Monday, March 3, 2025, 3:00 PM
United Nations Headquarters
[TPNW 3rd MSP] Meetup with International Youth Advocating for a World Without Nuclear Weapons
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting
The 3rd Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) saw the participation of numerous young people from around the world who are passionate about creating a world without nuclear weapons.
Thanks to the initiative of SPARK youth, an opportunity for a meetup and exchange with young people from anti-nuclear peace organizations in the United States and Japan was made possible.
A total of 20 youth from various organizations, including SPARK, Peace Action New York State, Kakuwaka Hiroshima, Gensuikyo (Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs), and Gensuikin (Japan Congress Against A and H-Bombs), participated in the meeting. Jin-tae Shim, a first-generation atomic bomb victim from Korea, and Jung-Soon Han, a second-generation victim, were also present to support and encourage the youth.
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting
The meeting was structured around a set of questions, created in collaboration with the youth from each organization, and focused on sharing their activities and thoughts. The session was moderated by Kihoon, an activist from SPARK.
The meeting began with each participant introducing the organization they belong to. Peace Action New York State introduced itself as an organization that organizes peace activities for college students, while Gensuikyo and Gensuikin from Japan explained that their main activities revolve around raising awareness about the atomic bomb victims and working toward a world free of nuclear weapons. Kakuwaka Hiroshima shared that they are engaged in advocating for Japanese politicians to urge Japan to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. SPARK shared their current involvement in the International People’s Tribunal on the 1945 Atomic Bombing Victims.
Following the introductions, the group discussed a variety of topics, including their interest in peace issues, their countries' nuclear policies, and what sparked their interest in nuclear disarmament. Many intriguing ideas were exchanged.
For instance, Gensuiki shared that high school students had raised the issue of how to classify victims of the atomic bomb based on their proximity to the hypocenter, which has recently become a topic of significant discussion. When asked if any books or movies had influenced their views on peace, one youth shared that the book they were currently reading had led them to realize that nuclear deterrence does not bring peace.
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting
A young participant from Gensuikyo shared their personal story about how they became interested in nuclear issues. Initially skeptical about the possibility of a world without nuclear weapons, they were inspired in 2015 when, during the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference, over 600,000 signatures calling for nuclear abolition were gathered in Japan. This event turned their skepticism into hope.
As the discussions unfolded, the group found that they had not even covered half of the prepared questions before the scheduled time came to an end. The young participants shared that this was their first time having such an exchange through an international conference and hoped that such exchanges would continue in the future.
We ask for continued support and attention to the youth’s efforts, as they play a crucial role in promoting peace and a world without nuclear weapons.
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting
Monday, March 3, 2025, 3:00 PM
United Nations Headquarters
[TPNW 3rd MSP] Meetup with International Youth Advocating for a World Without Nuclear Weapons
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting
The 3rd Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) saw the participation of numerous young people from around the world who are passionate about creating a world without nuclear weapons.
Thanks to the initiative of SPARK youth, an opportunity for a meetup and exchange with young people from anti-nuclear peace organizations in the United States and Japan was made possible.
A total of 20 youth from various organizations, including SPARK, Peace Action New York State, Kakuwaka Hiroshima, Gensuikyo (Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs), and Gensuikin (Japan Congress Against A and H-Bombs), participated in the meeting. Jin-tae Shim, a first-generation atomic bomb victim from Korea, and Jung-Soon Han, a second-generation victim, were also present to support and encourage the youth.
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting
The meeting was structured around a set of questions, created in collaboration with the youth from each organization, and focused on sharing their activities and thoughts. The session was moderated by Kihoon, an activist from SPARK.
The meeting began with each participant introducing the organization they belong to. Peace Action New York State introduced itself as an organization that organizes peace activities for college students, while Gensuikyo and Gensuikin from Japan explained that their main activities revolve around raising awareness about the atomic bomb victims and working toward a world free of nuclear weapons. Kakuwaka Hiroshima shared that they are engaged in advocating for Japanese politicians to urge Japan to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. SPARK shared their current involvement in the International People’s Tribunal on the 1945 Atomic Bombing Victims.
Following the introductions, the group discussed a variety of topics, including their interest in peace issues, their countries' nuclear policies, and what sparked their interest in nuclear disarmament. Many intriguing ideas were exchanged.
For instance, Gensuiki shared that high school students had raised the issue of how to classify victims of the atomic bomb based on their proximity to the hypocenter, which has recently become a topic of significant discussion. When asked if any books or movies had influenced their views on peace, one youth shared that the book they were currently reading had led them to realize that nuclear deterrence does not bring peace.
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting
A young participant from Gensuikyo shared their personal story about how they became interested in nuclear issues. Initially skeptical about the possibility of a world without nuclear weapons, they were inspired in 2015 when, during the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference, over 600,000 signatures calling for nuclear abolition were gathered in Japan. This event turned their skepticism into hope.
As the discussions unfolded, the group found that they had not even covered half of the prepared questions before the scheduled time came to an end. The young participants shared that this was their first time having such an exchange through an international conference and hoped that such exchanges would continue in the future.
We ask for continued support and attention to the youth’s efforts, as they play a crucial role in promoting peace and a world without nuclear weapons.
Youth from various countries who participated in the meeting