A Congratulatory Message from Nagasaki University

On Tuesday, December 10th, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) in Oslo, Norway. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on this prestigious and momentous achievement.

Unfortunately, the situation surrounding nuclear weapons in the world is far from optimistic. In particular, in the invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022, Russia, a nuclear superpower, is one of the parties involved, and there has been blatant nuclear intimidation. Furthermore, it is reported that President Putin signed a document in November that effectively lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, further intensifying the threat. The global risk of nuclear weapons is increasing, and humanity is now living in perilous times.

Nagasaki University embraces the philosophy that “We contribute to the harmonious development of our society by creating science that will bear peace on Earth.” In 2012, we established the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (RECNA) and have continuously contributed to research, policy, and education aimed at creating a security framework that does not rely on nuclear deterrence. Furthermore, in June this year, we established the Research Center for Global Risk (CGR), and we are also engaging in interdisciplinary research and collaborative studies that explore the connections between the risks associated with nuclear weapons and other risks, such as environmental issues and economic disparities. On the occasion of the recent award to Nihon Hidankyo, we are committed to further deepening and revitalizing our activities. We aspire to achieve objectives such as a “world free from nuclear weapons” and “let Nagasaki be the last.”

We would like to express our deepest respect for the members of Nihon Hidankyo, who have tirelessly conveyed to the world the grim reality of nuclear weapons and advocated for their abolition while at the same time supporting atomic bomb survivors for many years. Once again, we extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved award.

December 10th, 2024

Takeshi Nagayasu

President, Nagasaki University