Press Releases
2026 United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Program (Study Visit to Japan)
From August 31 to September 5, 24 young diplomats and professionals (including one United Nations staff) visited Nagasaki, Hiroshima and Tokyo under the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Program.
1. Nagasaki Program (August 31 - September 1)
On September 1, the participants visited Peace Park, laid flowers at the hypocenter, followed by a visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. A welcome luncheon hosted by Nagasaki City was held, and atomic bomb survivor Mr. MISE Seiichiro delivered a testimony of his experience, followed by an exchange of views with him. In addition, a lecture was given by Dr. HIKAWA Kazuko, Deputy Director and Professor of the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University (RECNA), followed by an active exchange of views with the Nagasaki Youth Delegation.
2. Hiroshima Program (September 2 - September 4)
On September 3, the participants attended a lecture by Mr. KAGAWA Takehiro, President of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, followed by a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and laid flowers at the hypocenter for the Atomic Bomb Victims. A welcome luncheon hosted by Hiroshima Mayor Mr. MATSUI Kazumi was held. Atomic bomb survivor Ms. OGURA Keiko delivered a testimony of her experience, followed by an exchange of views with her. On September 4, the group attended a lecture by Dr. Richard Sposto, Chief of Statistics, Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF).
3. Tokyo Program (September 4 - September 5)
On September 4, the respective divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave explanations to the participants on Japan's positions and efforts, and international situations regarding disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. A welcome dinner was hosted by Mr. ISHIKAWA Wataru, Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Division. On September 5, the group visited the Daigo Fukuryu-Maru Exhibition Hall to deepen their understanding of the harm caused by nuclear tests, followed by a visit to Nihonbashi Fukushima-kan.
(Reference) United Nations Disarmament Fellowship
- United Nations (UN) Disarmament Fellowship Program was decided upon at the first Special Session on Disarmament of the UN Special Assembly in 1978, with the aim of fostering disarmament specialists, especially in developing countries. The program has been implemented annually since 1979, mainly targeting young diplomats and defense officials with a program that includes training at the UN and the Conference on Disarmament Affairs, and visits to relevant countries. (The 2020 program was cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19.)
- In 1982, Prime Minister SUZUKI Zenko proposed in his speech at the Second Special Session on Disarmament of the UN General Assembly that Japan invite the participants of the program to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and since 1983, approximately 30 young diplomats have visited Japan every year except for 2020. This year marks the 43rd year of the program, and including this year, 1,072 participants have visited Japan at the expense of the Japanese government.
- The program includes visits to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, Hypocenter Park and Nagasaki Peace Memorial Museum in Nagasaki, and lectures by atomic bombing survivors about their experiences in the atomic bombings. The program is meaningful for deepening understanding of the realities of the use of nuclear weapons and conveying Japan's efforts in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation.