By Magus Chehu Storvik
In November 2024, I was fortunate enough to attend the International Campaign to Abolish
Nuclear Weapons Academy in Hiroshima, Japan. The Academy, in partnership with
Hiroshima Prefecture, aims to unite individuals from around the world to learn, share, and
inspire action toward nuclear disarmament and global security. Now in its sixth year, the
ICAN program empowers its participants with the knowledge, tools, and connections
necessary to begin making a tangible difference in their country of origin to fight for a
nuclear-free world.
ICAN, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2017, is a global coalition dedicated to promoting
adherence to and implementation of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The organisation focuses on raising awareness of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences
of nuclear weapons and advocating for their total elimination.
Now in its sixth year, the program empowers participants not just with knowledge, but with
the tools and connections needed to make a tangible difference in the fight for a nuclear-free
world. Attending this Academy was not only an opportunity to further my understanding of
nuclear disarmament but also a chance to reflect on how we as a global community can shape
a more secure future together.
Entering with Doubt
Before attending the Academy, I approached the topic of nuclear disarmament with a fair
amount of scepticism. I consider myself practical, perhaps even cynical, about the possibility
of real change in a world where nuclear deterrence, by which I mean the ownership of
nuclear weapons and the threat of their usage as a deterrent against international attack,
seems so deeply ingrained. The notion that individual efforts or NGOs could influence global
policies dominated by powerful governments felt like an uphill battle—one that seemed
almost insurmountable. I wondered if visiting Hiroshima would be more of a symbolic
gesture, a means for me to gather more surface-level information, instead of being a stimulus
for change. I questioned whether hearing stories from survivors of the 1945 attack, visiting
memorials, and speaking with government officials would truly incite change or be more of
an emotional experience that fades over time.
Unveiling Hidden Narratives
One of the most impactful revelations I had during the Academy was on the second day when
I learnt about how much is left unsaid and how much is ignored, especially in regard to the
long-term consequences of nuclear weapons usage. The radiation from testing alone is
devastating and has, like in the 1954 case of the Lucky Dragon fishing boat, killed and
forever affected the lives of an unknown number. Hearing firsthand testimonies
from hibakusha—the survivors of the atomic bombings—and 'downwinders,' those affected
by nuclear testing, really struck a deep chord within me. It brought to light the lifelong health
issues, generational trauma, and societal stigma they are forced to endure.
These stories are rarely mentioned in mainstream media; in the West, they are perhaps
mentioned on the History Channel or can be found quoted in awkwardly translated online
articles. Curiously, in the West, such stories often seem marginalised, perhaps because the
prevailing narrative prioritises portraying the Western world as victors and heroes of that
period. When it comes to stories of nuclear power in the West, I at least think of more local
tragedies like the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. I suppose, irregardless of location, the stories told
by survivors reveal the real impact of nuclear weapons and how the knowledge alone of their
impact can act as a weight on anyone’s conscience.
I was struck by the realisation that hibakusha are not exclusively from Japan. We learnt of the
many thousands of Koreans (primarily forced labourers), Chinese nationals, and Americans
that died after the impact. For myself, the Chernobyl disaster is the closest geographical
nuclear disaster I have been educated on. But even with the 2019 TV series aired on the
incident, the immense loss of life and still ongoing ecological impacts seem either forgotten
or sensationalised to such a point that the information no longer feels real.
One of the most valuable experiences of the Academy was meeting Ms. Chiyo Miyazaki, the
daughter of a Korean atomic bomb survivor. She shared how her family faced discrimination
and was compelled to refrain from discussing the impact of the bomb on their bodies and
wider lives. Additionally, not only was her family shunned as hibakusha but also as Koreans
in post-war Japan, following the imperialist rule of the Japanese on the Korean peninsula that
started in 1910. Miyazaki’s resilience and dedication to ensuring that her family's story was imparted onto us demonstrated to me that nuclear devastation knows no borders or
nationalities.
The Gaps in Our Education
Meeting students from Hiroshima made me realise how education about the nuclear
bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki varies significantly between countries. Often with the
information presented and taught being brief and only offering one perspective. In my own
country of Norway, the curriculum briefly addressed the bombings but focused more on
political and military strategies than on the human suffering and broader impact. The
selectiveness of this teaching leads to misunderstandings and perpetuates misconceptions
about nuclear weapons and their consequences. By reducing such a profound tragedy to a
series of statistics and facts to memorise for an examination, the curriculum diminishes the
real lessons and human stories behind the events.
Through our group discussions, I realised that many people in our circles and home countries
have accepted nuclear deterrence theory without critical examination. This theory suggests
that the threat of nuclear retaliation prevents nations from attacking, as the potential
consequences outweigh any perceived benefits. However, as highlighted by the Governor of
Hiroshima, Hidehiko Yuzaki, it is a fiction that relies on unproven assumptions, such as the
belief that all actors behave rationally, and that mutual destruction deters conflict. History,
however, reveals significant risks, including miscalculations, accidents, and irrational
decisions, all of which undermine its validity. While nuclear deterrence gained traction
during the Cold War as a seemingly pragmatic strategy to manage global tension, its
widespread acceptance perpetuates global insecurity, fuels arms races, and diverts attention
from sustainable alternatives. Normalising reliance on weapons of mass destruction is not a
solution but a danger, underscoring the urgent need to critically reevaluate its assumptions
and pursue ethical, long-term global security.
The Power of Personal Connections
Early in the program, the other participants and I shared hopes of building lasting
relationships with one another to sustain our efforts for disarmament worldwide. One of the
course organisers, a native of Hiroshima, urged us to foster these connections as international
tensions rise, so we might think of one another as individuals rather than adversaries in times
of conflict. Early in the program, I and the other participants shared our hopes of building
lasting relationships with people that attended the program so that we might continue our
efforts for disarmament across the world. By the end of the program, we felt this goal had
been achieved.
Interacting with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds was enlightening. Despite our
differences, we shared these fundamental values: the desire for dignity, the preservation of
life, and the protection of our communities. Our discussions underscored that while we may
not agree on every issue, we all want the best for our people. Advocacy isn't about imposing views but about connecting and understanding each other to work toward common goals.
Questioning the Narratives
All of the sessions encouraged us to critically examine media representations of nuclear
weaponry and global security and question what was presented but also what was omitted.
Widening access to accurate information is key to countering misinformation and harmful
narratives; too often has misinformation been the seed for chaos. Only this summer, the UK
saw rioting following the Southport Stabbing that saw the attempted murder of ten children
and the deaths of three. Far-right individuals, fuelled by false information reported on social
media that demonstrated a cultural and religious divide. It is hard in times of tragedy for the
truth to be easily found and disseminated, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious how
important peace education would be. It is vital to include all perspectives and demonstrate a
level of neutrality rather than just one point of view.
We were reminded of the phrase 'Think globally, act locally' which came from the father of
one of our fellow participants. This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of the initiatives
led by the youth in Hiroshima. For instance, young campaigners from Hiroshima, inspired by
the story of Sadako Sasaki, a survivor of the bombing who died from acute malignant lymph
gland leukaemia, also referred to as 'atomic bomb disease,' folded and sent 1,000 hand-
folded cranes to every leader of nuclear-armed states. Sadako Sasaki developed this powerful
symbol during her time in the hospital, folding cranes in the hopes of reaching 1,000 to make
a wish with. This heartfelt gesture made by the youth organisations was an appeal for
discussions and a step toward a world free of nuclear weapons. This effort, intentional and
personal to the people of Hiroshima, demonstrates how local actions can amplify calls for
disarmament, fostering dialogue on a global scale.
The Role of Peace Education
Witnessing how peace education is woven into the fabric of Hiroshima's community was
inspiring. Very few of us had experienced peace education as comprehensively integrated as
it is in Hiroshima, where it forms a core part of the mainstream curriculum. As there is peace
education taken as part of the mainstream curriculum. It equips individuals with the tools to
critically analyse history and challenge harmful narratives while simultaneously fostering
empathy. As young people ourselves, we felt and continue to feel the pressure of the current
times, with two wars raging to the east of Norway and internal strife rampant across many of
the most powerful countries. The importance of confronting the realities of our world and the
necessity of peace-building have never been more apparent.
What We Can Do Together
The experiences and lessons from the Academy highlighted several ways we can collectively
work toward a world free of nuclear weapons:
Foster Open Dialogue: Engage in conversations within our communities to raise
awareness about the realities of nuclear weapons and challenge misconceptions.
Encouraging critical thinking helps others understand the human impact and the
urgency of calls for disarmament.
Promote Inclusive Education: Advocate for comprehensive peace education that
includes multiple perspectives. By incorporating peace studies into curriculums, we
can empower future generations to become informed advocates for disarmament.
Support Grassroots Movements: Get involved with local organisations dedicated to
nuclear disarmament. Volunteering, participating in events, or amplifying their
messages online with social media strengthens their efforts.
Build Global Connections: Establish relationships with activists and organisations
across borders. Sharing experiences and strategies fosters unity and enables more
effective collaboration.
Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with policymakers to support treaties like the
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Collective advocacy can
influence national stances on nuclear weapons and contribute to global progress.
A Renewed Perspective
The Academy transformed my scepticism into a sense of possibility. It showed me that while
the challenges of eliminating nuclear weapons are significant, they're not insurmountable. By
focusing on communication, education, and collaboration, we can address misunderstandings
and build trust across borders. I better understand now that the enemy was never each other
but the miscommunication and misinterpretation that divide us. The Academy reaffirmed that
we are only 'one conversation away' from connecting with people who share our hopes and
values, regardless of where they are in the world. Hiroshima itself reminded me of the
importance of resilience and renewal. Walking through its streets with the winter lights, I saw
a city that balances remembrance with hope. This balance underscored the potential for
humanity to rebuild and strive for peace, even after immense tragedy.
Conclusion
The Academy showed me that while the obstacles to nuclear disarmament are daunting, they
are not insurmountable. Hope is more than a feeling; it is a catalyst for action rooted in
understanding and empathy. I'm committed to carrying these lessons forward, contributing to
the global movement for nuclear disarmament. Together, we can work toward a future where
nuclear weapons are relics of the past and peace is a shared reality.
Gratitude and Encouragement
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Hiroshima Prefecture, the organisers of the ICAN
Academy, the speakers and attendees, and my fellow participants The commitment and
thoughtful engagement of everyone involved ensured that this experience was both insightful
and inspiring. Special thanks to UN House Scotland for introducing me to this opportunity.
To anyone interested, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply for next year’s
Hiroshima–ICAN Academy. Being selected was an unexpected honour, and I will always
treasure the opportunity and the remarkable individuals I had the privilege to meet.
Relevant Links:
2024 Hiroshima – ICAN Academy: https://www.icanw.org/2024_hiroshima_ican_academy
International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN): https://www.icanw.org
Hiroshima for Global Peace: https://hiroshimaforpeace.com/en/
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): https://disarmament.unoda.org/wmd/nuclear/tpnw/
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