Creative media student earns a place in Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons inspired by grandfather’s legacy

A Coleg Sir Gâr creative media student has been successful in obtaining a place on the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security 2024.

Joseph Owen, 18, is the only Welsh participant who was selected from 32 people from across the world.

His grandfather has been an influence in Joseph’s life as he was a British nuclear tests veteran who took part in Operation Dominic in 1962. 

Sadly, Joseph never met his grandfather but he has been working with nuclear test veterans within their communities, interviewing both American and British veterans. “Listening to the veterans and the affected communities is an incredible journey for myself,” said Joseph. “Thinking what my grandfather went through and the fact that he witnessed 24 nuclear tests in 78 days is unbelievable.”

Joseph is currently in Japan, taking part in the academy activities where participants will focus on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, current and future nuclear risks, the social, economic, and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons and the roles of the UN and civil society.

He believes that the United Nations has been extremely successful in establishing international laws, but thinks that many of these have been violated, undermining its charter. 

Joseph Owen said: “I have interviewed MPs and veterans, many who want to see nuclear weapons abolished and the underlying message from veterans across the world is that they do not want anyone to see what they have seen.

“Whilst sustainability security is not an easy task to achieve, we must never forget the destruction at Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the world must remember the voices affected by these weapons, whilst spectacular in its power, the forces released are deadly and not only immediately, but for generations to come.”

As a creative media student, Joseph will be using his documentary, production and filming skills as part of his coursework in what promises, as a viewer, to be an emotive aesthetical and reflective journey. 

Joseph Owen added: “The spend on nuclear weapons is immense and billions of dollars across the globe has and is being spent, money which could be used to promote peace, security and to ensure we treat the planet as we should. It is for our planet, not just for me as an 18-year-old but for my children and grandchildren. 

Joseph also secured a scholarship from the Hiroshima Prefectural Government which also invited four participants from G7 member nations to take part in this year’s academy.

Rhydian Bowen, lecturer in creative media production at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “I am thrilled to congratulate Joseph on his acceptance into the prestigious 2024 Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security.

“This remarkable opportunity not only recognises his talent in creative media but also promises to deepen his understanding of critical global issues; insights that will undoubtedly enrich his upcoming final project on our creative media production course. 

“We look forward to seeing how these experiences shape his future work.”