In 2024, as part of its 75th-anniversary commemorative initiative, Hiroshima University organized a Peace Study Tour in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and Columbia University (CU), with support from the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS). The tour, held from July 31 to August 9, 2024, brought together 30 students and faculty members from various international universities to participate in a series of activities aimed at deepening their understanding of peace, sustainability, and collaborative natural resource management.
The program began with course registration, an orientation to campus logistics, and a tour of Hiroshima University. In the first lecture, Dr. Shinichi Onodera from Hiroshima University addressed water quality issues and introduced how Satoyama activities contribute to nurturing groundwater in Saijo. This initial phase was designed to familiarize participants with the academic environment and set the stage for the subsequent activities.
The program officially commenced with an opening ceremony, which began with a warm welcome from Dr. Dahlia Simangan, Associate Professor of the IDEC Institute, Hiroshima University, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in peacebuilding. This was followed by remarks from Mr. Nobuyuki Konishi of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, highlighting the role of foundations in supporting peace initiatives, and Dr. Joshua Fisher from Columbia University, who provided a global perspective on peace and sustainability. The opening session also included insightful presentations by Dr. Ayyoob Sharifi from Hiroshima University and Dr. Katherine Alfredo from the University of South Florida, who shared their expertise on peacebuilding, sustainability, and environmental issues, setting the intellectual framework for the tour.
Following the opening ceremony, participants attended a lecture on SDGs localization and peace in Hiroshima University and Japan by Dr. Chui Ying Lee of Town & Gown Institute of Innovation for the Future of Hiroshima University. This lecture provided a crucial understanding of how global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are adapted to local contexts and integrated into peace efforts. Two informative lectures by Mr. Ryutaro Murotani and Mr. Naoyuki Ochiai from JICA offered insights into JICA’s operational strategy and peace efforts in Mindanao, illustrating practical applications of peacebuilding strategies in conflict regions.
The next day featured an exciting workshop on Positive Peace conducted by Ms. Patricia Garcia of the Institute for Economics and Peace, facilitated by the Positive Peace Society of Hiroshima University. This workshop aimed to engage participants in the concept of Positive Peace, which focuses on creating conditions for peace through structural and systemic changes. It emphasized the importance of integrating peace into various aspects of society and development. The following day continued with an exhilarating excursion to Miyajima Island, providing participants with a cultural and natural experience that highlighted the region’s historical and environmental significance.
During the program participants also had the chance to interact with students from a Japanese high school as part of a cultural exchange program. This interaction fostered cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between international and local students. Additionally, a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum offered participants a profound reflection on the impact of the atomic bombing, complemented by a meeting with Ms. Keiko Ogura, a Hibakusha and atomic bomb survivor, whose firsthand account underscored the human cost of nuclear warfare and the importance of nuclear disarmament.
On August 6th, participants attended the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, an annual event that commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing and reaffirms the commitment to peace. This experience provided participants with a deepened understanding of Hiroshima’s historical context and its ongoing peace advocacy.
The following day, participants traveled to Etajima Island for fieldwork, where they were divided into groups to explore various locations such as the Yanagawa Oyster Farm, Olive Lab, and an olive factory. This fieldwork illustrated practical aspects of sustainable resource management and local economic development. The visit included an exciting lecture on marine ecosystem research, focusing on endangered crab species, by Dr. Naohisa Nishihara at the Satoumi Science Museum. This lecture highlighted the importance of protecting marine biodiversity and understanding ecological impacts.
On August 8th, students attended a lecture on data processing and analysis, and the preparation of policy positions. This session equipped participants with essential skills for analyzing data and formulating effective policies, crucial for addressing global challenges related to peace and sustainability.
The final day of the program included a Policy Negotiation Simulation and group presentations, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in a simulated diplomatic context. This activity fostered critical thinking and negotiation skills. The program concluded with a group debriefing and a closing ceremony. Dr. Joshua Fisher delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement and collaboration in peacebuilding. The farewell party celebrated the successful completion of the Peace Study Tour, marking the end of an enriching and transformative experience.
Summary written by Vrajesh Jitendra Rawal, NERPS Student Fellow
Testimonials from our Hiroshima Orizuru Fellows
Interacting with other students was the best part of the entire course and I enjoyed talking to them about their lived experiences. I’ve made tons of friends which I’m immense grateful for. Hiroshima was definitely the most appropriate venue for the course given its history. I was particularly touched by our visit to the Hiroshima Peace Museum and I don’t think I’ll ever forget any part of that
experience. My main takeaway is learning new ways to negotiate with people who
come from backgrounds that are completely different to mine and I’ll definitely apply that in all my work moving forward!
Through this Peace Study Tour, I had the chance to connect with peers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. During group collaborations and discussions, I gained insight into how people approach problem-solving from different perspectives. On August 3rd, we were randomly divided into four groups, each facing different situations (with unique challenges or advantages). While negotiating with other groups, we had to balance meeting our own needs with achieving mutual cooperation, which deepened my understanding of how difficult it is to achieve “peace.” Additionally, during our visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum and listening to the speech by survivor Ms. Keiko Ogura, I realized the unimaginable consequences we would face if we fail to maintain “peace.”
This experience has inspired me to address peace and conflict issues in my own country and region. The insights gained from the program will guide my efforts to foster dialogue and understanding among diverse communities in my area. By applying the lessons learned from Hiroshima, I aim to promote initiatives that encourage intercultural exchange and collaboration, address local conflicts with a more informed perspective, and support efforts towards sustainable peace-building. The knowledge and empathy gained from this tour will serve as a foundation for contributing to a more harmonious and just society in my own community.
You must be logged in to post a comment.