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Writer's pictureUN House Scotland

From Scepticism to Connection: Reflections on the 2024 Hiroshima – ICAN Academy 

By Magus Chehu Storvik


Standing united with this year's participants and organisers at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome).

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.


A group photo with Ms. Chiyo Miyazaki and the hibakusha (Toshiharu Goto, Ms. Koko Kondo, and Ms. Yoshiko Kajimoto).

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.



Ms. Chiyo Miyazaki shares her father's story and experiences.

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. 

 


Engaging with local students from Hiroshima during a lively cultural exchange session.

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.



Paper cranes are displayed inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. 

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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