Nagasaki’s Call for Nuclear Disarmament

On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki delivered a powerful message urging global action against nuclear weapons. Speaking at a memorial event attended by approximately 2,600 people, including representatives from 90 countries, Suzuki highlighted the urgent need to prevent future nuclear conflicts. The event took place at Nagasaki Peace Park, where attendees observed a moment of silence at 11:02 a.m., the exact time the bomb exploded over the city in 1945.

The Threat of Nuclear Conflict

Mayor Suzuki, whose parents survived the 1945 attack, warned of the increasing global tensions that could lead to nuclear war. He emphasized that conflicts worldwide are intensifying in a “vicious cycle of confrontation and fragmentation.” This trajectory, he cautioned, poses an existential crisis for humanity, making it imperative for nations to unite in preventing nuclear warfare.

Mayors for Peace Conference

Coinciding with the anniversary, the Mayors for Peace organization held its 11th General Conference in Nagasaki. This global initiative brings together city leaders to advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Suzuki underscored the importance of this mission, stating that procrastination in disarmament efforts is no longer acceptable. He called for a clear course of action to ensure Nagasaki remains the last site of an atomic bombing.

The Significance of the NPT Review Conference

Suzuki also pointed to the upcoming 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a pivotal moment for global disarmament efforts. The NPT, which came into force in 1970, plays a crucial role in preventing nuclear proliferation and promoting disarmament. World leaders convene every five years to review its provisions, making these meetings critical for shaping humanity’s future.

A Commitment to Peace

In his closing remarks, Suzuki expressed condolences for all victims of war and reiterated Nagasaki’s commitment to peace. He declared that Nagasaki will continue to share its memories of the bombing as a common heritage for future generations. By working hand-in-hand with global citizens, Suzuki vowed to strive towards abolishing nuclear weapons and achieving lasting world peace.