A Mayors for Peace delegation attended 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 Spirit of Hiroshima—the desire for a peaceful world free from 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.
As a side event hosted by Mayors for Peace, experts were invited to join a discussion on the importance of the NPT.
Furthermore, to foster youth leadership for future peace activities, Mayors for Peace sent high school and university peace activists from Hiroshima as Mayors for Peace Youth representatives (hereafter “MfPY”) to the Review Conference and organized events and meetings, including the Mayors for Peace Youth Forum.
Speech at the NGO Session of the 11th NPT Review Conference (May 1)
President Matsui emphasized that with numerous armed conflicts continue around the world and the risk of nuclear weapons use has risen to an extreme level, as ordinary citizens, we are forced to live our daily lives with a profound sense of anxiety. He reaffirmed the importance of the NPT framework and urged all policymakers to sincerely advance nuclear disarmament, which has stagnated in recent years.He also stated that Mayors for Peace, founded on the hibakusha’s earnest desire for peace, is committed to deepening dialogue and solidarity among citizens and strengthening grassroots-level efforts. He appealed to government representatives to heed the voices of civil society calling for a genuine peace that does not rely on nuclear deterrence, and to make faithful progress in nuclear disarmament and non‑proliferation through diplomatic efforts based on dialogue.
Vice President Suzuki shared the following quote from a hibakusha: “The sufferings of the past seem to be fading away. I fear this oblivion: I fear that such forgetfulness may lead to a new acceptance of the use of atomic bombs.” He warned of the current crisis in which the world could slip into nuclear war, and, as a representative of a wartime atomic-bombed city, he also stated that “nuclear weapons are an absolute evil. Their total abolition is the only path for humanity to preserve life on Earth for future generations.” He concluded his speech with the strong appeal that “Nagasaki must remain the last wartime atomic bombing site.”
Speeches at the NGO Session of the 11th NPT Review Conference
President’s Speech：EnglishJapanese Vice President’s Speech：EnglishJapanese
Meetings with Representatives of National Governments and the UN
Representatives of Nuclear‑Armed States (April 29-May 1)
The delegation met with government representatives from Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France—all nuclear‑armed states—and expressed grave concern that the escalation of conflicts involving nuclear‑weapon states significantly heightens the risk of nuclear weapons being used.
They also exchanged views on each country’s position and approach to nuclear disarmament. In doing so, they presented the joint letter issued by Hiroshima and Nagasaki prior to the NPT Review Conference, addressed to the five nuclear‑weapon states (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) calling for the preservation of the NPT regime. While referring to this letter, they emphasized that demonstrating a firm commitment to upholding the NPT framework is indispensable.
As Mayors for Peace, they conveyed the strong sentiments of civil society to nuclear‑armed states.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation(left)
(left)
(center)
Representative of Japan (April 28)
The delegation met with Ambassador Ichikawa, Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, and the accompanying MfPY made a presentation on their ongoing peace initiatives.Following the report, MfPY asked Ambassador Ichikawa about how to conduct dialogue with countries that hold different positions and values, and what roles they themselves might play going forward. In response, the ambassador reiterated the importance of building dialogue and mutual understanding to find common ground, as well as Japan’s responsibility to continue conveying the reality of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the international community.This exchange provided MfPY, who are actively involved in peace initiatives, with an invaluable learning experience.
(back row, second from the left)
Representatives of the UN and other organizations
Meeting with UN Secretary-General Guterres (April 28)
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres, recalling his meeting with the delegation last year, stated, “I hope that Mayors for Peace will break through the current backsliding of the NPT regime and promote international peace initiatives from the standpoint of local governments.”In response, President Matsui emphasized that, in order to advance peace efforts, it is essential for young people around the world to learn about the reality of the atomic bombings. He requested support to enable peace education in cities across the globe. The Secretary‑General expressed his willingness to cooperate in supporting younger generations, including through potential collaboration with municipal organizations in the EU.
Meeting and delivery of petition to Ms. Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs (April 30)
A MfPY 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. MfPY expressed their strong determination to continue advancing peace activities.
Under‑Secretary‑General Nakamitsu responded by emphasizing that nuclear disarmament is an issue closely linked to international security, and therefore requires broad knowledge and deep understanding. She also stressed the importance of engaging in dialogue with those who hold different positions.
Furthermore, she encouraged MfPY to maintain a wide perspective, stay curious, absorb diverse experiences, and continue to consider peace while speaking out and taking action for it.
(in the center back）
Meeting with Chair of the 11th NPT Review Conference Viet (April 30)
Chair Viet emphasized that the 11th NPT Review Conference was being held under extremely difficult circumstances. Nevertheless, he expressed the view that while no solution can be reached if each country insists solely on its own position, agreement is possible if all states are willing to accept an equal degree of dissatisfaction.
President Matsui expressed his respect for Chair Viet’s coordination skills and leadership as President of the 11th NPT Review Conference. He urged the Chair to continue persistent negotiations within the NPT framework and to make every effort toward achieving a final agreement.
Events hosted by Mayors for Peace
Mayors for Peace Youth Forum (April 28)
As a side event, the Youth Forum was held in which ten groups of young participants—including four MfPY groups—spoke passionately to the audience about their thoughts on peace, shaped through their own peace‑related activities. Each group conveyed, from their own perspectives, their aspirations for achieving a peaceful world free of nuclear weapons.
The venue was filled to capacity, and following the presentations, a lively exchange of views took place between the audience and speakers. The presenters also offered words of encouragement to the MfPY participants.
Youth Forum
Mayors for Peace-hosted Event Taking Stock of the NPT: Achievements, Persistent Challenges, and Emerging Opportunities (April 29)
As a new initiative, this side event was held in co‑sponsorship with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). After experts presented detailed analyses on the three pillars of the NPT (nuclear non‑proliferation, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and nuclear disarmament) participants, including NGO representatives and MfPY members, engaged in discussions on future directions and possible solutions.
Following the Q&A session, the event concluded by emphasizing both the significant pressures currently facing the NPT regime and the continued necessity of maintaining and strengthening it. This side event served as an excellent opportunity to further deepen our relationship with UNIDIR going forward.
Side Event
Children’s Art Competition Peaceful Towns Exhibition/VR experience (April 27-May 1)
During the conference, the Children’s Art Competition Peaceful Towns Exhibition and VR experience of the atomic bombing helped RevCom 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 27, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu visited the exhibition where President Matsui and Vice President Suzuki explained the activities of Mayors for Peace and the contents of the displays. After her VR experience, State Minister Kunimitsu stated, “I want to convey the reality of the atomic bombings to as many people as possible and continue to share this message as we work toward consensus at the NPT and the realization of a world without nuclear weapons.”Other visitors also shared their impressions, saying, “The visuals helped me understand much more deeply,” and “I hope this experience can be offered in many different places.”
Other Events
Attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Atomic Bomb Exhibition Hosted by Nihon Hidankyo and Co‑hosted by Hiroshima and Nagasaki (April 27)
To mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Nihon Hidankyo, an atomic bombing exhibition was held for the fifth time at the United Nations with the aim of sharing the experiences of hibakusha and their wish that no one else should ever suffer as they have.In his opening remarks, Mayor Matsui emphasized that amid the severe global situation that has persisted even after Nihon Hidankyo was nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, holding this exhibition during the NPT Review Conference is highly significant. He appealed for as many conference participants as possible to take to heart the reality of the atomic bombings and to deepen their discussions.
At the venue, visitors were seen taking photographs of the photo panels and atomic-bombed artifacts that conveyed the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the bombings, while others read the explanations with great attention.
Visit to the United Nations International School (UNIS) (April 30)
During the visit to UNIS, Mayor Suzuki of Nagasaki explained the reality of the atomic bombings, followed by Mayor Matsui, who used slides to present the main initiatives of Mayors for Peace. He urged the students to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, experience the reality of the atomic bombings firsthand, and reflect on nuclear weapons and peace.
MfPY representatives also introduced their own peace activities, highlighting the importance of young people raising their voices for peace and engaging in dialogue.
Reception Co‑hosted by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, Poster House (Museum), and the Government of Japan (April 30)
At the reception, approximately 100 guests were invited, including MfPY representatives, young presenters from the Mayors for Peace Youth Forum, as well as students, university affiliates, and NGO members studying peace and nuclear disarmament in New York. The event was attended by Ambassador Yamazaki to the United Nations and UN Under‑Secretary‑General Izumi Nakamitsu.
Following opening remarks by Ambassador Yamazaki and Under‑Secretary‑General Nakamitsu, the first half featured a panel discussion by artists on the theme “Exploring the Power of Art and Creative Expression in Advancing Nuclear Disarmament.” The latter half of the event was dedicated to informal conversation, during which the MfPY participants deepened their connections with other students of their generation through active exchanges of ideas.
