April 13, 2026
Masako Toki
2026 Critical Issues Forum Spring Conference Report
The 2026 Critical Issues Forum (CIF) Spring Student Conference brought together nearly 90 high school students and educators from around the world in Monterey, California. The conference offered a dynamic, thought-provoking, and engaging exchange that fostered both learning and lasting friendships, advancing nuclear disarmament, global security, and the role of youth in building a more peaceful future.
2026 CIF Spring Student Conference Participants
Organized by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, CIF continues its long-standing mission of helping the next generation build the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to engage with today’s most pressing global challenges.
Theme: Youth Engagement in a Time of Global Nuclear Risk
This year’s theme, “Facing the Global Nuclear Threat: Youth Engagement for a Safer World,” reflected the urgency of today’s international environment and underscored the essential role that young people play in shaping a more secure future.
At a time marked by rising geopolitical tensions and renewed nuclear risks, the conference provided a space for students to critically examine these challenges while engaging in constructive dialogue across cultures and perspectives.
A Truly Global Exchange
The 2026 conference welcomed participants from the United States, Japan, Norway, India, and Pakistan, highlighting CIF’s commitment to international collaboration and cross-cultural learning. We had nine schools from across the United States and six schools from Japan. Students from India and Pakistan were both alumni of Seeds of Peace, a program CIF began partnering with last year, and United World College Red Cross Nordic also participated. In addition, one U.S. observer high school joined, and CNS partner university, Soka University of America, participated to support the program. CIF has also collaborated with Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Teacher Network since 2023, reflecting the ongoing importance of partnership with educators in strengthening global learning and dialogue. These partnerships underscore the value of cooperation across institutions and countries in advancing youth engagement on nuclear disarmament and global peace and security. (Please see the list of participating schools below.)
CIF International Participants
Despite travel disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, which prevented the Pakistani delegation from attending in person, these students remained fully engaged through virtual participation. Their joint presentation with students from India stood out as a powerful example of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation—particularly meaningful given the long-standing tensions between the two countries—demonstrating that meaningful connection and collaboration remain possible even in times of global uncertainty.
Conference Emcees from Monterey High School
Program Highlights
The conference featured a rich and interactive program designed to foster both academic rigor and meaningful exchange:
- Student Research Presentations: Students presented in-depth research on nuclear risks, disarmament, and related global challenges, demonstrating strong analytical skills and creative approaches to complex issues. Each school’s presentation offered a unique perspective, with topics ranging from the implications of artificial intelligence for weapons of mass destruction to the cultural dimensions of nuclear disarmament, the role of art and education in advancing disarmament, the fragility of nuclear deterrence, and country-specific nuclear challenges. Across all presentations, students emphasized the important role that youth can play in advancing solutions. One presentation concluded with a chamber music performance, “Remember Me,” honoring victims of nuclear weapons. Please see the student project page for each school’s presentation (forthcoming).
Presentation by Atherton High School (Louisville, KY)
Presentation by South Asia Group 2 – Seeds of Peace (India and Pakistan)
Presentation by Geffen Academy at UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)
- Student Panel Discussions: Moderated by MIIS MA students, the conference featured five panel discussions, each consisting of four to five high school students. Panelists reflected on their CIF experience and discussed how young people can contribute to nuclear disarmament and broader global challenges.
Student Panel Discussion Moderated by an MIIS Graduate Student
- Small Group Discussions: Facilitated sessions created space for students to engage thoughtfully with one another, exchange perspectives, and reflect on key themes. Each group, guided by MIIS MA students, developed both short-term and long-term recommendations for actions that youth and governing institutions can take. Groups then shared their ideas, presenting a wide range of creative and thoughtful action plans.
Small Group Discussion
Small Group Discussion Briefing
Awards Ceremony
- Film Screening and Discussion: Another highlight of the conference was the screening of The Bomb, followed by a discussion with the film’s director, Smriti Keshari, and co-director Eric Schlosser, who made a special guest appearance. The discussion was moderated by Dr. William Potter, Director of CNS, with Habiba Mickdad also joining as a panelist. This session offered students a powerful and immersive perspective on the history and ongoing risks of nuclear weapons, sparking meaningful reflection and dialogue.
Film Screening and Discussion
- Collaborative Learning Environment: Throughout the conference, students were encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and learn from diverse viewpoints. Beyond the formal sessions, participants also engaged in meaningful cross-cultural experiences. Monterey High School CIF students served as a welcome committee, guiding international students during their visit, including a visit to Monterey High School. Additional activities such as a meet-and-greet session, a beach gathering after the conference, and informal sports activities further strengthened connections and friendships among participants.
Cross-Cultural Activities
Monterey High School Visit
Student Impact and Engagement
A defining feature of CIF is its emphasis on student-centered learning and dialogue. Throughout the conference, participants demonstrated a high level of engagement, curiosity, and respect for differing perspectives.
Participants consistently emphasized the value of cross-cultural dialogue, the importance of youth engagement, and a growing sense of responsibility to address global nuclear risks.
“When I began my project for the Critical Issues Forum, I thought it would simply be students from different countries coming together to give presentations. But CIF was so much more—it showed me the real and immediate dangers of nuclear proliferation and helped me understand them in context. It reminded me that despite borders, religion, and language, we share a common goal: our humanity. We must return to protecting one another rather than living in constant fear.”
— Student from India
By participating in research presentations, discussions, and cross-cultural exchanges, students not only deepened their understanding of nuclear issues but also developed essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and global citizenship.
“Through the presentations, I learned how important it is to talk about nuclear issues with people around us, and that social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness. At the same time, we must use technologies like AI responsibly. Bringing together young people from different countries made me feel part of a global effort to address these challenges.”
— A student from Hiroshima
For many students, the conference also strengthened their motivation to remain engaged with these issues beyond the classroom.
“The CIF conference was a meaningful experience where I had the opportunity to learn from the research and perspectives of students from around the world. It deepened my understanding of diplomacy and nuclear tensions, and strengthened my motivation to stay engaged with these critical global issues.”
— A student from the United States
Through their active participation, CIF students are already contributing to building what United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called the “architecture of peace”—engaging across differences, fostering mutual understanding, and envisioning pathways toward a safer world.
Students Having Lunch Together
Looking Ahead
As global challenges continue to evolve, the importance of youth engagement in issues of nuclear risk and disarmament has never been greater. The Critical Issues Forum remains committed to providing a platform where students can explore these issues, connect with peers from around the world, and develop the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to global conversations.
The 2026 conference once again demonstrated that education, dialogue, and empathy are essential foundations for long-term peace and security.
Acknowledgments
The success of the 2026 Critical Issues Forum Spring Conference was made possible through the generous support of the Tom and Sarah Pattison Fund, the SAGA Foundation, the Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation Fund, Mr. Gregg Wolpert, and other dedicated private funders.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all participating students, educators, speakers, and facilitators whose commitment and enthusiasm made this conference both impactful and inspiring.
List of Participating Schools:
United States
Atherton High School, Louisville, KY
Carmel High School, Carmel, CA
Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT
Fern Creek High School, Louisville, KY
Geffen Academy at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Monterey High School, Monterey, CA
Rock University High School, Janesville, WI
The Harker School, San Jose, CA
Stevenson School, Pebble Beach, CA
Japan
Hiroshima Jogakuin Senior High School, Hiroshima
Kaisei High School, Tokyo
Kansai Soka Senior High School, Osaka
Kwassui Senior High School, Nagasaki
Nagasaki Higashi High School, Nagasaki
Soka Senior High School, Tokyo
India (Seeds of Peace)
The Galaxy School – Wadi, Gujarat
Shikha Academy, Mumbai
Pakistan (Seeds of Peace)
Lahore Grammar School, Lahore
The City School, Lahore
Norway
United World College Red Cross Nordic
Observer School
The International School of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo, CA
For more information, please visit the CIF Project website.
