Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (March 2-8)

A delegation, led by Vice President Belit Onay (Mayor of Hannover, Germany) and including Secretary General Takehiro Kagawa (Chairperson of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation (HPCF)) and Shiro Tani, Vice-Chairperson of the HPCF, was dispatched to participate in the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
  In the absence of the mayors of both atomic-bombed cities, Vice President Onay delivered a compelling message, referring to the crisis in Europe and the initiatives of Mayors for Peace, which includes over 900 German cities. As a representative of the world's largest network of local governments for peace, he spoke with strong persuasiveness.

Speeches at the General Exchange of Views of the TPNW 3MSP

Following Secretary General Kagawa, Vice President Onay delivered a speech during the General Exchange of Views session. Secretary General Kagawa emphasized that Mayors for Peace places the utmost importance on the TPNW. He also stressed that the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) sends a renewed message to the entire international community, including nuclear-armed states, that the use of nuclear weapons is never acceptable. Vice President Onay then spoke about the severe destruction that the City of Hannover suffered during World War II. He also highlighted that, amid the growing threat of nuclear war, the TPNW has opened a pathway toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. He strongly urged all governments to ratify the treaty and to shift their diplomatic approaches toward peaceful conflict resolution through sincere dialogue.

Meetings with United Nations and Government Representatives

  The delegation met with H.E. Mr. Akan Rakhmetullin, President of the TPNW 3MSP, as well as with government representatives from Thailand, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, and Austria, all of which are TPNW States Parties. These meetings provided an opportunity to build a shared understanding on key issues, including the importance of peace education for younger generations.

Side Event Co-hosted by Mayors for Peace and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

In collaboration with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Mayors for Peace held a side event for the 3MSP titled "Voices of Civil Society for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World". The venue was packed to capacity with an audience of approximately 70 people, with some standing. Facilitated by Associate Professor Keiko Nakamura of the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (RECNA) at Nagasaki University, the event featured Mr. Jiro Hamasumi, Assistant Secretary-General of Nihon Hidankyo, who, as a representative of the hibakusha, shared his experience of being exposed to the atomic bombing in utero, discussed the reasons for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, and emphasized the need for nuclear abolition. His presentation deeply moved the audience. In response to a question from a young attendee about what he expects from the younger generation, Mr. Hamasumi shared with the young attendees the importance of passing on the hibakusha's experiences to the younger generation, saying, "I hope that many people will listen to the testimonies, including those given online, and share what they've heard with their families and friends, helping to broaden global awareness of the hibakusha's experiences."

Participation in a Side Event Co-hosted with Back from the Brink, ICAN, and Others

A side event, organized primarily by Professor Hirokazu Miyazaki of Northwestern University, focused on discussions regarding establishing organizations and policymaking for nuclear disarmament at the city level. With participation of mayors from U.S. member cities of Mayors for Peace, the event explored the need for cities to be involved in nuclear abolition, given that it is cities, not national governments, that would be the primary targets if nuclear weapons were used. Since the foundation of the TPNW lies in "human security", the discussion further deepened the shared recognition that, as trust among nations is increasingly fragile, it is crucial to strengthen peacebuilding efforts at the city level to protect the lives of citizens. The role of cities in advancing peace will continue to be a key focus moving forward.
  In this regard, during a meeting with President Rakhmetullin, he expressed his hope that efforts to raise citizens' awareness for peace would continue to progress steadily, step by step.

Mayors for Peace Atomic Bomb Exhibition, Children's Art Competition "Peaceful Towns" Exhibition, and VR Experience

During the 3MSP, Mayors for Peace held the Mayors for Peace Atomic Bomb Exhibition, the Children's Art Competition "Peaceful Towns" Exhibition, and a VR experience at the United Nations Headquarters to help conference attendees and UN officials deepen their understanding. In particular, the VR experience, which was introduced for the first time at this event, allowed visitors to virtually experience the devastation of the atomic bombing through VR footage. Approximately 80 people experienced it each day, continuously throughout the day, and the exhibit received high praise. Visitor comments included "This footage is beautiful," "The footage allowed me to virtually experience the situation at the time and understand how horrific it was," and "This kind of footage is something we should never forget."

The Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 11^th NPT Review Conference (April 27 - May 2)

Mayors for Peace dispatched a delegation to attend the third session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) for the 11^th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The delegation consisted of President Kazumi Matsui (Mayor of Hiroshima), Vice-President Shiro Suzuki (Mayor of Nagasaki), and Secretary General Takehiro Kagawa (Chairperson of the HPCF), among others.
  Held amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and continuing conflicts in the Middle East, this PreCom session served as the final meeting in preparation for next year's Review Conference. A shared sense of crisis prevailed among many participants, as the very significance of the NPT was being called into question. Consequently, many expressed their expectations for Hiroshima and Nagasaki to play a leading role in conveying the reality of the atomic bombings and sending a message of peace to the world.

Speeches at the NGO Session

President Matsui expressed concern that, even now, 80 years after the atomic bombings, more than 12,000 nuclear weapons still exist on Earth and that the growing view that practices such as nuclear sharing, which go against the principles of the NPT, are effective could undermine not only the principles of the NPT but also the United Nations itself, the peacebuilding framework established after World War II. He reaffirmed Mayors for Peace's commitment to raising awareness of peace in civil society and creating a world filled with a "peace culture" and called on government representatives to implement nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation measures in a sincere and steadfast manner.
  Following this, Vice-President Suzuki shared the words of a hibakusha, drawn from their personal experience: "Nuclear weapons are the ultimate evil that deny us the dignity of both living or dying. They can never coexist with humanity." As a representative of a city that suffered a wartime atomic bombing, he also stated: "Nuclear weapons must never be used. The only way to protect humanity from their threat is to abolish them." He concluded with a powerful appeal: "Let Nagasaki be the last city to suffer from an atomic bombing in war."

Meeting with Representatives of Nuclear-Armed States

In a meeting with government representatives from the nuclear-armed states of France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Mayors for Peace delegation conveyed that, from the standpoint of civil society, it aims to promote a "peace culture" and support national-level initiatives in a bottom-up manner in cooperation with mayors around the world. The delegation also called on these governments to conduct nuclear disarmament negotiations in good faith in accordance with Article VI of the NPT and requested their cooperation in expanding membership in Mayors for Peace and supporting its initiatives.

Meeting with United Nations Officials and Others

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated: "Local governments not only play an important role in promoting peace but also influence various challenges such as climate change and terrorism, and culture is something that is built within communities. For this reason, it is essential to strengthen local and regional capacities. We at the United Nations must listen carefully to the voices of local communities and their leaders and work to ensure that more people can truly believe in peace." In response, President Matsui said: "We are honored by the great trust placed in local governments. In solidarity with the United Nations, we are committed to engaging in activities that contribute to its peace initiatives."
  President Matsui also met with Mr. Harold Agyeman, Chair of the third session of the PrepCom for the 11^th NPT Review Conference. He stated: "Precisely because of the current severe international situation, it is all the more important to remain committed to ideals. I expect Chair Agyeman to demonstrate leadership in fully upholding the obligation to negotiate in good faith under Article VI of the NPT." He also requested support for expanding Mayors for Peace membership in Ghana. Chair Agyeman responded: "Our efforts to ensure security are urgent. We must reaffirm a new framework for peace that goes beyond the NPT. Furthermore, the principles of action of Mayors for Peace align with ours, and it is essential that we move forward together." They then exchanged views on future cooperation.

Visit to the United Nations International School (UNIS)

President Matsui, together with Vice-President Suzuki and Mayors for Peace youth representatives, visited the UNIS Manhattan Campus, which is attended by children of diplomats from around the world, and delivered a lecture. He explained the reality of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the initiatives of Mayors for Peace, which are grounded in the hibakusha's desire for peace. He also encouraged the students to take part in the organization's efforts. After the lecture, the youth representatives gave presentations to the UNIS students about their own activities and thoughts on peace. Their presentations were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, perhaps due to their high quality.

Mayors for Peace Atomic Bomb Exhibition, Children's Art Competition "Peaceful Towns" Exhibition, and VR Experience

During the third session of NPT PrepCom, Mayors for Peace held the Mayors for Peace Atomic Bomb Exhibition, the Children's Art Competition "Peaceful Towns" Exhibition, and a VR experience.
  On April 28, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iwaya visited the exhibition and appeared particularly surprised to learn that approximately 8,500 cities are currently members of Mayors for Peace.

Activities of Mayors for Peace Youth Representatives

Eight high school students engaged in peace activities in Hiroshima were dispatched as Mayors for Peace youth representatives, as part of efforts to foster the next generation of leaders in peacebuilding. The youth representatives presented a list of approximately 34,000 signatures calling for the early conclusion of the TPNW to Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, who expressed her appreciation for their efforts.
  At the Youth Forum held by Mayors for Peace as a side event of the PrepCom, 11 groups of young people, including the Mayors for Peace youth representatives and participants from around the world, shared their initiatives and exchanged views on the roles of youth. Participants remarked that they had once again recognized the importance of addressing issues related to nuclear weapons and other social challenges with a sense of initiative and ownership. In closing, Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu offered words of encouragement: "Young people have the right to speak up for their future. Please exercise that right and do not hesitate to express your opinions."   During a meeting with Ambassador Tomiko Ichikawa, Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, the Ambassador stated to the youth representatives: "Disarmament is an issue that cannot be overlooked. It is important for every citizen to take an interest in the matter and explore ways to work together. I look forward to seeing the younger generation actively engage with the international community."
  The youth representatives also gained valuable experiences through visits to UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), and UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women).