Event Report - December Conference on Nuclear Disarmament
Report
By Josuna Kinsey and Rebecca Locker
The Conference on Nuclear Disarmament, chaired by Daiki Katsukawa of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Reverse the Trend (RTT), brought together a diverse group of experts, advocates, and youth leaders to discuss pressing issues surrounding nuclear disarmament. Held on December 4, 2024, the event aimed to amplify the voices of affected communities, advocate for policy changes, and inspire action among younger generations. The sponsors were the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, Reverse The Trend, Global Campaign for PEACEducation, Youth for TPNW, Japan Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and Katawara.
The speakers were: Christian N. Ciobanu, Director of Policy and Advocacy and RTT Coordinator; Josuna Kinsey, an NAPF/RTT Intern, who read the statement on behalf of Mayors for Peace; Dr. Keiko Nakamura of RECNA at the University of Nagasaki; Keita Takagaki, a third-generation Hibakusha; Keunwoo Lee, representing the Korean Hibakusha; Ereti Tekabaia, an RTT Pacific Adviser; and Rooj Ali and Sarah Rohleder of RTT Canada.
The conference commenced with opening remarks by Christian N. Ciobanu of NAPF/RTT who emphasized the importance of fostering a nuclear taboo and addressing growing global threats to disarmament norms. The Mayors for Peace Secretariat’s message, delivered by Josuna Kinsey, underscored the collaborative global efforts required for nuclear disarmament.
Dr. Keiko Nakamura of RENCA highlighted the significance of youth engagement in nuclear disarmament, tracing the historical and moral deterrents that have shaped the nuclear taboo. This taboo is now under threat due to shifts in political rhetoric and policies, particularly in nuclear umbrella states, such as Japan.
The voices of Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) were central to the discussions:
Keita Takagaki, a third-generation Hibakusha, shared his experiences and ongoing efforts to bridge the intergenerational divide in nuclear disarmament advocacy. Keita begins by introducing himself and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak, focusing on the importance of sharing the experiences of Hibakusha with younger generations. He highlights his personal involvement with the Youth Community for Global Hibakusha and the research on the impacts of nuclear testing, including the harm to Japanese fishermen exposed during the 1954 Bravo Hydrogen bomb test. He emphasizes the ongoing struggles for compensation for victims and the need to raise awareness, particularly in relation to Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Keunwoo Lee, representing Korean Hibakusha, detailed his family’s legal struggles for compensation and justice. He discusses the importance of the global youth network for nuclear disarmament and expresses his commitment to continuing activism in Korea and abroad. Keunwoo reflects on his family's ongoing legal battles, including his grandfather’s court cases in Japan, and the eventual financial and care support for Korean Hibakusha. He emphasizes the need for real, collective action to create meaningful change, both locally and globally, beyond online discussions.
Ereti Tekabaia spoke about the intergenerational health and environmental impacts of nuclear testing on i-Kiribati communities, stressing the need for scientific assessments and global support. She recounts the painful stories of the first-generation survivors, including health issues like cancers and congenital disabilities, as well as ongoing environmental problems such as fish poisoning and hazardous waste. Ereti highlights the need for scientific assessments to address these lingering issues and calls for the empowerment of survivors and their families to share their experiences and advocate for nuclear justice. She concludes by expressing solidarity with those fighting for nuclear justice and the recognition of affected communities on the international stage.
In the breakout small-group discussions, youth representatives from RTT Canada, RTT Pacific, and other regions shared their innovative approaches to nuclear disarmament. They emphasized the development of educational tools, designed to simplify the complexities of nuclear issues for younger audiences. Social media campaigns were highlighted as essential in raising awareness and mobilizing youth, and collaborative initiatives like the Youth Nuclear Peace Summit have helped foster connections between activists and policymakers. Additionally, the importance of fostering intergenerational dialogue and older generations and survivors with youth to amplify their voices and stories was discussed and highlighted.
The conference concluded with breakout discussions, where participants explored strategies to engage youth, collaborate with Hibakusha, and build coalitions for the upcoming Third Meeting of State Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Attendees emphasized the importance of education, intergenerational dialogue, and persistent advocacy to sustain momentum toward a world free of nuclear weapons.
As a call to action, participants were urged to amplify survivor testimonies, advocate for comprehensive policies, and use creative platforms to reach broader audiences.