UNITAR
23 April 2026, Hiroshima, Japan – Eleven youth from Hiroshima Prefecture gathered at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Hiroshima Project Office on 18 April to mark the launch of the 2026 “UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme: Leaders for a New Era”.
Running from April to August 2026, this four-month training programme aims to strengthen youth leadership to share Hiroshima’s message of peace and contribute to a more sustainable world. Through expert lectures and interactive discussions, participants will deepen their understanding of global challenges related to nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding, and international law.
Building on their learning, participants will reflect on the role of Hiroshima and present their messages to the world on 6 August, marking 81 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Implemented by UNITAR in cooperation with the UNITAR Association and supported by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government, the programme marks its 16th year since its launch in 2010, having trained more than 180 Youth Ambassadors.
2026 Youth Ambassador Programme Launch
UNITAR
The first session of the 2026 “UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme” took place on 18 April, following an online orientation held on 15 April.
During the session, participants learned about the humanitarian consequences of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima from local youth and an atomic bomb legacy successor. They also explored the city’s recovery and youth-led peace initiatives. Additionally, a former UNITAR Youth Ambassador presented a “Roadmap for Eliminating Nuclear Weapons by 2050,” offering further insight and inspiration.
As a resident of Hiroshima Prefecture and as a member of the younger generation, I wanted to think more deeply about how I can contribute to peace in Hiroshima. … Through this programme, I also hope to reflect on what is important for young people -not only in Japan but around the world- to come together and take action.” – Yuri Matsuoka, Participant of 2026 UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme
Programme Schedule
By the end of July, participants will complete eight lectures and fieldwork sessions designed to enhance their knowledge on nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding and international law, and strengthen leadership skills. These sessions are organized in partnership with institutions, such as Hiroshima City University, the Hiroshima Peace Institute (HPI), Hiroshima University, and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through its Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) Programme, with UNITAR as an implementing partner.
In addition to lectures, group work, and mentoring sessions, participants will work together to develop refine messages from Hiroshima that reflect today’s global context. These messages will be presented at the public event on 6 August.
The programme will conclude with a closing ceremony following the event.
About the UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme
The UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme started in 2010 with two high school students selected from within Hiroshima Prefecture, who conveyed the voices of Hiroshima’s youth to the world. Leveraging the expertise of UNITAR, the programme aims to foster skills related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global citizenship. It has since expanded to the Asia-Pacific region. For Japan, UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme has provided training to over 180 students, primarily high school students from Hiroshima Prefecture.
More information: https://unitar.org/sustainable-development-goals/prosperity/our-portfolio/leadership-and-empowerment/unitar-youth-ambassador-programme
Call for Application 2026: https://unitar.org/ja/hiroshima/news/call-applications-unitar-hiroshima-youth-ambassador-programme-2026
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2024, UNITAR trained approximately 550,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world. Find out more at unitar.org