Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology

1. On the occasion of the opening ceremony of the second cohort of the "Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons" Japan Visit Program, Ms. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered a video message. The summary is as follows:
   1. I welcome your visit to Nagasaki and Hiroshima. As the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during war, Japan is firmly committed to promoting a deeper understanding of the realities of the atomic bombings, while advancing realistic and practical efforts toward realizing a world without nuclear weapons. The Youth Leader Fund is a testament to our unwavering commitment to this shared aspiration of humanity.
   2. During your time in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, I encourage you to learn from the history of these cities, listen carefully to the testimonies of the hibakushas, or atomic bomb survivors, and reflect on the lessons they wish to pass on to future generations. I look forward to seeing you serve as bridges across borders and generations in advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament and realizing a world without nuclear weapons.
2. 100 members of the second cohort were selected from more than 8,400 applicants and are between the ages of 18 to 29 from 61 countries, including from both nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States, with a wide range of professional and research backgrounds. Among them, 50 members were selected based on their training performance and other achievements, to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where they will engage in exchanges with Hibakushas and Japanese youth, as well as visit relevant museums.

(Reference 1)

• Video message by State Minister KUNIMITSU (Japanese (PDF) / English (PDF) )

(Reference 2)

• State Minister KUNIMITSU's video message is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ YouTube channel.

(Reference 3) Summary of the “Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons” Learning Program

1. The fund was announced by the Japanese Government at the 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in August 2022 as a pillar of the “Hiroshima Action Plan” and Japan has contributed 10 million US dollars (1.08 billion Japanese yen) to the UN for its establishment.
2. The program started in 2023 and will culminate in 2030 – a year marked by the 85th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the 60th anniversary of the entry into force of the NPT.
   The participants of the second cohort will receive online trainings on general principles of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, and those selected will then take part in a study tour in Japan.