Hiroshima, Japan, August 30, 2015- Youth activists and survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings gathered in Hiroshima for the International Youth Summit for Nuclear Abolition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the tragic use of atomic weapons at Hiroshima and Nagaski. Meeting with survivors, and youth activists engaged in advocacy to eliminate nuclear weapons, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi joined in calling for a world free of nuclear weapons. 

On meeting with survivors of the atomic bombings, the hibakusha, Alhendawi said, “The hibakusha are more than survivors – they are unparalleled champions of peace. From their searing experiences, they have forged a message of hope that someday the world will be free of these indiscriminate and destabilizing weapons. ” The Envoy added that, “The people of this city are an inspiration to the world, which has a responsibility today to honour their experience by ensuring a world free of nuclear weapons.”

“The hibakusha are more than survivors – they are unparalleled champions of peace.”

Delivering the keynote address, Alhendawi joined youth in, “Sounding a global rallying cry: No more Nagasakis. No more Hiroshimas.” The Envoy reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for the important work of the International Youth Summit for Nuclear Abolition, saying, “The United Nations stands with you in this call, and resolved to realize the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free world.”

“No more Nagasakis. No more Hiroshimas.”

The Envoy was also presented with the International Youth Summit for Nuclear Abolition’s Pledge. Speaking to the power of youth voices at the International Youth Summit gathered in Hiroshima, Alhendawi said, “This youth summit is sending a strong message to the world, that the youth are for peace and for a nuclear free world, and the world must listen.” The Envoy emphasized that, “Seven decades is far too long for the world to have lived in the nuclear shadow.”

Read the International Youth Summit for Nuclear Abolition’s Pledge here: Generation of Change: A Youth Pledge for Nuclear Abolition