Atomic Reporters supports better factual reporting on the nuclear file. As well as working with media workers we also provide training and opportunities for young people to share and publish their views about the subject of nuclear weapons and related issues. In cooperation with the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), AR is running a series of essays by participants in its Youth Leader Fund fellowship program who visited Nagasaki and Hiroshima last year, Japanese cities attacked with atomic bombs by the US in 1945, the only time such weapons have been used in conflict. The second essay is from Bojan Lazarevski, a political scientist, activist and writer based in North Macedonia.

Article by guest author Bojan Lazarevski

In 2024, together with 99 other young fellows, I had the honour of being part of the inaugural cohort of the Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons programme. For months, we delved into the topics of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control. We engaged in interactive sessions that helped us practice leadership and other crucial soft skills every aspiring young leader should possess.

The study visit to Japan that followed, was the culmination of the programme. Fifty of us had a unique chance to engage with Hibakusha atomic bomb survivors, learn about their stories and legacy firsthand, as well as the devastating humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. 

Today the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki stand as impressive open-air museums of humanity’s resilience and determination to rebuild, becoming among the world’s greatest promoters of peace. Yet we must never forget the devastation they endured. Therefore, to ensure such tragedies are never repeated, we must commit to achieving global disarmament and building a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

That is also why, my personal, as well as my shared involvement in the cause does not stop here. Instead, my generation’ needs to understand it is out responsibility to carry forward the lessons learned and share them with the world.

One of the programme’s most valuable aspects was connecting and networking with a group of like-minded young people from around the world. Together, as we prepared and adopted the first-ever Youth DeclarACTION for a World without Nuclear Weapons, we committed to continue exploring actionable ways to address the nuclear threat in the spirit of international solidarity and cooperation, both individually and together as a group.

Perhaps the most significant professional impact this experience has had on me thus far is the inspiration to pursue a master’s degree, during which I am focusing my thesis research on nuclear weapons issues. Through this academic pursuit, I aim to deepen my understanding of nuclear policy and contribute to the topic through dedicated research.

Additionally, as an impassioned writer, I have already published two op-eds, advocating for a nuclear-weapon free zone in Europe and amplifying the voices of Hibakusha for a world without nuclear weapons from an interview with a Hibakusha from Nagasaki. Moving forward, I also plan to write more on this critical issue and collaborate with my fellows, continuing to raise awareness and advocate for change.

Looking back just a year ago, this journey began the same way for all of us, united by a shared vision. Today, it is truly inspiring to see how each of us continues along the path of nuclear disarmament advocacy. I’m excited to see how we will each contribute to the goal of a nuclear-free world and, hopefully, one day celebrate that achievement together.

As we continue leading the charge for nuclear disarmament learning from our experience in Japan, each step we take brings us closer to a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

---

Bojan Lazarevski is a political scientist in international and intercultural studies based in North Macedonia. He is also a writer, and an activist and researcher. Follow Benjamin on Instagram.