this movement is critical. Seeing everyone engage deeply with these powerful voices reminded me that we are not just the next generation of leaders—we are leading now.”
- Yulianna Acuna, New York University
“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!”
- Julia da Silva Roberto, NYU
”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.”
- Rooj Ali, University of Toronto and RTT Canada Coordinator (need permission)
“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), emphasised the power of creative activism in shaping policy and public opinion.
Another crucial conversation took place at the Gender and Nuclear Weapons side event, featuring an insightful panel including Rooj Ali (RTT Canada Coordinator), Dr Jennifer Simons (The Simons Foundation Canada), H.E. Ambassador Alicia Buenrostro (Permanent Mission of Mexico), Dr Ivana Nikolic Hughes (NAPF President), and Senator Marilou McPhedran. Moderated by Stella Rose, the discussion highlighted the disproportionate impact of nuclear testing on women in affected communities and the historic exclusion of women from nuclear policy-making — an erasure that must be addressed to achieve a truly equitable and effective disarmament movement.”
- Zein Blanks, New York University