A Mayors for Peace delegation attended the third session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) for the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which met in New York (US). Headed by President MATSUI Kazumi (Mayor of Hiroshima), Vice-President SUZUKI Shiro (Mayor of Nagasaki), and Secretary General KAGAWA Takehiro, the delegation conveyed the Will of Hiroshima—the desire for the abolition of nuclear weapons—and emphasized the need for concrete progress in nuclear disarmament to representatives of national governments and the United Nations through speeches and personal meetings.
Furthermore, to foster youth leadership for future peace activities, Mayors for Peace sent Mayors for Peace Youth representatives, high school peace activists from Hiroshima, to PrepCom and organized events and meetings, including the Mayors for Peace Youth Forum.
During PrepCom, Mayors for Peace hosted a Mayors for Peace Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition, Children’s Art Competition “Peaceful Towns” Exhibition, and VR experience. These events provided an opportunity for visitors to deepen their understanding of the realities of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, and the efforts of Mayors for Peace to promote the culture of peace.
Speeches at the NGO presentations session of the Third PrepCom (April 30)
President Matsui noted that although 80 years have passed since the atomic bombings, more than 12,000 nuclear warheads still exist on Earth today. He expressed concern over the growing trend of advocating for nuclear sharing as an effective means of defense as it is an approach that betrays the principles of the NPT. He further stated that this mindset could also undermine the very ideals of the United Nations, which was established as a peacebuilding system after World War II. He concluded his speech by affirming that Mayors for Peace will make every effort to raise awareness for peace in civil society and create a world filled with the culture of peace, while calling on world leaders to advance reliable nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation measures in good faith. Vice-President Suzuki then shared the words of a hibakusha, who stated based on their experience that “Nuclear weapons are an absolute evil that does not allow us to live or to die as human beings; they cannot coexist with humanity.” As a representative of a wartime atomic-bombed city, he also stated, “Nuclear weapons must never be used. The only way for humanity to escape nuclear risk is through abolition” and concluded his speech with a strong appeal for Nagasaki to remain the last wartime atomic bombing site.
Mayors for Peace statements at the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 11th NPT Review Conference
by President(Mayor of Hiroshima)・by Vice President(Mayor of Nagasaki)
Meetings with Representatives of National Governments and the UN
Representatives of Nuclear Weapons States (April 30)
The Mayors for Peace delegation met with representatives from three nuclear weapon states: France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. President Matsui conveyed the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and the realities of the atomic bombings by using the Mayors for Peace Atomic Bomb Posters. He also emphasized Mayors for Peace’s commitment to further promoting the culture of peace from the standpoint of civil society, and to supporting the initiatives of national governments through a bottom-up approach with mayors around the world. Additionally, he urged representatives to advance nuclear disarmament in good faith, in accordance with Article VI of the NPT, and to cooperate to encourage municipalities to join our network and help spread our initiatives within their countries. The delegation also exchanged views on the approaches to nuclear disarmament pursued by the three nuclear weapon states.
(left)
(left)
Representative of Japan (April 29)
The delegation met with Ambassador Ichikawa, Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, and the accompanying Mayors for Peace youth representatives made a presentation on their ongoing peace initiatives. This was followed by a Q&A session, during which the youth representatives asked questions about the origins of the Conference on Disarmament and the Ambassador’s career as a diplomat. Ambassador Ichikawa kindly responded and encouraged the representatives, stating that “disarmament is an issue that cannot be ignored. It is important for each individual in civil society to take an interest in it and seek ways to cooperate. I look forward to seeing the young generation actively involved in the international community.”
In addition, the delegation met with a representative of the Austrian government, which plays a leading role in international initiatives toward the abolition of nuclear weapons, and exchanged views.
Representatives of the UN and other organizations
Meeting with UN Secretary-General Guterres (April 28)
President Matsui provided an overview of Mayors for Peace and requested Secretary-General Guterres’ cooperation in expanding its membership. Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the importance of the United Nations listening carefully to the voices of local leaders, stating that the UN must earn the trust of many people in its efforts to promote peace. In response, President Matsui noted that Mayors for Peace has earned a high level of trust from local municipalities and expressed the organization’s commitment to contributing to the advancement of UN peace initiatives.
Meeting and delivery of petition to Ms. Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs (April 29)
A youth representative presented UN Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu with a list of approximately 34,000 signatures calling for all states to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the earliest date. The youth representatives shared their thoughts with her, stating: “Although there are people who oppose the abolition of nuclear weapons, I want to continue taking action and making our voices heard so that we do not repeat the tragedies of the past. …While the power of one individual is limited, we have to take action together, step by step, for world peace. I hope to expand the circle of those who sincerely wish for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.” In response, Ms. Nakamitsu emphasized the importance of calm dialogue and clear understanding in times of global crisis. She expressed her hope that the youth representatives will grow into adults who take proactive steps to contribute to their communities, their country, and the world.
Meeting with Chair of the third session of NPT PrepCom (April 29)
President Matsui stated that while many countries around the world are increasing their military expenditures and it remains difficult to advance disarmament, this makes it all the more important for Chair Agyeman to guide states to conduct negotiations in good faith in accordance with Article VI of the NPT. He also requested the Chair’s cooperation in expanding Mayors for Peace membership in Ghana, his home country, to further foster an environment in which civil society actively aspires to peace. Vice-President Suzuki shared his expectations for the last Preparatory Committee meeting before the NPT Review Conference next year. Chair Agyeman acknowledged the urgent need to address international security initiatives and reaffirm a new framework for global peace beyond the NPT. He also expressed the importance of working together with Mayors for Peace, as they fully support its action plans. They exchanged views on future collaboration.
Events hosted by Mayors for Peace
Mayors for Peace Youth Forum (April 29)
The Mayors for Peace Youth Forum, held as a side event for PrepCom, featured presentations by eleven groups of young people, including the Mayors for Peace Youth representatives and young people engaged in peace activities around the world. They also shared their visions for a peaceful future free of nuclear weapons. Following the presentations, the participants engaged in discussions focused primarily on two themes: Current Challenges and The Role of the Younger Generation. Observer participants also joined in and there was an active exchange of views on nuclear weapons and peace. At the end of the Forum, UN Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu offered words of encouragement, affirming that young people have right to raise their voices for their future and should express their opinions without hesitation.
Mayors for Peace Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition (April 28-May 9)
Children’s Art Competition “Peaceful Towns” Exhibition, and VR experience (April 28-30)
During the third session of NPT PrepCom, Mayors for Peace hosted the Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition, Children’s Art Competition “Peaceful Towns” Exhibition, and a VR experience to help PrepCom attendees and UN officials deepen their understanding of the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, the realities of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Mayors for Peace initiatives. On April 28, President Matsui and Vice-President Suzuki received a visit from Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Iwaya, and offered explanations of the exhibits. For the first time at an NPT conference, we set up a VR experience booth, which was used by more than 100 participants. Some of the comments from attendees included: “It was helpful to experience it visually,” and “This could be used to pass down other wartime experiences.” The VR booth provided an accessible way for participants to better understand the realities of the atomic bombings.
Other Events
Visit to the United Nations International School (UNIS) (April 28)
President Matsui and Vice-President Suzuki, together with the youth representatives, visited the United Nations International School in Manhattan, and gave lectures to the students. President Matsui spoke about the realities of the atomic bombings and the initiatives of Mayors for Peace, which is rooted in the hibakusha’s wish for peace, and encouraged students to join these efforts. Following a Q&A session, the students and Hiroshima youth were divided into small groups for discussions. During these discussions, youth representatives gave a presentation about their own peace activities and aspirations. Afterwards, they engaged in meaningful discussions, developing a deep camaraderie.
Youth Exchange Reception (April 28)
Mayors for Peace Youth representatives, Nagasaki Youth representatives, representatives from various organizations, and local students were invited to a Youth Exchange Reception hosted by Mr. Yamazaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United Nations. The event was attended by UN Under-Secretary-General Ms. Nakamitsu and Ambassador Ichikawa, Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament. During the reception, a representative from Mayors for Peace Youth delivered a speech introducing Mayors for Peace and highlighting the peace activities undertaken by the youth members. Afterwards, Mayors for Peace youth representatives actively took part in PR for the organization by using the official booklet and engaging in conversations with participants from diverse backgrounds.
