Abstract

The 63rd Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, which, together with its founder Sir Joseph Rotblat, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995 for its science diplomacy and Track II efforts, will take place in Hiroshima, Japan, in November 2025. The new global situation is characterized by wars and escalating conflicts with a high potential for violence and new, complex conflict constellations. Therefore, intensive forms of dialogue and confidence-building talks across borders are more necessary than ever, especially with problematic states. This is particularly true where the threat of the use of weapons of mass destruction is acute. As the past has shown, this type of science diplomacy based on confidential dialogues (Track II) was protracted but successful during the Cold War. It continues to form the basis for further activities under the changed geopolitical circumstances. Over five days, including a self-organized conference of the International Young/Student Pugwash (ISYP) group, 180 participants from 41 countries met in Hiroshima to discuss current issues of global security, regional conflicts, and the influence of new technologies on geopolitics in public and closed sessions. A visit to Hiroshima itself was particularly impactful, especially as the knowledge of the use of a small atomic bomb is increasingly being forgotten. The presence of German panelists, and especially younger participants from Europe and the Global South, is crucial for further international activities and exchange with other countries.

Changing perspectives in complex conflict situations is just as essential for peace and conflict research as the increased involvement of the younger generation. For the younger participants in particular, this involves: 1. making direct contact with internationally renowned academics and experts; 2. developing their own solutions in a confidential atmosphere. 3. to expand their networks in order to assume responsibility within the Pugwash network in the future, and 4. to take diverse perspectives and solutions back to their home countries.

The younger generation of researchers needs to be familiarized with the methods of Track II diplomacy in international networks. To this end, in addition to the participation of German experts at the Pugwash conference, young researchers from Europe and the Global South were invited to the self-organized pre-conference of the International Young/Student Pugwash (ISYP). The scholarship recipients prepared conference papers, led working sessions, and held background discussions. Experienced researchers and experts also mentor the younger researchers, whose participation is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the reimbursement of travel expenses.

The presence of experienced researchers at the main conference is important to represent German and European perspectives internationally and to support the younger researchers in the working groups. To this end, a travel grant is provided for two experienced researchers and junior researchers, with accommodation costs covered by the organizers.

Typically, the national European Pugwash groups and experts also act as mentors for candidates from the Global South or for dedicated students from other European countries who do not have a functioning national Pugwash group but who can lay the foundation for future activities.

Participation in the ISYP conference (October 30–31, 2025) and subsequently in the Pugwash conference also resulted in enhanced networking and intensive exchange among the junior participants during international Track II dialogues on current international conflict resolution.