Calls for submissions. 2nd Essay Contest on a “Nuclear Weapons Free Future”

The Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University (RECNA), with the support of the Nagasaki Shimbun, invites youth between the ages of 16 and 29 to submit an essay on a “Nuclear Weapons Free Future.”

In January 2023, the “Doomsday Clock” of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist was reset to 90 seconds to midnight, the closest ever to doomsday. The Bulletin did this because of the growing threat of the use of nuclear weapons and the ongoing destruction of the global environment. There are people who argue that nuclear weapons are crucial for national security. But can nuclear weapons really save humans, nations, and the planet?

Awards will be given for outstanding essays on the theme of a “Nuclear Weapons Free Future” taking into consideration the sub-theme of the supposed role of nuclear weapons in national security, the survival of human civilization and the health of the global environment. We look forward to reading your thoughts and innovative ideas.

Entries will be divided into two groups: youth aged 16 to 19 (Under 20) and youth aged 20 to 29 (Under 30). Awards will be given to outstanding essays and there will be one grand prize winner for each age group. The two winning essays will be published in the Nagasaki Shimbun newspaper and the winning authors will be invited to participate in the award ceremony in Nagasaki on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. If the winner resides in Japan, she/he will be invited to Nagasaki to participate in person. If the winner resides overseas, he/she will be invited to participate in the award ceremony online.

Visit the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University (RECNA) for more information and to apply.