Attendees of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting visited Hiroshima on Tuesday morning. These peaceful principles guided their flower-laying at the Peace Memorial Park. The group gathered at the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims. Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui guided the officials during the ceremony. Francisco Berguno, executive secretary of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, participated in the flower-laying. Ayano Kunimitsu, Japan’s state minister for foreign affairs, also attended the ceremony. Ambassador Hideki Uyama, Japan’s representative to the ATCM, joined them as well.
The Antarctic Treaty states that Antarctica shall serve peaceful purposes only. Article Five of the treaty prohibits nuclear explosions in the Antarctic. The same article bans disposal of radioactive waste on the continent. Hiroshima City suffered an atomic bomb attack in 1945. The city volunteered to host this meeting because of its history. Hiroshima sympathizes deeply with the treaty’s core mission. Therefore these peaceful principles connect directly to the city’s identity.
Kunimitsu spoke during the meeting after the memorial visit. She called for resolution to promote international cooperation in Antarctica. Kunimitsu noted rising divisions and conflicts in the global community. Nevertheless she said these peaceful principles must guide all nations forward. The Antarctic Treaty remains a model of successful international governance. Many countries set aside territorial claims for scientific collaboration there.
The meeting continues in Hiroshima for several more days. Delegates will discuss environmental protection measures for Antarctica. They will also address growing tourism and fishing activities in the region. Climate change impacts on Antarctic ice sheets require urgent attention. These peaceful principles will anchor all treaty decisions moving forward. Hiroshima’s hosting of this meeting sends a powerful signal worldwide. The city transformed from a target of nuclear destruction into a peace symbol. Antarctic Treaty members now carry that same commitment forward.
