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Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The Elders call on world leaders, decision-makers and the public to pause for a moment of reflection and solidarity as the world marks the 77th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6th and 9th August 2022.

The Elders call on world leaders, decision-makers, and the public to pause for a moment of reflection and solidarity as the world marks the 77th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6th and 9th August 2022.

Peace crane commemoration

The Elders marked the 75th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with a peace crane commemoration.

The gesture was intended to encourage people to pause, reflect and recognise the scale of the nuclear tragedy.

Ban Ki-moon holds a homemade peace crane.
Sadako Sasaki in July 1955. (Photo: Masahiro Sasaki)

The importance of the peace crane

The origami peace crane has long been associated with the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from leukemia caused by the radioactive fallout of the Hiroshima bombing.

Read Sadako’s story and our blog from her surviving brother, Masahiro.

Preserve peace for future generations

The Elders believe nuclear weapons pose a global existential threat, exacerbated by the unravelling of nuclear arms controls and the emergence of a new arms race between the nuclear powers.  As they mark the anniversary they continue to call on nuclear states to reduce their arsenals, expand existing controls and recommit seriously to the goal of nuclear disarmament.

Peace crane commemoration

The Elders marked the 75th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with a peace crane commemoration.

The gesture was intended to encourage people to pause, reflect and recognise the scale of the nuclear tragedy.

Ban Ki-moon holds a homemade peace crane.

The importance of the peace crane

The origami peace crane has long been associated with the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from leukemia caused by the radioactive fallout of the Hiroshima bombing.

Read Sadako’s story and our blog from her surviving brother, Masahiro.

Sadako Sasaki in July 1955. (Photo: Masahiro Sasaki)

Preserve peace for future generations

The Elders believe nuclear weapons pose a global existential threat, exacerbated by the unravelling of nuclear arms controls and the emergence of a new arms race between the nuclear powers.  As they mark the anniversary they continue to call on nuclear states to reduce their arsenals, expand existing controls and recommit seriously to the goal of nuclear disarmament.

"I urge everyone to join the Elders and others in this moment of reflection and solidarity: remember the strength of Sadako Sasaki and be inspired by her determination to never give up hope for a better world."

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