Nuclear Truth Project at the Second Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW (2MSP)

(left to right) Dimity Hawkins, coordinator for the Nuclear Truth, Karina Lester, a Yankunytjatjara-Anangu activist, and Petuuche Gilbert, elder from the Acoma Pueblo, USA. Credit: ICAN/Darren Ornitz

Between 27 November and 1 December 2023, the Nuclear Truth Project (NTP) participated in the Second Meeting of States Parties (2MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at the United Nations in New York. The meeting brought together representatives from 92 countries, including all 70 States Parties to the Treaty, alongside hundreds of civil society delegates and members of nuclear-affected communities from around the world.

For NTP, the week presented significant opportunities for advocacy, education and relationship-building, with a strong focus on centring lived experience and advancing ethical engagement with affected communities.

Advancing the Protocols and challenging nuclear secrecy

NTP made formal contributions to the UN process by submitting two working papers: one on the Nuclear Truth Project Protocols, and another calling for accountability and transparency in nuclear archives. These interventions reflected our core belief that meaningful nuclear justice requires both ethical engagement with affected communities and access to nuclear truth.

Throughout the week, we promoted our reports Talking Protocols and Challenging Nuclear Secrecy, distributing around 1,300 postcards and posters with QR codes linking to the digital publications. These resources helped introduce diplomats, civil society organisations and community advocates to the principles of rights, respect and reciprocity that underpin our work.

Creating space for affected community voices

Working alongside colleagues from PeaceBoat and ICAN, NTP helped host two breakfasts for nuclear-affected community members, providing space for connection, reflection and mutual support. We also played a key role in organising the Nuclear Survivor Forum side event on Thursday 30 November, where our Co-Coordinators facilitated a conversation on the Protocols with affected community participants.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday 29 November, NTP hosted an official UN side event titled “Challenging Nuclear Secrecy // Voices from the Frontlines.” The event explored findings from the Challenging Nuclear Secrecy report and featured powerful testimony from frontline community members living with the ongoing impacts of nuclear weapons and related activities.

Speakers included Hinameoura Cross (Mā‘ohi Nui), Jean-Marie Collin (France), Karina Lester (Australia), Petuuche Gilbert (Acoma Pueblo, USA), Benetick Kabua Maddison (Marshall Islands diaspora, USA), and NTP Co-Chair Bedi Racule (Fiji/Marshall Islands), alongside Co-Coordinators Pam Kingfisher and Dimity Hawkins. Together, they highlighted the human cost of nuclear secrecy and the urgent need for transparency, accountability and ethical engagement.

Media, storytelling and global reach

During the meeting, The New York Times sought NTP’s assistance in connecting with affected community members for a feature on nuclear legacies. NTP supported the journalists with introductions, background discussions and advocacy for the use of the Protocols prior to interviews. The resulting story was published in June 2024 and included an interview with Pam Kingfisher

NTP also collaborated closely with ICAN Germany to support a short film project featuring affected community members at the 3MSP. This work resulted in ICAN Germany’s Five Questions video, released in February 2024. The Protocols again provided a foundation for this collaboration. NTP Co-Chair Bedi Racule and Co-Coordinator Pam Kingfisher were among those interviewed, alongside activists from Mā‘ohi Nui, the Marshall Islands, Kazakhstan and Australia.

Recognition, panels and cultural engagement

While in New York, Pam Kingfisher was honoured to present the Nuclear-Free Future Award to Benetick Kabua Maddison, Executive Director of the Marshall Islands Education Initiative.

Dimity Hawkins participated in several forums, including a panel hosted by the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network on strengthening a nuclear-free Pacific, a webinar reporting back to Australian audiences, and a meeting with scholars and the UN-appointed Scientific Advisory Group to the TPNW.

NTP Co-Chair Kathleen Sullivan edited a nuclear justice booklet distributed to 1,500 attendees at a live score screening of Koyaanisqatsi by the Philip Glass Ensemble at New York’s historic Town Hall. The ensemble dedicated their performance to NTP’s work, creating a unique opportunity to engage new audiences on the TPNW and ongoing nuclear harms. Pam and Dimity both contributed written pieces to the booklet, including an introduction to the Nuclear Truth Project.

Collective advocacy and looking ahead

NTP also contributed to coordinating a joint statement by nuclear-affected communities, endorsed by 26 affected community-led organisations and submitted to the 2MSP. Throughout the week, we worked alongside colleagues worldwide to monitor and analyse proceedings, sharing updates and reflections through our social media channels.

While our focus at the 2MSP was firmly on supporting affected communities and civil society, we also engaged with representatives of States Parties and look forward to building on these relationships as we continue our work toward 2025 and beyond.