PSR at the 24th IPPNW World Congress in Nagasaki  October 27, 2025

From October 2nd to 4th, representatives, members, and staff of PSR attended the 24th IPPNW World Congress in Nagasaki, Japan. This congress, held in the last city to be bombed by a nuclear weapon, was bookended by meetings of the IPPNW International Council where PSR represented the United States in these international fora. 

The Congress brought together hundreds of health professionals, students, and advocates from around the world, creating a vibrant space to exchange ideas and renew collective energy for nuclear abolition. Participants engaged in plenaries featuring international peace and medical organizations, highlighting the growing cooperation among health professionals to confront nuclear dangers as a public health crisis.

Workshops explored themes ranging from nuclear flashpoints and deterrence to the connections between nuclear weapons and energy production. One session brought together physicians from the U.S. and Russia for dialogue on extending the New START treaty, underscoring the ongoing importance of cross-border collaboration.

Along with numerous PSR members from across the country, PSR was formally represented by Dr. Joe Hodgkin as International Councilor and voting member of IPPNW’s governing body, with Ann Suellentrop and Dr. Ankush Bansal serving as Deputy International Councilors. Dr. Bob Gould, PSR’s Co-Vice President for North America, and Dr. Ira Helfand as an At-Large member of the IPPNW Board. 

The International Council adopted several key statements, including the Nagasaki Declaration reaffirming opposition to nuclear weapons, and a resolution addressing violence against health professionals in conflict zones. Additional discussions strengthened advocacy around the health impacts of uranium mining and the environmental and humanitarian risks of nuclear weapons production and more.

The Congress offered PSR members renewed perspective and solidarity with global partners working to end the nuclear threat. As part of IPPNW’s international network, PSR remains committed to advancing health-centered advocacy for a world free of nuclear weapons.