Young People from Around the World Embark on Journey for a Nuclear-Free Worldin Nagasaki
NAGASAKI, Japan – A journey aimed at fosteringa nuclear-free world began in Nagasaki on August 26th, bringing together young people from across the globe to reflect on the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. This inaugural trip, organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and other institutions with funding from the Japanese government, saw approximately50 young people, including university students from 37 countries, embark on a five-day exploration of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, both cities scarred by atomic bombings.
The journey kicked off with a powerful testimony from Kiichiro Mise,an 89-year-old survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing. In fluent English, he recounted the horrors he witnessed on that fateful day, leaving the young participants deeply moved. As he concluded his speech with the poignant message, Peace is the common heritage of all humankind, the young people erupted in thunderous applause.
The group then proceeded to the Peace Park in the heart of Nagasaki, where they laid flowers in remembrance of the victims of the atomic bombing. A visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum followed, where the young people contemplated the devastatingimpact of the bomb by observing a clock frozen at 11:02 am, the time of the explosion.
Visiting the museum made me realize how fragile humanity is and how crucial it is to advocate for nuclear disarmament, shared a Pakistani university student who participated in the tour.
The journey serves as apoignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the atomic bombings and the urgent need for a world free from nuclear weapons. The young participants, hailing from diverse backgrounds and cultures, are united by their shared commitment to peace and their desire to contribute to a safer future.
The trip is not merely a somber reflection on the pastbut also a call to action for the future. It provides a platform for young people to engage in critical dialogue, share their perspectives, and explore concrete steps towards a world free from nuclear weapons. The organizers hope that this journey will inspire the next generation of leaders to champion the cause of nuclear disarmament and work towards a futurewhere the horrors of atomic warfare are consigned to the history books.
The five-day itinerary includes visits to key sites in both Nagasaki and Hiroshima, offering the young participants a comprehensive understanding of the impact of nuclear weapons. They will meet with survivors, engage with experts in the field of nuclear disarmament, and participate in workshopsand discussions aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of nuclear proliferation and the challenges of achieving a nuclear-free world.
The journey is a testament to the enduring power of human resilience and the unwavering commitment to peace. It serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of a nuclear-free world is not merely autopian dream but a vital necessity for the survival of humankind. The young participants, armed with newfound knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, are poised to become advocates for a world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation.
This initiative, supported by the Japanese government, underscores the country’s dedication to promoting peace and nucleardisarmament. Japan, as the only nation to have experienced the horrors of atomic warfare, has long been a vocal advocate for a nuclear-free world. This journey serves as a tangible demonstration of Japan’s commitment to ensuring that the tragedies of the past are not repeated.
The journey of these young people from around theworld is a beacon of hope for a future free from nuclear weapons. Their commitment to peace and their willingness to engage in dialogue and action offer a powerful testament to the enduring power of human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of a world where peace prevails.
【source】https://nwapi.nhk.jp/nhkworld/rdnewsweb/v6b/zh/detail/k10014560221000.json
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