Hiroshima’s many messages of peace and hope have educated the world about the devastating humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, inspiring a global campaign focused on the unacceptability of using these arms under international humanitarian and human rights law. The hibakusha have been the face of that effort. Their testimonies have deeply touched me and countless other people.

One of the great ironies of modern science is that humans are searching for life on other planets while retaining and modernizing weapons of mass destruction that, if used,can destroy all life on planet Earth. We must address this failing and counter the militarism that breeds the pursuit of such weaponry.

The people of Hiroshima have a direct bridge to the United Nations, where nuclear disarmament remains one of our most important goals. The United Nations is an indispensable arena where Member States and civil society can work together to advance our vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.