The world recently celebrated Nihon Hidankyo's well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize, a testament to their tireless work towards a world free of nuclear weapons. This prestigious award underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating threat of nuclear conflict, a concern shared deeply by Soka Gakkai International (SGI). In response to this growing danger, and aligning with the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize Forum's theme “NUKES – How to Counter the Threat,” SGI accepted an invitation from the Nobel Institute to co-sponsor and co-organize the Nobel Peace Prize Forum and related events.

The Forum, held on 11 December 2024 at the University Aula in Oslo, Norway, followed the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony. This significant event, sponsored by the University of Oslo, the City of Oslo, the International Forum for Understanding and SGI, centered on the critical issue of nuclear weapons proliferation.

The Forum opened with powerful and moving testimonies from hibakusha, atomic bomb survivors, Masao Tomonaga and Keiko Ogura. Dr. Tomonaga, a hematologist, has dedicated his career to researching the effects of radiation and providing medical care to fellow survivors. Ms. Ogura, founder of Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace, has shared her harrowing experiences with thousands, including world leaders at the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit. Their firsthand accounts served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and the urgent need for their abolition.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), delivered a compelling keynote address. Recalling a poignant encounter with hibakusha from his early diplomatic career, he expressed deep concern about the erosion of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Grossi stressed the vital importance of renewed leadership and a sense of responsibility in addressing the nuclear issue, emphasizing the necessity of heeding the voices of survivors.

"THE NUCLEAR THREAT" roundtable explored the erosion of the nuclear taboo and the alarming rise of nuclear threats. Wilfred Wan, the Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, warned of the grave dangers posed by AI and human error, urging a decisive shift away from nuclear deterrence.

"WAYS FORWARD" roundtable delved into crucial topics, including the latest research on the devastating effects of nuclear weapons and the imperative of disarmament education. Nina Tannenwald from Brown University highlighted the significance of No First Use (NFU) policies as a crucial step towards a nuclear-free world, emphasizing the need to build confidence among nuclear powers.

SGI also co-organized a "Youth Dialogue with Hibakusha," featuring ICAN Executive Director Melissa Parke alongside Ms. Ogura and Dr. Tomonaga. This event provided local students with a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the realities of nuclear weapons.

Furthering its commitment to nuclear disarmament, SGI, in collaboration with the University of Oslo and other partners, co-organized a high-level expert panel on NFU policies. The workshop fostered lively and insightful discussions on this critical pathway to a more secure and peaceful global environment. These combined efforts represent a significant step towards raising awareness and fostering dialogue on the urgent need for nuclear disarmament.