LanguageEnglish

Home
International Exchange
4th University Presidents for Peace Conference - University Presidents from 12 Institutions Across 9 Countries and Regions Discuss the Role of Higher Education in Peace and Sustainability on the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing

4th University Presidents for Peace Conference - University Presidents from 12 Institutions Across 9 Countries and Regions Discuss the Role of Higher Education in Peace and Sustainability on the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing

On August 6, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, Hiroshima University hosted the 4th University Presidents for Peace Conference at SENDA LAB on its Higashi-Senda Campus. The conference brought together approximately 30 participants, including university presidents and vice presidents from 12 universities across 9 countries and regions (including Hiroshima University), all of whom support the principles of the Peace Declaration by University Presidents, a written declaration signed by the conference’s participants. During the conference, the participants engaged in meaningful discussions on the role of universities in promoting peace and sustainability.

Prior to the conference, on the morning of August 5, the international delegates visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. In the afternoon, they attended a Peace Charity Concert held at the university’s Higashi-Hiroshima Campus.

On the day of the conference, the delegates first participated in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park, before moving to the Higashi-Senda Campus to attend the Hiroshima University Memorial Ceremony for the Victims of the Atomic Bombing.

The conference began with opening remarks by President Mitsuo Ochi of Hiroshima University. In his address, President Ochi emphasized the growing importance of passing on the value of peace and the tragedy of nuclear weapons to future generations, particularly as the atomic bomb survivors continue to age.

He stated, “Universities have a vital role to play in this mission. Through education and research, we must cultivate individuals who can work across cultures and values, and create opportunities for young people around the world to learn about Hiroshima’s reality and lessons, and to reflect on peace and sustainability.” He expressed his strong commitment to further expanding and strengthening the network of the Global Peace Presidents’ Conference to help realize these goals.

Remarks by Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui

Following the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui joined the conference and delivered brief remarks. He expressed his strong support for the initiative, stating, “Dialogue is a crucial tool in building peace. I fully support the efforts of the Global Peace Presidents’ Conference and hope to continue working together with universities to achieve global peace.”

The conference continued with presentations from university presidents, who introduced their respective initiatives related to peace and sustainability. This was followed by a discussion session in which participants exchanged ideas on cultivating future leaders who can contribute to building a peaceful and sustainable world, as well as on creating more opportunities for international exchange among students and early-career researchers.

Toward the end of the conference, President Ochi read aloud the “Peace Declaration by University Presidents – On the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing.” Upon its adoption, the room was filled with a resounding round of applause.

Following the closing of the conference, university presidents along with other attending officials exchanged firm handshakes, reaffirming their commitment to further collaboration toward peace and sustainability.

President Ochi delivers the Peace Declaration

Participating Universities

・Japan：Hiroshima University, United Nations University, Fukushima Medical University
・USA：Arizona State University, Columbia University
・Taiwan：National Central University
・Italy：University for Foreigners of Perugia
・Malaysia：Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman（UTAR）
・India：Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
・Sweden：World Maritime University
・Germany：Leipzig University
・Spain：University of the Basque Country