Open Nuclear Network Celebrates Successful Launch of Inaugural Nuclear Risk Reduction Forum

Held in a hybrid format from Vienna, the forum assembled experts and scholars in conflict de-escalation, security, and non-proliferation from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as major international organizations. 

This was the first in-person meeting of ONN’s Engagement Network and informal advisors since the pandemic. The ONN Engagement Network is a carefully selected team of high level trusted and credible individuals, including retired military and foreign policy officials, and other well‑regarded experts, who have knowledge, experience, and access to nuclear decision-makers and individuals associated with them. The forum provided critical opportunities for ONN to engage in dialogue, supported by open-source data analysis, with the network and other major players on reducing the risk of nuclear weapons being used in an escalating conflict.  

“We were excited by and grateful for the depth and breadth of the exchanges, as well as the passion with which each participant contributed to the discussions,” commented ONN Director Laura Rockwood. “ I believe this Forum was one of those rare venues where every single participant had something valuable to bring to the table.” 

The forum hosted a holistic discussion around conflict escalation on the Korean Peninsula, including:

• How to deal with an escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea continues down a path of advancing its missile and nuclear capabilities
• How the new administration in South Korea may affect the security situation on and around the Korean Peninsula
• How shifting global political dynamics may shape key regional players' calculus regarding the DPRK
• North Korea's domestic situation after years of international sanctions and a prolonged self-isolation to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak
• Prospects for diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang