Rise up, take action,
and share your voice!
Reverse The Trend amplifies the voices of young people, primarily coming from frontline communities, who have been directly affected by nuclear weapons and climate change.
This initiative embraces an interdisciplinary perspective on critical issues related to international peace and security and climate activism.
NAPF AND RTT launch the New York Chapter
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.
NAPF AND RTT’s Delegation to the 2025 NPT PrepCom
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. This key international meeting brought together states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to assess progress, identify challenges, and prepare for the 2026 Review Conference.
Our youth delegation engaged with diplomats, delivered statements, and advocated for bold action on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. Their presence ensured that youth voices are part of critical global conversations on peace and security.
NAPF and RTT’s Delegation to the 3MSP
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.
NAPF and RTT’s Youth Activities at
The 2024 NPT PrepCom
The 2024 NPT PrepCom was held in Geneva, Switzerland from 22 July to August 2 and was chaired by Kazakhstan.
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and its youth initiative, Reverse The Trend brought a large youth delegation. Our dedicated youth activists successfully organized side-events on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons and legacy of nuclear weapons. We also organized an impactful art exhibit featuring paintings by frontline communities from the Pacific, delivered an international youth statement, and met with key states, including Ireland, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and the United States of America.
We would also like to thank the Permanent Missions of Kiribati and Kazakhstan and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies for supporting our official side events to the 2024 NPT PrepCom.
NAPF and RTT’s Youth Activities at the 2MSP
The Second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2MSP) was held from November 27 to December 1, 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and its youth initiative, Reverse The Trend brought a large youth delegation. Our dedicated youth activists successfully orchestrated side-events with participating States, curated an impactful art gallery featuring paintings by frontline communities from the Pacific, and organized a captivating cultural performance by i-Kiribati youth. Additionally, we facilitated a comprehensive youth orientation session hosted at the Mission of Ireland.
We are also thrilled that several of our youth campaigners delivered statements at the 2MSP.
We are committed to providing avenues for young people to organize and express themselves.
We are very grateful to our funders, The Prospect Hill Foundation, Ploughshares Foundation, RSF Finance Fund, Chris Hormel, Joanne Dufour, and our many partners, the Marshallese Educational Initiative, Peace Boat US and more for supporting and co-sponsoring our events!
We would also like to thank the Permanent Mission of Ireland for hosting our youth orientation. Special thanks to the Permanent Missions of Kazakhstan, Kiribati, and Thailand for co-sponsoring our official side events to the 2MSP.
RTT Youth Testimonials
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.”
- Nistha Shrestha, Howard University
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 one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have this experience.”
- Jorge Juan Legarda Zagora, New York University
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!“
- Stella Dean Rose, Fordham University
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.”
- Rebecca Locher, New York University
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!
- Yulianna Acuna, New York University
On Organizing Conference
“Organizing an online conference was an incredibly meaningful experience for me. It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of people come together, transcending national and regional borders, to learn from one another. Each participant brought a unique, localized perspective, yet the collective efforts and shared ideas created a profound impact—not just on the attendees, but also on me personally.
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.
Your dedication and encouragement continue to inspire me and so many others to keep striving for a nuclear-free world.”
- Daiki Katsukawa, Soka University of America
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.”
- Rooj Ali, University of Toronto and RTT Canada Coordinator
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), emphasised the power of creative activism in shaping policy and public opinion.
- Zein Blanks, New York University
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!”
- Julia da Silva Roberto, NYU
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.”
-Lena Pothier
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”
-Ishaan Banerjee
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”.
-Mohammed Alkurashi
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.”
-Gowri Madhu
What We’ve Got
The Toolkit
The Empowerment and Advocacy Toolkit provides a concise overview about the relationship between nuclear weapons, climate, fighting the patriarchy, and how you can become involved in the movement.
The Curriculum
With 28 lessons and supporting resources, this curriculum is a comprehensive overview of nuclear disarmament affairs, international law, and environmental affairs.
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The Docuseries
A series of creative workshops for youth and students to transform their stories about nuclear weapons legacies and environmental stewardship into artworks that can be shared with the nuclear policy and environmental fields.
Featured Posts
The Reverse the Trend Forum
The Reverse the Trend forum is a private, virtual messaging space for interested young scholars and activists around the world to connect with one another and discuss both climate and nuclear issues.
