By Rebecca Irby | Founder & President
This past month, our incredible group of student delegates took their advocacy, creativity, and leadership to the world stage at the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) Conference in New York City. Through this transformative experience, high school and college students from Detroit, Morehouse College, and Georgia State University engaged in high-level discussions on nuclear disarmament, shared their perspectives with global leaders, and showcased their art-based advocacy projects to amplify the voices of young people affected by global conflict and systemic injustice.
A Journey of Leadership and Advocacy
Our delegation participated in multiple key events, including:
A Student-Led Art & Advocacy Presentation at an official UN side event, where students presented powerful artwork, poetry, and spoken word pieces reflecting on nuclear history, social justice, and disarmament.
Engagement with UN Officials & Diplomats, discussing the role of youth in policy-making and peacebuilding efforts.
Networking with Global Activists, including leaders from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs.
Attending the Official UN Proceedings, where students had the chance to witness global negotiations firsthand and reflect on their role in shaping a better future.
The Power of Art in Advocacy
A central part of this experience was the creative advocacy project, where students used visual art, mixed media, poetry, and digital storytelling to illustrate the impact of nuclear weapons and violence. Their work became a centerpiece of youth-led activism, bringing an emotional and human-centered perspective to disarmament discussions.
Looking Ahead
The impact of this experience doesn’t end at the UN. These students will bring their insights home, sharing their work with local schools and communities to educate and inspire more young leaders in Detroit and beyond.
This trip was made possible by your generous support. Your contributions ensured that these young leaders had the opportunity to engage, learn, and advocate at one of the most critical global platforms.
Thank you for believing in the power of youth leadership! Check out some highlights from our time at the UN below!
Support Our Work
This transformative experience is made possible through the generosity of our supporters. Your contribution helps provide travel scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and the resources needed to equip our youth leaders with the tools to advocate for a nuclear-free world.
By investing in this program, you are helping young changemakers use art, advocacy, and diplomacy to create a more just and peaceful future.
Together, we can amplify their voices and empower the next generation of global leaders!
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By Rebecca Irby | Founder & President
By Missy Sue Mastel | CPA, PEAC Board Member
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