The Choose Hope Symposium took place on March 12–13, 2025, at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA. Hosted by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI), the landmark event honored the legacies of David Krieger, NAPF’s Founder and President Emeritus, and Daisaku Ikeda, the SGI Founder and President—both of whom passed away in late 2023.
The symposium opened on March 12 with the 20th Frank K. Kelly Lecture on Humanity’s Future, delivered by Annie Jacobsen, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Nuclear War: A Scenario. Following her lecture, a panel of experts convened to explore critical challenges in nuclear disarmament and global security.
On March 13, the symposium featured a series of thought-provoking panels covering a range of pressing topics, including nuclear deterrence, the vision of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, nuclear justice, the intersection of nuclear and climate activism, and the role of art and youth in creating a better future. These discussions included contributions from leading diplomats, academics, and advocates in the field.
The Choose Hope Symposium brought together a wide range of voices to reflect, exchange ideas, and reaffirm a shared commitment to a world without nuclear weapons. Please see below for the full event recording, as well as individual videos of each panel.
Speakers, panelists, and participants gathered in Santa Barbara to share stories, strategies, and solidarity for a world free of nuclear weapons
Symposium Program
20th Frank K. Kelly Lecture on Humanity’s Future
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Annie Jacobsen, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Nuclear War: A Scenario, presented the 20th Frank K. Kelly Lecture on Humanity’s Future as part of the Choose Hope Symposium. Following Jacobsen’s lecture, a panel of experts responded to her book and remarks and discussed current challenges and opportunities in nuclear disarmament.
Author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen presents the 20th Frank K. Kelly Lecture on Humanity’s Future at the Choose Hope Symposium
Our panel of experts reflected on Annie's book and offered urgent insights on the escalating nuclear threat, the failures of deterrence, and the path forward
Dr. Ivana Nikolić Hughes and Professor Richard Falk participate in a panel discussion following the lecture
A strong showing of community members and activists at the Music Academy in Santa Barbara
Inspired and happy smiles following the event!
Annie Jacobsen discusses her book Nuclear War: A Scenario
Melissa Parke, ICAN
Masako Wada of Nihon Hidankyo shared a powerful Hibakusha testimony to symposium participants
Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara
Welcome Remarks
Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 10:00 – 10:15 AM
Dr. Ivana Nikolić Hughes (NAPF) and Tomohiko Aishima (SGI) opened the Choose Hope Symposium with reflections on its themes of disarmament, peace, and global cooperation. Perie Longo, NAPF Board Member and Santa Barbara Poet Laureate, shared a poetic reflection.
Tomohiko Aishima, Executive Advisor to the Office of Peace and Global Issues, Soka Gakkai International
Dr. Ivana Nikolić Hughes, President of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation
Perie Longo, NAPF Board Member and Santa Barbara Poet Laureate
From Deterrence to Disarmament: The Path Forward
Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 10:20 AM – 11:50 AM
This panel explored the current challenges to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons and the vision set by the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Panelists discussed how the global community can move beyond deterrence and embrace comprehensive nuclear disarmament. The conversation focused on the role of international law, the notion of national versus human security, and the role of the Global South in shaping a world free of nuclear weapons.
Chie Sunada of Soka Gakkai International and John Mecklin of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and shared a moment of reflection and connection at the Choose Hope Symposium 2025.
Ambassador Elayne Whyte reflected on her leadership in negotiating the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, emphasizing inclusion, dignity, and the ethical foundations of disarmament
Panelists, including moderator Chie Sunada, John Mecklin, Amb. Elayne Whyte, Eduardo Alcibiades Sánchez Kiesslich, and Professor Alexander Harang, discussed pathways to a nuclear weapons-free world
Eduardo Sánchez of the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations shared insights from the TPNW 3MSP and advocated for a human-centered approach to nuclear disarmament rooted in justice, science, and inclusion
A Conversation with Andrew Davis
Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Andrew Davis, acclaimed film director, discussed his book Disturbing the Bones, which explored themes of historical memory, injustice, and the lasting impact of military actions. In this conversation, Davis examined how the novel’s narrative touched on the broader political and social contexts that intersect with nuclear disarmament and the ongoing threat that nuclear weapons present to our world. Stella Rose, former NAPF Intern and RTT Youth Advisor, moderated the discussion.
Stella Rose and film director Andrew Davis reflected on memory, justice, and disarmament through the lens of Davis’ novel Disturbing the Bones
Legacy of Nuclear Use and Testing: A Call for Justice
Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:25 PM
Nuclear weapons use and testing left lasting humanitarian and environmental impacts on communities worldwide. This panel explored nuclear justice, highlighting the experiences of affected communities and their role in disarmament efforts. Panelists discussed strategies to address nuclear legacies and advocate for accountability.
Panelists Christian Ciobanu, Véronique Christory, Anna Ikeda, Dr. Togzhan Kassenova, and Mary Dickson shared powerful testimonies and insights on the enduring impacts of nuclear weapons and the urgent need for justice
Véronique Christory, ICRC and NAPF Board, spoke on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and the importance of prevention
Christian Ciobanu, Policy and Advocacy Director at NAPF and Project Coordinator at Reverse the Trend, guided the discussion on nuclear justice and the legacy of nuclear testing
Dr. Togzhan Kassenova shared Kazakhstan’s journey from nuclear testing to disarmament and the meaning of nuclear justice
Anna Ikeda of Soka Gakkai International reflected on the legacy of Hiroshima and the Hibakusha’s call for a world free of nuclear weapons
Mary Dickson, downwinder and advocate, offered a powerful personal testimony on the lasting harm of U.S. nuclear testing
Panelists examined the global legacy of nuclear testing and emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance and environmental remediation
Miyuki Horiguchi of Soka Gakkai International moderated the panel, offering reflections on youth empowerment and the urgency of addressing nuclear and climate threats
The Intersection of Climate and Nuclear Justice: Empowering Youth for Change
Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 4:05 – 5:25 PM
Climate change disrupted lives worldwide, including in Southern California, where firestorms caused unimaginable destruction. This panel explored the connections between nuclear disarmament and climate activism, highlighting the vital contributions of young leaders in driving transformative change and building a sustainable future.
Dr. Robert Dodge of PSR-LA spoke on the public health threats of nuclear weapons and climate change, urging prevention and awareness
Kenneth Chiu of NAPF highlighted the importance of youth advocacy and reshaping public perception around nuclear weapons
Anduin DeVos of NuclearBan.US emphasized divestment and reframing nuclear weapons as a climate issue to mobilize broader action
Panelists explored the intersection of climate and nuclear justice, emphasizing youth leadership, solidarity, and urgent global action
Viktoria Lokh of SUA shared her journey through global citizenship education and its role in building a more peaceful future
