80 Years of the Nuclear Age: The Role of Youth in Building a Safer World

This year marks 80 years since the dawn of the nuclear age—beginning with the first detonation of a nuclear weapon by the U.S. Army on July 16, 1945, in the New Mexico desert as part of the Manhattan Project, followed by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9. This event is a moment for remembrance, reflection, and a renewed call to action for a world free of nuclear weapons. We will honor the victims of nuclear weapons use and testing, while highlighting the urgent need to advance disarmament and nonproliferation education—particularly among younger generations.

The program begins at 4:30 PM with a paper crane folding activity, followed by the official start at 5:00 PM. Attendees will hear video testimonies from Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and downwinders affected by nuclear testing. We are honored to welcome Dr. Stephen Herzog, CNS Professor of 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. Their extensive expertise will enrich our discussion from both political and humanitarian perspectives on nuclear disarmament.

A highlight of the event will be a youth panel discussion featuring our CNS Summer Undergraduate Fellows, who have spent the summer studying disarmament and nonproliferation. They will share their perspectives on how young people can help build a safer, more just world.