Fatima Martinez

“I am grateful for the experiences CIF provided me because now that I am at my university, I am definitely prepared for the rigor of coursework and the dedication it takes to conduct research.”

Arashu Onodera

“Graduating from my high school, I chose international relations as my major, in order to pursue the way of nuclear disarmament from an academic standpoint. Thanks to the opportunity given by the CIF, I started to desire the abolition of nuclear weapons, and also became interested in the academic approach. This is why I can say, CIF experience has greatly helped me to set my mission in the university.”

Cristopher Cruz

“I am forever grateful for the existence of this program for I have met many wonderful people, both young and old. I still cherish the friendships and connections I have forged and can only stress the importance and impact this program has had on my life; I’d like to give back to it if I can. I am the youth of today, but one day I will no longer be, and I just hope that I have laid some groundwork for others to follow suit and/or improve to make progress toward a more peaceful and secure world free of nuclear weapons.“

Imari Yasuno

“Overall, in my experiences through the CIF program, I was able to make friends from the USA, Russia, and other prefectures of Japan. By touring Dejima, sharing delicious meals and deep discussion at Kwassui Cafeteria, I absorbed interesting cultures different from Japanese. Talking frankly about peace, our own culture, or related chats, I felt as if there was no border between us. Having felt this, I really want to feel this relationship in the international society, too. All CIF participants have one vision which strives for a world without nuclear weapons.”

Kokoro Tanaka

“Since this CIF conference was the first one to be held in Nagasaki, my hometown, all of us worked very hard to have successful outcome. The significance of hosting such a conference in Nagasaki, which experienced the atomic bomb, will have a long-term impact. I learned the importance of cooperation and team work through this experience.”

Lesly Tobon

“Since I participated in CIF, I have worked with teachers and students to foster productive discussions about disarmament, which has given me the knowledge and confidence to challenge the nuclear weapons status quo…. Last but not least, my CIF involvement has taught me one thing that stands above all: how valuable an education is for a Latina.”

Manan Ajay Shah

By immersing himself in Japanese culture, observing the destruction caused by nuclear weapons, and listening to Hibakusha relate their personal experiences, Manan was able to understand the issue of nuclear disarmament in a unique manner. Hearing Dr. Lassina Zerbo (the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization) affirm the importance of youth activism to promote a nuclear weapon-free world both furthered Manan’s resolve and provided hope for the future, setting an optimistic tone at the conclusion of the conference.

Sarah Bitter

“From my experience with the CIF program, I am certain that nuclear weapons should never be used again, and I am interested in becoming a lawyer to help the non-proliferation cause. I currently participate in Mock Trial, a legal club at my school, in which I learn how to present and defend legal arguments, and the CIF program has given me a purpose with which to use those skills.”

Arielle Landau

“Participating in CIF was an invaluable experience, especially as it enabled me to meet and talk to other young people that were just as passionate about nonproliferation and disarmament, and more largely, about crafting a safe, inclusive world, as I was. I made lifelong friends from all over the United States, as well as Japan and Russia.”

Galina Salnikkova

“My journey in the world of nuclear disarmament couldn’t have started without the first step – my participation in the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies Critical Issues Forum 2016 (CIF 2016)… This story is about a girl from a small Russian town becoming a global citizen. Everything is possible, no matter who you are or where you live. I want to encourage you to take the first step fearlessly and perceive what you are passionate about.”

Galina Salnikova was interviewed by her local television station in Zelenogorsk her experience with the 2016 Spring Conference. This interview is in Russian.

Kimberly Nunez

“I was beyond grateful for the CIF program for giving me the opportunity to be in a panel discussion with the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations. From there, I realized the importance of advocating for nuclear nonproliferation and extend this mission in my college education. This experience made me feel a sense of obligation that I must reform international policy and become proactively involved in foreign relations in my career.”

Shunji Fueki

A favorite moment of the Critical Issues Forum occured during the conference. Dr. Lassina Zerbo, the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, took part in the public symposium and gave his keynote address. Shunji was moved by Dr. Zerbo’s passion and hope for future generations. Dr. Zerbo expressed the importance of youth in disarmament and nonproliferation efforts over and over again.

Carlo Govantes

Carlo’s interest in peace and security grew by leaps and bounds during his participation in CIF. The conference introduced him head on to the dangers of nuclear weapons and their role in politics.

Karin Okuda

Through the CIF project, Karin stated that she was able to develop confidence in areas where she had previously been lacking. She strengthened her passion for peace and security, while enhancing her knowledge of intercultural communication.

Laura Colosky

A moment Laura will forever take to heart was when the students listened to and spoke with a Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor. Laura really felt that she was meant to hear her story so that she could learn from her.

Lucia Madero

“I would not be where I am without CIF, nor would I feel so strongly about issues that have become central to my life and my beliefs. I look forward to a world free of nuclear weapons, convinced that it is a real possibility if we fight together.”

Shaden Beltran

While attending the conference, Shaden witnessed the passion of young people across cultures, and established lifelong friendships. She now believes that the youth today have a strong influence in world problems. 

Shizuka Kuramitsu

I was able to gain knowledge about nuclear issues from not only the viewpoint of Hiroshima. Secondly, I was able to see the dedication of those who are working on this issue directly. Finally, I was able to think whether I could devote myself to this issue seriously.

Emma Russell

For Emma, the highlight of her time with CIF was meeting Japanese students through the conference. She noted that this increased her capacity for cross-cultural communication and her appreciation for the unique aspects of Japanese culture.

Alexander Thompson

For Alex, the “ah-ha!” moment in his life was participating in CIF. Naturally, his future plan is to work in the field to enhance the U.S.-Japan relationship, especially these two countries’ cooperation for peace and security in a world free of nuclear weapons.

Kokoro Aso

One of the most striking things Kokoro found about working in peace education was that many of the people she encountered didn’t know about what happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Consequently, she decided to learn as much as she could about the subject so that she could better communicate the importance of peace to the next generation, and to the world.

Yui Tamitani

  While at the Critical Issues Forum Yui was astonished to find that students from countries other than Japan shared her opinion about nuclear disarmament. She found it comforting to find out that she was not alone in her way of thinking and they were together in the fight for peace. Though she feels as though emotions and the longing for nuclear disarmament should be enough, through CIF she learned that it will take a lot of hard work and compromise to reach their goal.