Scientist: Remember your humanityーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts:

• Nuclear Disarmament
• Pugwash Conferences
• Atomic Bomb Survivors
• Scientific Responsibility
• Moral Commitment
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• Nuclear Weapons Program
• Invisible Scars
• Legacy of Pugwash

Global Summit on Nuclear Disarmament in Hiroshima

Scientists from nearly 40 countries convened in Hiroshima in November to deliberate on strategies for achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. The conference, held as Hiroshima marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, was chaired by Iraqi scientist Hussein al-Sharistani, an 83-year-old nuclear chemist. This marked his inaugural visit to the city.

The Pugwash Conferences: A Legacy of Peace

The Pugwash conferences, initiated in 1957, draw inspiration from a manifesto by physicist Albert Einstein and philosopher Bertrand Russell. The participants at this summit included nuclear physicists and other experts in the field, all united by the goal of nuclear abolition.

Hussein al-Sharistani's Personal Resolve

Al-Sharistani, who heads Pugwash, shared his personal history, including his time as chief scientist at Iraq's Atomic Energy Commission. He recounted being ordered to join Saddam Hussein's nuclear weapons program and subsequently spending 11 years in prison for refusing to cooperate with the regime. He stated, "When Saddam wanted me to work on a nuclear weapons, it was very clear that this is something I will never do. The decision was simple and I knew what the price I have to pay."

Confronting the Past: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Before the conference, al-Sharistani visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The exhibit depicting the bombing's devastation, which reduced the city to ruins with a single device, underscored the profound responsibility scientists bear. He reflected, "This is a reminder where humanity fails to its responsibility of saving the civilians who are non-combatants uh to form victims of such wars."

A Dialogue with an Atomic Bomb Survivor

A significant session involved a dialogue with Keo, an atomic bomb survivor who was eight years old at the time of the bombing. She described witnessing people with severe injuries, their skin hanging and faces burned, stumbling in search of safety. She recounted giving water to victims, two of whom died before her eyes, leading to a traumatic fear that she had caused their deaths. Keo emphasized, "And then that means and that made me trauma that the fear I killed those people. I thought this is my scar. I want to say there are so many invisible scars survivors have."

Renewed Commitment and Intergenerational Duty

Hearing Keo's testimony deeply affected al-Sharistani, reinforcing his vow, made as a young student upon learning of Hiroshima's suffering, never to use science for harm. He expressed, "I cannot find the right words to express my emotions of hearing this. what she has gone through, what she has uh felt makes people more committed to this cause and uh uh and work harder to make sure that nobody else on earth will experience what she and the other survivors have experienced." He now feels a duty to impart this resolve to younger generations, hoping they will carry forward the mission of a nuclear-weapon-free world, a goal that remains elusive.

The Burden of Scientific Legacy

Al-Sharistani urged younger scientists to consider the broader implications of their research: "I would really like to keep in mind the idea of being a good scientist and trying to really think about not only how my research is being used by myself but potentially how other people could end up using my research and what kind of impacts that could have on the world." He stressed the importance of not leaving humanity's fate to a few leaders in nuclear-armed nations.

Unwavering Determination

While acknowledging the lack of complete success in abolishing nuclear weapons, al-Sharistani declared, "We have not really succeeded to abolish the nuclear weapons. This is true. However, we will not give up."

Pledge to Future Generations

Al-Sharistani, accompanied by a fellow scholar, visited a cenotaph for the victims, pledging that scientists would uphold their responsibilities and strive to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy experienced by the people of Hiroshima.

Conclusion: A Call to Action and Enduring Hope

The summit in Hiroshima served as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and the critical role of scientists in advocating for their abolition. The personal testimonies of survivors and the unwavering commitment of scientists like Hussein al-Sharistani underscore the moral imperative to work towards a nuclear-weapon-free world, emphasizing the need for intergenerational responsibility and a conscious application of scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity. Despite the challenges, the resolve to continue this pursuit remains strong.