Voices for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World: Youth in Action

Critical Issues Forum Speaker Series 

October 31, 2025 
By Masako Toki 

At a time when the risks associated with nuclear weapons are mounting, fostering education on disarmament and nonproliferation has never been more critical. The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey hosted its most recent Critical Issues Forum (CIF) Speaker Series event, “Voices for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World: Youth in Action,” on October 24, 2025, via Zoom. 

The event brought together dynamic young leaders engaged in nuclear disarmament activities and initiatives through innovative and creative approaches. It underlined the importance of youth education and engagement in building a safer, more peaceful world. 

Opening Remarks 

Senior Project Manager at CNS, Masako Toki, opened the event by introducing the goals of CIF and its focus on high-school students’ global disarmament education. She emphasized that equipping the next generation with knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking is indispensable for the long-term sustainability of nuclear-weapons-abolition efforts. 

Opening Speaker: Franco Castro Escobar 

Franco Castro Escobar, a PhD candidate at Keele University whose research focuses on youth antinuclear activism, delivered the keynote. Drawing on his article “Young People in the Nuclear Age,” he argued that youth remain “the single most marginalized group,” despite being among those most likely to suffer the consequences of nuclear weapon use. He emphasized that young people’s role in the nuclear age is “unfolding, uncharted, and increasingly consequential.” His remarks set the stage for the youth-led panel that followed. 

Youth Panel Discussion 

Moderated by Max Lau, CNS Graduate Research Assistant, the panel featured four young advocates (including a twin co-panelist pair) who shared their projects, experiences, and visions for disarmament: 

• Kanon Iwata & Manon Iwata: Los Angeles-based co-founders of Teens4Disarmament. After years of listening to Hibakusha stories and conducting research and interviews, they published a book, Story of Hibakusha in Los Angeles. They have spoken to more than 1,000 students, collaborated with UN-linked organizations, and worked to raise awareness of nuclear-weapons education among youth. 

• Naina Singh: Originally from the Monterey Bay area, California, and currently a 12th-grader at UWC(United World Colleges) ISAK Japan, Naina described how her first participation in the CIF Conference in summer 2023 motivated her to continue working for nuclear disarmament. After moving to Japan, she became more aware of the country’s nuclear legacy issues and responded by creating an informational video for peers and leading outreach to California high-school students. She also participated in a peace and disarmament education program at Soka Institute for Global Solutions at Soka University of America.

• Kenta Gomi: Born in Nagasaki and now studying at UWC Red Cross Nordic in Norway, Kenta discussed how his interview role at the Nobel Peace Centre and his involvement in Nobel Peace Laureate events motivated his work in youth-led nuclear-abolition advocacy. He also shared his passion for spreading the concept of the nuclear taboo throughout the entire UWC school system. 

• Amelia Wang: A graduate student in the Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies (NPTS) program at MIIS and a participant in the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy, Amelia serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at CNS, collaborating with Masako Toki on outreach materials and youth-focused engagement on nonproliferation and disarmament education. 

During the Q&A and group discussion, panelists reflected on how youth can cultivate hope, create cross-generational dialogue, and foster international collaboration to strengthen disarmament education and action. 

Check out Speakers’ bios!

Key Themes & Takeaways 

• Education as a catalyst: The event underscored that educating youth about nuclear issues—through testimony, research, peer outreach, and creative action—is foundational for building informed global citizens. 

• Youth agency: Panelists demonstrated that youth are not merely future stakeholders but active agents in the nuclear-disarmament movement today. 

• Global and interconnected perspectives: The diverse backgrounds of the speakers—spanning the United States, Japan, and Norway—illustrated how nuclear issues transcend borders and how young people are bridging geographic and cultural divides. 

• Empathy and testimony: Many panelists emphasized the role of Hibakusha stories, lived experience, and personal connection in motivating youth engagement. 

Conclusion 

Masako Toki offered closing remarks in which she thanked all participants—especially those who joined across time zones—and reaffirmed that CIF remains committed to providing opportunities for youth to learn, share, and act toward a nuclear-weapon-free world. She invited attendees to continue connecting through future CIF events and educational initiatives. 

Acknowledgment of Support 

This year’s Critical Issues Forum is supported by the Tom and Sarah Pattison Fund, the SAGA Foundation, the Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation Fund, Mr. Gregg Wolpert, and other private donors. Their generous contributions make it possible to empower youth worldwide to engage thoughtfully, empathetically, and actively in the movement for a safer global future.