Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security 2024
Hiroshima Prefecture and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (“ICAN”), the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, will hold the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security 2024 (hereafter referred to as “the Academy”). Through this program, we aim to nurture global leaders who can make concrete contributions towards a more peaceful and secure world.
Join us for this opportunity to meet and learn together with inspiring, diverse individuals from around the world!
Background and objectives
In April 2019, Hiroshima Prefecture and ICAN signed a memorandum of understanding on collaboration in the field of human resource development for the next generation towards nuclear weapons abolition. Both established an executive committee to launch the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy, a course that aims to nurture global leaders who can make concrete contributions towards a more peaceful and secure world.
This year will mark the sixth time the course has been held.
2023 Results
- Participants: 29 students or young professionals
- Part I: Online learning and webinars Report
- Part II: Four-day in-person program in Hiroshima. Report Day 1 / Day 2 / Day 3 / Day 4
- Part Ⅲ:000000 Online Reflection
2022 Results
- Participants: 29 students or young professionals
- Part I: Online learning and webinars were held
- Part II: 00 Four-day in-person program in Hiroshima
2021 Results
Report on webinars / Report on Special Program
- Participants: 31 students or young professionals
- Part I: Online learning and webinars
- Part II: 00 In-person program was scheduled but canceled due to COVID-19. It was replaced by a Special Program that ———————featured online testimonies by Hibakusha and a virtual tour of A-bombed sites and the Peace Memorial ——————– Museum in Hiroshima.
2020 Results
Report on webinars by Hiroshima Prefecture / Report by Peace Boat
- Participants: 31 students or young professional
- Part I: Online learning and webinars
- Part II: 0 In-person program was scheduled but canceled due to COVID-19
2019 Results
Report by Hiroshima Prefecture / Report by ICAN
- Participants: 15 students or young professionals
- Nine-day in-person program was held.
Participants in the last five years
- Number of participants to date: 135
- Countries/Regions of participants: 44
(Algeria, Argentine, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uzbekistan, Zambia)
Program Overview
The Academy 2024 is planned to be held in three parts: online learning and webinars, an in-person Hiroshima session, and an online reflection session. Participants are expected to complete all three parts.
This year’s overall theme:
Sustainable security for all
In 2023, the G7 Hiroshima Summit highlighted global challenges to security and sustainability as well as measures to address them, including the promotion of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, clean energy and environmental conservation, and sustainable economic development. Indeed, looking at today’s world, it is clear that security and sustainability are deeply linked. A broad understanding of security is necessary to address current global challenges, including nuclear weapons: Beyond military might, we must consider human and environmental security that mends divisions and inequalities and preserves a livable planet. Centered on the humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons, the Academy fosters discussion among diverse voices, exploring ways to build a sustainable, secure world for all.
Dates
（１） Online learning and webinars Session Roughly four to six webinars scheduled for October 2024 (exact dates to be announced by the end of August)
（２）Hiroshima Session Nov. 13 (Weds) to Nov. 16 (Sat), 2024
（３）Online reflection session 0 Dec. 6 (Fri), 2024
Participants
Number of participants to be admitted: 16 youth
- University or graduate school students and young professionals, approximately 25 or younger
- 7 from nuclear weapon states (NWSs)
- 9 from non-nuclear weapon states (NNWSs)
* NWSs are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as defined by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). NNWSs are all countries not NWSs.
* In addition to the above numbers, approximately four participants will be chosen by invitation.
* Among participants, one shall have a connection to Hiroshima Prefecture.
Language
The program will be conducted in English.
Tuition
Free
Hiroshima session costs
・Covered by the organizers (i.e. free):
Meals, accommodation, and costs associated with fieldwork such as admission fees, etc.
・Covered by participants:
Travel expenses to and from Hiroshima, visa fees (if applicable), overseas travel insurance fees, and other personal expenses.
Scholarships
A scholarship program is available for participants who cannot afford the travel expenses.
Scholarships will be provided by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and crowdfunding.
This year, we have lowered the total number of program participants in order to provide scholarships to a greater percentage of participants.
- Eligibility: All general applicants
- Criteria for Selection
- Applicants whose application and essay are deemed outstanding
- Applicants from economically disadvantaged countries/regions and who would otherwise find it difficult to come to Hiroshima for economic reasons
*Intention to apply for this need-based travel scholarship will not have any impact on the overall selection process.
- Scholarship amounts
- A maximum amount in Japanese yen is set by region, and within this limit, the cost of the airfare required for a round-trip between the place of residence and Hiroshima will be granted.
*Receipts for the airfare must be submitted.
- Announcement date for successful scholarship recipients
Sept. 17, 2024 (Tues) * Same day as notice of acceptance
To applicants who have the prospect of obtaining a scholarship on their own
Applicants are encouraged to seek financial support from their school or affiliated organization, and the organizers can issue an official letter of support for this purpose.
Invitations
In addition to participants selected from the general applicant pool, the 2024 Academy will include approximately four participants from G7 member nations invited directly by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government. These invitations aim to pass on to the next generation the “will to abolish nuclear weapons” confirmed by G7 leaders at the G7 Hiroshima Summit held in 2023.
・Eligibility: Persons selected by Hiroshima Prefecture
(Please note that general applicants cannot request to be considered for invitation. Also, those invited by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government do not need to submit a separate application.)
Program overview
1. Online learning and webinars
Through asynchronous, self-paced learning and participating in webinars at set times, participants will learn about four themes:
- The humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons
- Current and future nuclear risks
- The social, economic, and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons
- The roles of the UN and civil society.
During the interactive and engaging webinars, participants will have opportunities to learn both from guest educators, including hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors), and each other.
- Dates and Times:00TBD (four to six webinars will be scheduled for October 2024)
- Platform:00Zoom
2) Hiroshima Session
During this time of rising global tensions, including threats to use nuclear weapons, it is increasingly important to learn together from Hiroshima and its people. Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn in-person about the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons through activities such as directly hearing hibakusha testimonies and visiting A-bombed sites and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, along with other learning about other topics related to nuclear weapons.
- Dates:00Nov. 13 (Weds) to Nov. 16 (Sat), 2024
- Place:00Hiroshima City
3) Online Reflection Session
After participants return home, there will be an online session for them to reflect on what they have learned and share how they will apply it in their respective activities and locations.
- Date:00Dec. 6, 2024 (Fri)
- Time:00TBD
- Platform:00Zoom
Program Features and Themes
- Understand the reality of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, and health effects of radiation through testimonies by survivors and their supporters.
- Understand the social, economic, and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons around the world.
- Learn about current trends and emerging risks related to nuclear weapons and global security, including sustainable security, through exchange with experts.
- Acquire skills and mindsets for contributing in the global arena towards realizing a peaceful, sustainable world.
- Engage with and learn from survivors, UN officials, diplomats, and NGO members, and activists.
Reviews from past participants
Hiroshima-ICAN Academy 2023 Participant Interviews
Hiroshima-ICAN Academy 2022 Participant Interviews
Hiroshima-ICAN Academy 2021 Participant Interviews
Information Sessions
*All information sessions have been finished.
Thank you for your participation!
Join us for one of two online information sessions to learn more about the program and the application process. The content of both sessions will be the same.
(1) 7:30–9:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) on June 27, 2024 (Thurs).
Click here to register.
(2) 8:00–9:30 a.m., Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) on July 12, 2024 (Fri).
Click here to register.
Application requirements
Applicants shall meet all the following requirements:
- Applicants should have a strong interest in issues related to nuclear weapons and global security, and also be keen to work for global peace, for instance as a diplomat, for the UN, or for an international NGO.
- Applicants should be students or young professionals approximately 25 years old or below, although exceptions have accepted in the past.
- Applicants should make their best effort to participate in all sessions.
- Attending all lectures and submitting assignments for the online learning and webinars is a prerequisite for participating in the Hiroshima session.
- Applicants should be able to discuss nuclear weapons and related topics, including some technical terminology, in English.
- Applicants must be considerate and respectful of the diversity of all those involved in the Academy, including nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and opinions.
- Applicants should have access to the internet for communication and webinars.
- Ideally, applicants will remain involved in the issues of nuclear weapons and global security after the program, making full use of their knowledge and skills gained, and be able to share their experience utilizing social media, etc.
Application method and deadline
Please apply by filling out the Application Form via Google Forms here.
Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time (UCT+9) on Aug. 12, 2024 (Mon)
The application consists of two parts:
- Personal Information
- Short Essay (700 words)
Notes on application
-
Applicants are strongly suggested to watch the live-stream or recording of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony held on August 6, prior to the application deadline. The URL will be announced on this webpage as the date approaches.
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The application form requests you to submit an essay by uploading it. If you do not have a Google account, you will not be able to use the upload function in the form; in such a case, please send your essay via email to chiheiwa@pref.hiroshima.lg.jp after filling out the application form online. You can download the Essay Sheet here.
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If you do not have access to Google services, please download the application form in Microsoft Word format here and submit it via email to chiheiwa@pref.hiroshima.lg.jp.
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To make any changes to information submitted, please promptly contact the office of the Executive Committee as listed below.
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The organizers may request that applicants submit an official certificate of English proficiency, if necessary.
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Personal information will be protected by the organizers and will not be used for any purpose other than the Academy and promotion of relevant events organized by Hiroshima Prefecture and/or ICAN.
(Added on August 2)
The live stream of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony to be held on Tuesday, August 6 can be viewed at the following sites:
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/english/346111.html
*The ceremony will be broadcast live from 7:50 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6 (JST).
Selection
- The selection committee will review the applications based on the requirements above, ensuring diversity in gender, geographical representation, perspectives on nuclear weapons and global security, etc.
- A phone or Zoom interview (in English) may be conducted, in which case, applicants will be contacted by the organizer to schedule the interview.
- Applicants will be notified of the selection results on Sept, 17, 2024 (Tues).
- Even after the selection has been made, if a successful applicant engages in inappropriate behavior, the organizer reserves the right to cancel their participation.
Schedule *Subject to change.
2024
・Information sessions: 1) 7:30-9:00 pm Japan Standard Time (UTC+9 ), Jun. 27 (Thurs)
2) 8:00-9:30 am JST(UTC+9), Jul. 12 (Fri)
・Application period: Jun. 14 (Fri) through Aug. 12 (Mon), 2024
・Application deadline: Aug. 12 (Mon), 2024
・Notice of acceptance: Sep. 17, 2024 (Tues)
・Online learning and webinars: Oct. 2024
・Hiroshima session: Nov. 13 (Weds) to Nov. 16 (Sat), 2024
・Online reflection session: Dec. 6, 2024 (Fri)
Inquiries
Executive Committee of Hiroshima-ICAN Academy
Tel: +81-82-513-2368
Email: chiheiwa@pref.hiroshima.lg.jp
Address: 10-52, Motomachi, Naka-ku, HiroshimaCity, 730-8511, Japan
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