#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Nagasaki Peace Forum #One Young World

Okayama University Students Participate in Nagasaki Peace Forum

On May 16-18, 2025, two students from Okayama University, Sayaka Tanaka from the Faculty of Education and Chok Jia Xuan from the Global Discovery Program, attended the Nagasaki Peace-Preneur Forum. This significant international forum commemorated 80 years since the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and focused on the theme of "division and dialogue". The event was organized by the One Young World Nagasaki Council and supported by the One Young World Summit.

The forum provided a platform for young leaders from around the globe to engage in discussions about the meaning of peace and how to build a more harmonious world, especially in light of ongoing global conflicts. Prominent figures graced the event, including Hajime Moriyasu, manager of Japan's national soccer team, and Maher Nasser, the UN Under-Secretary-General. They emphasized the potential of sports for peace-building and the critical role of youth in forging international cooperation.

Noteworthy was the presence of Shigemitsu Tanaka, representing the Japanese Council of A-bomb Victims, who spoke of nuclear disarmament efforts, and Carlos Umaña from ICAN, both urging the participants to recognize that the future of peace is in the hands of the next generation.

Throughout the forum, participants exchanged ideas on various topics, including nuclear disarmament and conflict resolution. Tanaka and Chok actively participated in talk sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities with international attendees. They had the unique chance to engage with the global community by folding origami cranes as a symbolic gesture of peace.

This year marks the second installment of the Nagasaki Peace Forum, aiming to create a dialogue among the youth on significant global issues that continue to divide societies. The active participation of Okayama University students illustrates the institution's commitment to nurturing future leaders who are socially aware and ready to address worldwide challenges.

As an official partner of One Young World since the Bangkok Summit in 2015, Okayama University has continuously sent representatives to this extensive platform, which unites young leaders from over 190 countries annually. By facilitating participation in such key events, the university emphasizes the importance of global engagement and the development of young leaders equipped to tackle international issues.

The forum served not just as an avenue for discussion but as a call to action, prompting young leaders to take their roles seriously as stewards of future peace and collaboration.

In conclusion, Okayama University's presence at the Nagasaki Peace Forum highlights the institution's role in fostering a culture of peace and dialogue among youth. As it continues to support initiatives that unite students under the banner of global citizenship, the university looks forward to further contributions to peace and societal progress.

If you are interested in learning more about the event, a digest video is available on YouTube. Further information can also be found on the Nagasaki Peace-Preneur Forum official site and the One Young World website.