Hiroshima Marks 80 Years Since Atomic Bombing as UN Calls for Nuclear Disarmament

World 01:50 PM - 2026-08-06

80 Years After First Atomic Bombing, Hiroshima Remains a Global Symbol of Peace.

Japan has marked the 80th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, which devastated the city of Hiroshima during the final stages of the Second World War, with commemorations attended by representatives from more than 100 countries.

Peace bells rang across Hiroshima as officials, survivors, and members of the public observed a minute’s silence at the exact moment the atomic bomb was dropped, honouring the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives and those who continue to suffer from its long-term consequences.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki: A Defining Tragedy of Modern History

On 6 August 1945, the US bomber Enola Gay dropped a uranium atomic bomb on Hiroshima, releasing destructive power equivalent to around 16 kilotons of TNT. The blast and subsequent radiation effects killed approximately 140,000 people.

Three days later, on 9 August, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The plutonium-based weapon killed around 74,000 people. Japan announced its surrender on 15 August 1945, bringing the Second World War to an end.

The bombings remain among the most devastating events in modern history, marking the beginning of the nuclear age and transforming global security and warfare.

Lasting Human and Environmental Impact

The consequences of the atomic bombings extended far beyond the immediate loss of life. Radiation exposure caused long-term health problems among survivors, while radioactive contamination affected the environment for generations.

Many survivors, known as hibakusha, endured cancers, other illnesses, and the social consequences of radiation exposure. Their experiences have made Hiroshima and Nagasaki global symbols of the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons.

The Nuclear Age and Global Security Challenges

The destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki triggered a global nuclear arms race and introduced the concept of nuclear deterrence and mutually assured destruction into international relations.

In response to the growing threat posed by nuclear weapons, the international community developed frameworks aimed at preventing proliferation, limiting nuclear risks, and establishing legal and diplomatic mechanisms to reduce the likelihood of nuclear conflict.

UN Warns of Rising Nuclear Risks

During the Hiroshima memorial ceremony, a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres was delivered by the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu.

The UN said the atomic bombing of Hiroshima “changed the world forever”, while praising the resilience of the city and its people, who rebuilt their lives and promoted a message of peace.

Nakamitsu warned that the risk of nuclear conflict is increasing amid growing geopolitical tensions, divisions between states, and declining international trust. She said nuclear weapons are once again being used as tools of pressure and intimidation, underlining the urgent need for stronger global efforts to prevent future tragedies.

Renewed Calls to Eliminate Nuclear Weapons

The United Nations highlighted the important role of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors in raising awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and advancing efforts towards disarmament.

The UN also recognised the work of the Nihon Hidankyo Foundation, which was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its campaign to highlight the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, officials renewed calls for greater international cooperation to prevent war and work towards a world free from nuclear weapons.


PUKMEDIA