80 Years of the Nuclear Age: The Role of Youth in Building a Safer World
Hiroshima Remembrance Day Event Report
Aug 14, 2025
Masako Toki
On August 6, 2025, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey hosted a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. This milestone in the history of the nuclear age offered a moment for remembrance, reflection, and a renewed commitment to advancing nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation education, particularly among young people. The event highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and underscored the vital role of education in building a safer, more just world.
The program began with a paper crane folding activity, symbolizing hope, peace, and solidarity with victims of nuclear weapons. The formal proceedings commenced with opening remarks by CNS Senior Project Manager Masako Toki, followed by a Land Acknowledgement and welcome remarks by CNS Founding Director Dr. William Potter. The first video featured an excerpt from the longer testimonial of Keiko Ogura, a Hibakusha and survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. Her testimony provided a poignant reminder of the horrific impact of nuclear weapons and the urgent need for their total elimination.
We were honored to welcome distinguished speakers, including Dr. Stephen Herzog, CNS Professor of the Practice and Academic Co-Chair of the Beyond Nuclear Deterrence Working Group, and Mr. Jean du Preez, Director for Education and Training at CNS and former senior official of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.
Dr. Herzog’s talk, titled “Two Visions of Peace: Legacies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in a Divided World,” explored the complexities of nuclear deterrence and disarmament policy while emphasizing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. He concluded by highlighting the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and, most importantly, engaging the next generation with innovative ideas.
Mr. du Preez outlined the history and impact of nuclear weapons testing on both humans and the environment. His presentation was followed by a video message from Mary Dickson, a downwinder affected by nuclear testing. Her poignant and powerful testimony underscored the urgent need to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.
A central highlight of the event was the youth panel discussion featuring CNS Summer Undergraduate Fellows. These students shared reflections on their summer research and study experiences, exploring the role young people can play in advancing disarmament and fostering a culture of peace. Their thoughtful presentations and dialogue with attendees emphasized the unique perspectives that emerging generations bring to complex global security challenges.
The audience included local high school students, MIIS students, faculty, and community members. Engagement in discussion and question-and-answer sessions demonstrated a deep interest in learning from both the Hibakusha testimonies and the youth panel, fostering intergenerational dialogue and reflection on the shared responsibility to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.
This event is part of CNS’s ongoing commitment to disarmament and nonproliferation education, including initiatives such as the Critical Issues Forum (CIF), which brings together high school students from the United States, Japan, India, and Pakistan to study nuclear issues, engage in cross-cultural dialogue, and develop actionable strategies for peace. By combining historical testimony, expert analysis, and youth engagement, the Hiroshima Remembrance Day event reinforced the power of education to cultivate awareness, empathy, and leadership in the pursuit of a nuclear-weapons-free world.
The 2025 event successfully honored the victims of nuclear weapons use and testing, encouraged meaningful intergenerational dialogue, and highlighted the imperative to empower young people to carry forward the legacy of Hibakusha advocacy. CNS looks forward to continuing these efforts and expanding opportunities for youth engagement in nuclear disarmament education.
For more information and to view event videos: