As a Youth Representative with Peace Boat US and a volunteer with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Sara Hollingshead had the opportunity to attend the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 3-7, 2025. The entire 3MSP was overseen by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, who led the proceedings of the conference and shared insights from Kazakhstan’s own experience as a country that voluntarily gave up its nuclear arsenal. This week provided her with valuable insight into the diplomatic processes shaping global nuclear disarmament efforts and the importance of youth advocacy within this space.
In Sara’s role with ICAN, she was responsible for tracking the attendance of countries, recording statements made by participating countries, and reaching out to the Permanent Missions of absent states to encourage their participation and urge them to potentially make a statement at the meeting.
While attending the 3MSP as a Youth Representative with Peace Boat US, Sara was able to support and attend various side events, such as the Nuclear Survivors Forum, Action to Overcome the Nuclear Crisis on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, and Full Documentary Premiere, “I Want to Live On” and Testimonies from Survivors of Nuclear Testing in Kazakhstan. She expressed that the highlight of events like these was the opportunity to hear testimonies from survivors of nuclear-affected communities. While overseeing various behind-the-scenes tasks, Sara gained a deeper appreciation for the critical role these responsibilities play in supporting the 3MSP and ensuring its smooth operation. Witnessing how grassroots humanitarian efforts can influence policy-making and reform at a global level was truly inspiring for Sara.
“The Global Hibakusha’s testimonies and call to action were a powerful reminder of the lasting human and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons. Their stories highlighted the urgency of intergenerational disarmament efforts and reinforced the need to advocate for nuclear justice—a recognition of the harm inflicted on affected communities and a commitment to ensuring their voices drive disarmament policies. Listening to survivors from Hiroshima, Korea, Kazakhstan, and other affected regions made it clear that nuclear weapons are not just a geopolitical issue but a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate action.”
One of the most impactful aspects of the week for Sara was hearing statements from various countries on key thematic discussions, including the universalization of the TPNW, victim assistance, gender dynamics, and international cooperation. It was also incredibly motivating to see so many fellow youth activists at the 3MSP, all united in their commitment to global change and nuclear abolition.
When reflecting on her attendance during the 3MSP, Sara emphasizes how her understanding of diplomacy and disarmament was deepened, which gave her firsthand insight into the inner workings of the UN and the collaborative efforts required to drive global policy change. Through her roles with Peace Boat US and ICAN, she saw how grassroots advocacy translates into international action, reinforcing her long-term commitment to peacebuilding and global advocacy. The experience broadened her perspective on the intersection of humanitarian efforts and policymaking, showing her that diplomacy is not just about negotiations between states but also about amplifying the voices of those most affected. Sara believes that youth activists have a crucial role in sustaining momentum for nuclear abolition, ensuring that survivor testimonies and humanitarian concerns remain at the forefront of disarmament discussions. The power of collective action— when civil society, youth, diplomats, and advocates work together— demonstrates that a nuclear-free world is necessary. Now more than ever, Sara is committed to continuing to drive change and work toward a future free of nuclear weapons.
