Sunday, April 26, 2026
Rally & March, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, New York Public Library
International Conference, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Scandinavia House
[11th NPT Review Conference] Anti-Nuclear Rally and International Conference Participation
On April 26, ahead of the opening of the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), an anti-nuclear rally in the morning and an international conference in the evening were held in New York. A U.S. delegation, including Korean A-bomb survivors, participated in both events.
Delegation members participate in the anti-nuclear rally in front of the New York Public Library
The rally began at 10:00 AM in front of the New York Public Library, drawing approximately 230 participants. As the first speaker, Han Jeong-sun, a Korean A-bomb survivor and plaintiff in the International People’s Tribunal, delivered a powerful testimony. She shared that her family has suffered lifelong from genetic illnesses caused by the atomic bombing and appealed for a sincere apology and compensation from the United States. She further stressed that only through such accountability can nuclear weapons be prevented from ever being used again, concluding her remarks with a strong call: “The United States must acknowledge its responsibility and apologize.”
Moon Gaon, a youth member of SPARK, explained that the purpose of the delegation’s visit to the United States was to raise awareness about the International People’s Tribunal on Atomic Bombings. She emphasized that uncovering the illegality of the U.S. atomic bombings—the first use of nuclear weapons in human history—and holding the United States accountable is a crucial first step toward a nuclear-free world. She also pointed out that the atomic bombings marked not only the beginning of the nuclear age but also the origins of the division of the Korean Peninsula and the ongoing nuclear confrontation, urging broader interest in and participation in the upcoming tribunal in Seoul.
Speeches by Japanese atomic bomb survivors and anti-nuclear activists followed, and participants joined together in singing We Shall Overcome.
After the rally, participants marched toward the United Nations Headquarters. Along the route, New York citizens showed their support by waving from sidewalks and buses. As they marched through the streets, participants chanted, “No more war, No more nukes, No more hibakusha,” sharing a collective aspiration for a nuclear-free world.
Participants march toward the United Nations Headquarters following the rally
In the afternoon, an international conference titled “Tectonic Geopolitical Changes: Which Way to Peace & A Nuclear Weapon-Free World” was held at Scandinavia House, organized by U.S.-based peace organizations. The conference brought together activists and experts from global anti-nuclear movements to analyze the growing risks of nuclear conflict amid escalating geopolitical tensions and ongoing wars. It focused on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and critically challenged the prevailing notion of nuclear deterrence—the idea that arms races and nuclear modernization can ensure peace and security. Participants also discussed strategies and campaigns to prevent humanity from approaching the brink of nuclear catastrophe.
The conference featured a series of meaningful presentations by leading figures from international peace movements, academia, legal organizations, and civil society. Speakers addressed the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, the dangers of arms racing and proliferation, and the urgent need to move beyond deterrence toward disarmament, while also exploring concrete pathways toward a nuclear-free world.
Panelists speak during the international conference
During the session, SPARK delivered a presentation under the theme:
“Let’s achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula by abolishing extended deterrence and concluding the Korean Peninsula Peace Agreement and the DPRK–U.S. Non-Aggression Treaty, and move toward a Nuclear-Free World!”
The presentation emphasized the need to replace military confrontation with diplomatic solutions and highlighted the importance of holding the United States accountable for both past nuclear use and present nuclear tensions. It also outlined how the International People’s Tribunal can contribute to clarifying historical and ongoing responsibilities while presenting a vision for denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. [View Full Statement]
Gil Kim, youth member, delivers a presentation on behalf of SPARK
In response to a question from a university student about the role of youth in addressing the escalating nuclear crisis, SPARK youth member Gil Kim highlighted the importance of educational initiatives such as the “Peace Academy” to raise awareness among young people about the severity of nuclear issues.
Following the conference, one participant shared that they had previously known little about the Korean Peninsula issue but came to better understand and strongly resonate with the perspective that the United States bears significant responsibility for the nuclear situation after listening to the presentation.
Delegation members pose for a group photo after the anti-nuclear conference
This series of activities served as an important opportunity to strengthen international solidarity and reaffirm the urgency of advancing the International People’s Tribunal in Seoul. It also reinforced a shared commitment to intensify efforts toward realizing the tribunal and contributing to a nuclear-free world.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Rally & March, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, New York Public Library
International Conference, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Scandinavia House
[11th NPT Review Conference] Anti-Nuclear Rally and International Conference Participation
On April 26, ahead of the opening of the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), an anti-nuclear rally in the morning and an international conference in the evening were held in New York. A U.S. delegation, including Korean A-bomb survivors, participated in both events.
Delegation members participate in the anti-nuclear rally in front of the New York Public Library
The rally began at 10:00 AM in front of the New York Public Library, drawing approximately 230 participants. As the first speaker, Han Jeong-sun, a Korean A-bomb survivor and plaintiff in the International People’s Tribunal, delivered a powerful testimony. She shared that her family has suffered lifelong from genetic illnesses caused by the atomic bombing and appealed for a sincere apology and compensation from the United States. She further stressed that only through such accountability can nuclear weapons be prevented from ever being used again, concluding her remarks with a strong call: “The United States must acknowledge its responsibility and apologize.”
Moon Gaon, a youth member of SPARK, explained that the purpose of the delegation’s visit to the United States was to raise awareness about the International People’s Tribunal on Atomic Bombings. She emphasized that uncovering the illegality of the U.S. atomic bombings—the first use of nuclear weapons in human history—and holding the United States accountable is a crucial first step toward a nuclear-free world. She also pointed out that the atomic bombings marked not only the beginning of the nuclear age but also the origins of the division of the Korean Peninsula and the ongoing nuclear confrontation, urging broader interest in and participation in the upcoming tribunal in Seoul.
Speeches by Japanese atomic bomb survivors and anti-nuclear activists followed, and participants joined together in singing We Shall Overcome.
After the rally, participants marched toward the United Nations Headquarters. Along the route, New York citizens showed their support by waving from sidewalks and buses. As they marched through the streets, participants chanted, “No more war, No more nukes, No more hibakusha,” sharing a collective aspiration for a nuclear-free world.
Participants march toward the United Nations Headquarters following the rally
In the afternoon, an international conference titled “Tectonic Geopolitical Changes: Which Way to Peace & A Nuclear Weapon-Free World” was held at Scandinavia House, organized by U.S.-based peace organizations. The conference brought together activists and experts from global anti-nuclear movements to analyze the growing risks of nuclear conflict amid escalating geopolitical tensions and ongoing wars. It focused on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and critically challenged the prevailing notion of nuclear deterrence—the idea that arms races and nuclear modernization can ensure peace and security. Participants also discussed strategies and campaigns to prevent humanity from approaching the brink of nuclear catastrophe.
The conference featured a series of meaningful presentations by leading figures from international peace movements, academia, legal organizations, and civil society. Speakers addressed the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, the dangers of arms racing and proliferation, and the urgent need to move beyond deterrence toward disarmament, while also exploring concrete pathways toward a nuclear-free world.
Panelists speak during the international conference
During the session, SPARK delivered a presentation under the theme:
“Let’s achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula by abolishing extended deterrence and concluding the Korean Peninsula Peace Agreement and the DPRK–U.S. Non-Aggression Treaty, and move toward a Nuclear-Free World!”
The presentation emphasized the need to replace military confrontation with diplomatic solutions and highlighted the importance of holding the United States accountable for both past nuclear use and present nuclear tensions. It also outlined how the International People’s Tribunal can contribute to clarifying historical and ongoing responsibilities while presenting a vision for denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. [View Full Statement]
Gil Kim, youth member, delivers a presentation on behalf of SPARK
In response to a question from a university student about the role of youth in addressing the escalating nuclear crisis, SPARK youth member Gil Kim highlighted the importance of educational initiatives such as the “Peace Academy” to raise awareness among young people about the severity of nuclear issues.
Following the conference, one participant shared that they had previously known little about the Korean Peninsula issue but came to better understand and strongly resonate with the perspective that the United States bears significant responsibility for the nuclear situation after listening to the presentation.
Delegation members pose for a group photo after the anti-nuclear conference
This series of activities served as an important opportunity to strengthen international solidarity and reaffirm the urgency of advancing the International People’s Tribunal in Seoul. It also reinforced a shared commitment to intensify efforts toward realizing the tribunal and contributing to a nuclear-free world.