In this interview, Bonnie Jenkins recounts how she first became interested in nuclear weapons during an accidental meeting at the Pentagon, which sparked her career in international security. She discusses her transition from government roles to the Ford Foundation, where she focused on funding innovative voices in foreign policy and conflict resolution, as well as her involvement with WCAPS.

Walusungu Mtonga, a Zambian medical doctor and IPPNW board member, advocates for nuclear disarmament by connecting local and global initiatives. Inspired by his late father’s work in disarmament, he emphasizes the need for grassroots education and incremental steps toward total elimination, such as promoting “no first use” policies. Mtonga highlights the challenges of engaging communities with immediate socioeconomic concerns and underscores the role of treaties like the TPNW in revitalizing global disarmament efforts.

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Victor Chelashow, a Kenyan physician and former IPPNW student representative, integrates public health with nuclear disarmament advocacy. He emphasizes the intersectionality of nuclear issues with climate change and social justice, tailoring messages to resonate with African audiences. Chelashow critiques the underrepresentation of Global South voices in nuclear debates and calls for inclusive language and platforms. His work focuses on education and universalizing the TPNW as steps toward stigmatizing and eventually eliminating nuclear weapons.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Sarah Mabeza, a regional legal adviser for the ICRC, combines her passion for African diplomacy with a focus on nuclear disarmament. She emphasizes Africa’s leadership in the TPNW process, attributing success to collaboration with think tanks and civil society organizations. Mabeza highlights South Africa’s moral authority and convening power as key factors in mobilizing the African bloc for disarmament. She underscores the importance of sustained engagement and education to amplify Africa’s role in global nuclear policy.

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Noël Stott, based in South Africa, is a seasoned expert in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. At VERTIC, he works on fostering African perspectives in global nuclear discourse, emphasizing the lack of organizations in Africa actively addressing WMD issues. Stott critiques the stagnation in disarmament since the Cold War and the failure to leverage moments of global cooperation. He calls for African states to pressurize nuclear powers to honor their NPT commitments, advocating for clear strategies to advance Article Six's disarmament provisions.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Linnet Ng’ayu, trained in law and sociology, worked with the African Council of Religious Leaders to promote nuclear disarmament through humanitarian advocacy. She collaborated with religious and grassroots leaders to build awareness and push for Africa’s participation in treaties like the TPNW. Ng’ayu highlights Africa's nuclear-free status under the Treaty of Pelindaba and the challenges of engaging governments often pressured by donor states. She advocates integrating disarmament efforts into broader peacebuilding initiatives while addressing pressing issues like small arms control​.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Kudakwashe Mapako, a legal researcher specializing in international law, engages in nuclear security with a focus on Africa through the African Center for Science and International Security. His work highlights Africa’s strategic role in uranium trade and disarmament, advocating for African states to leverage their positions for policy influence. He critiques inequalities in global non-proliferation treaties, particularly the NPT, and underscores the need for inclusive diplomacy. Mapako also emphasizes educating African policymakers and citizens about nuclear issues as a step toward meaningful participation in global disarmament efforts.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Ian Fleming Zhou, a PhD candidate in international relations, focuses on nuclear diplomacy and non-proliferation. His interest began during his undergraduate studies, where his academic curiosity about foreign policy narrowed into nuclear negotiations, influenced by his mentor. Active in both academia and activism, he sees these roles as complementary, enhancing his ability to advocate for disarmament. Zhou critiques the current geopolitical climate, noting failures in arms control dialogue and the destabilizing effects of nuclear weapons, and calls for greater civil society involvement to pressure governments for policy change.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

This interview highlights Guy Feugap's extensive work as a peace activist and organizer, particularly focusing on nuclear disarmament. He describes his career transition from WILPF to World Beyond War, advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons through programs like the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Feugap emphasizes the dangers of nuclear weapons, the need for global cooperation, and the critical role of civil society in creating awareness and influencing policy. He concludes by stressing the importance of implementing resolutions and fostering trust in multilateral diplomacy to achieve meaningful progress in disarmament.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Edwick Madzimure, president of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Zimbabwe, discusses her advocacy for nuclear disarmament, linking it to broader issues of peace, gender equality, and climate justice. She emphasizes Africa's overlooked role in uranium mining and the disproportionate effects of nuclear testing and proliferation on the Global South. Madzimure critiques the lack of awareness and political will in African governments toward disarmament, advocating for increased public education, demystification of technical nuclear discourse, and stronger civil society coalitions. She underscores the need for gender-inclusive research and policies, highlighting strides made through WILPF's partnerships and regional collaborations to promote disarmament and address systemic inequities.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.