Statement by SUZUKI Shiro
Vice-President of Mayors for Peace and Mayor of Nagasaki
NGO presentations for the 2026 NPT Review Conference
New York, U.S.A.
May 1, 2026
Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, civil leaders, I am SUZUKI Shiro, Mayor of Nagasaki.
In August 1945, atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, instantly reducing these lively cities to ruins. By the end of that year, a total of approximately 210,000 precious lives had been lost.
'The sufferings of the past seem to be fading away. I fear this oblivion: I fear that such forgetfulness may lead to a new acceptance of the use of atomic bombs.'
These words were left to us by the late TANIGUCHI Sumiteru, who at the age of 16 was exposed to the atomic bombing in Nagasaki and suffered severe, deep-red burns across his entire back. Despite such immense suffering, he dedicated his life to lead the peace movement.
I believe his warning has become increasingly relevant today, as the nuclear taboo erodes and the reliance on nuclear deterrence deepens.
I am also deeply concerned that the downward spiral of ‘force against force’ may further escalate, ultimately leading to the outbreak of a nuclear war — ‘nuclear weapons against nuclear weapons.’
As a representative of a wartime atomic-bombed city, I hereby appeal to you all with unwavering conviction: nuclear weapons are an absolute evil. Their total abolition is the only path for humanity to preserve life on Earth for future generations.
Now, I strongly urge all State Parties to reaffirm the commitments made at previous Conferences. I call upon you to fulfil your obligation to pursue negotiations on nuclear disarmament in good faith, as mandated by Article VI of the NPT, and to present a concrete path towards making tangible progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation measures.
Before closing, let me share with you all the following message:
“Nagasaki must remain the last wartime atomic bombing site.”
