The threat of nuclear escalation remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Rising geopolitical tensions, technological change, and the weakening of arms control agreements make the risk of miscalculation, misuse, or accident higher than ever. Young people, those whose futures are most directly affected, are often left out of the critical conversations that shape nuclear policy.
The Youth Hotline Campaign: Negotiating Nuclear Risk aims to change this. Building on the success of the 2023 pilot, this second edition creates a meaningful opportunity for youth participation in global efforts to reduce nuclear danger, prevent escalation, and miscommunication, bridging the gap between today’s decision-makers and the leaders of tomorrow.
What Makes This Campaign Different?
Unlike conventional, top-down education models, the Youth Hotline Campaign is designed by young people, for young people. It fosters collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and intergenerational exchange with experts. Through training, mentorship, simulations, and creative outputs, participants become more than learners: they are also co-creators of solutions to reduce nuclear dangers.
Inspired by the 1963 hotline established between the United States and the Soviet Union to prevent a catastrophic nuclear escalation, this campaign empowers youth to practice diplomacy, build trust across political divides, and engage in high-stakes decision-making scenarios.
Key Activities
Rather than relying solely on lectures or passive learning, this project emphasises active participation and learning by doing. It is structured into four key phases:
- Foundational Webinars: interactive sessions to build a solid understanding of nuclear diplomacy, disarmament, risk reduction, and multilateral processes;
- Networking and Mentorship: opportunities to connect with practitioners and civil society actors, receive mentorship, and explore professional pathways in the field;
- Simulation Game: a high-stakes role-play exercise where participants act as state delegates at the UN Open-Ended Working Group. They will respond to a fictional nuclear crisis, negotiate, and work toward a consensus-based final declaration to prevent escalation.
- Impact Phase: participants will share their experiences and lessons learned through a Youth Fusion blog article and a closing webinar, which will also feature awards and recognition.
To ensure accessibility and global participation, the entire project will be delivered online via Zoom.
Join Us
The Youth Hotline Campaign is more than a project; it is a call to action. At a time when nuclear risks are intensifying, young people deserve a seat at the table where escalation is contained. Together, we can foster dialogue, strengthen cooperation, and shape a safer, more secure future.
Are you ready to take part in this unique opportunity?
If you are:
- between 18 and 26 years old
- interested in international security, diplomacy, or nuclear issues (no previous experience required)
- available for 70 mins on weekends in November – December 2025
- available for a full weekend mid-December 2025 or mid-January 2026
👉 Then we invite you to apply by filling out this https://forms.gle/Hg1tNVCGRffMs1nJA no later than October 29, 2025. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email soon after the deadline.
Through this project, you will:
- Gain practical skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and crisis management
- Join a youth-driven network of early-career professionals working on nuclear issues
- Amplify youth voices in global nuclear debates through public advocacy outputs
- Strengthen intergenerational dialogue between today’s experts and next generation ones
We look forward to having you on board!
