Japan recently marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with a memorial event held at Nagasaki Peace Park. Approximately 2,600 people, including representatives from 90 countries, gathered to remember the tragedy. At the exact time the bomb exploded over Nagasaki 11:02 a.m. attendees observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of the devastating 1945 attack.
Suzuki Warns of Nuclear War Risk, Calls for Urgent Global Disarmament Action
Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki, whose own parents survived the bombing, delivered a powerful message at the ceremony. He warned that the world risks repeating such a catastrophic event due to rising global conflicts and fragmentation. Suzuki emphasized the urgency of addressing this existential crisis, cautioning that continuing on the current path could lead to nuclear war, which threatens humanity as a whole.
The event coincided with the 11th General Conference of an international coalition of mayors and city leaders dedicated to nuclear disarmament. Mayor Suzuki stressed the need for concrete actions to eliminate nuclear weapons, declaring that Nagasaki should remain the last city to ever suffer an atomic bombing. He urged the global community to end delays and take decisive steps toward disarmament.
2026 NPT Review Crucial for Humanity’s Future and Global Nuclear Disarmament Efforts
Suzuki highlighted the significance of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This treaty, which has been in force since 1970, is reviewed every five years by world leaders to assess nuclear disarmament progress. The mayor called this upcoming review a critical moment that could determine the future of humanity and global peace.
The mayor expressed deep condolences to the victims of the bombings and war in general, reiterating Nagasaki’s commitment to preserving the memory of the tragedy. He declared a dedication to working alongside global citizens to abolish nuclear weapons and achieve lasting peace, ensuring that Nagasaki remains the last city to endure such an attack in history.
