Continuing the Story of Peace: From Memory to Future Aspirations

	Returning to Vietnam to Learn the True Meaning of Peace
	Art Program Spreads Message of Peace Worldwide

The event was co-organized by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), Peace Boat, and two Nobel Peace Prize-winning organizations: Nihon Hidankyo and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).

The exchange program “Time for peace: Writing the next chapter” was held aboard the Peace Boat at the Ha Long International Cruise Port (Quang Ninh). (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The event was attended by Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of VUFO and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam; Kuramori Terumi, a Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor and representative of Nihon Hidankyo; Kawasaki Akira, Chair of ICAN; and Lee Jae Young, Executive Director of the Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI).

Peace Begins with Simple Things

At the event, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of war; it also involves the respect for human dignity and rights, inner tranquility, responsible actions, and a positive mindset shared across society. Peace is the foundation for a happy life, free from fear, poverty, and hatred.

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of VUFO and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam (R). (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Sharing one of the most memorable moments of her diplomatic career, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga recalled her role as head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations during the negotiations and adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, in which Vietnam became the 10th country to ratify the treaty. According to her, achieving a world without nuclear weapons is a challenging journey that requires the collective effort of the international community.

International speakers expressed deep admiration for the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people, affirming that the victory of April 30, 1975, was not only a triumph for Vietnam but also a symbol of global peace and national liberation movements. They also highlighted the ongoing relevance of peace in today’s world.

Kuramori Terumi, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and representative of Nihon Hidankyo, shared the tragic loss experienced by her family.

Kuramori Terumi, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and representative of Nihon Hidankyo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

“From the depths of my heart, I believe that to live with your family, to be healthy, and to enjoy simple smiles every day is the true meaning of peace. Peace is not something distant, it is the everyday life we have, something we often take for granted. That is what I’ve come to understand in my 81 years of life,” she said.

ICAN Chair Kawasaki Akira. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

ICAN Chair Kawasaki Akira emphasized the founding principle of Peace Boat: to learn from war and build peace for the future. The voyage across the oceans itself is a symbolic message of peace, as the sea knows no borders.

He stressed the importance of multilateral institutions and non-governmental organizations in today’s context and praised Vietnam’s consistent policy of refraining from the use or threat of force in international relations, along with its cooperative and united spirit.

Lee Jae Young, Executive Director of NARPI. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Lee Jae Young, Executive Director of NARPI, stated that peace cannot be separated from justice. “The only path to peace is through peaceful means. I believe peace is a choice, and everyone can make that choice, starting at the individual level,” he noted.

Building Peace through Connection and Sharing

During the program, speakers conveyed meaningful messages to future generations, encouraging a sense of responsibility and aspiration to build a peaceful and sustainable world.

At the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Kuramori Terumi called on young people to listen to the heartfelt stories of Hibakusha, survivors of nuclear disasters, to fully comprehend the agony caused by weapons of mass destruction.

“Do not merely look at numbers. Listen to each story, feel it with your heart, and spread that message,” she urged.

ICAN Chair Kawasaki Akira advocated for the strengthening of institutions, laws, and a culture of peace as the foundation for lasting stability. In an increasingly polarized world, he stressed the need for dialogue and reconciliation to take center stage.

NARPI Executive Director Lee Jae Young pointed out that Asia, with its cultural emphasis on community and interpersonal connection, is well-positioned to nurture peace. He encouraged educators, organizations, and individuals to expand spaces for dialogue where the younger generation can share visions and spread the values of peace for the future.

In addition, delegates affirmed the importance of continuing to empower youth and harnessing technology to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding.

International speakers also praised VUFO’s role in connecting the people of Vietnam with the global community, thereby amplifying the message of peace. They affirmed that the program “Time for peace: Writing the next chapter” is a meaningful event that fosters solidarity among nations and contributes to the global voice for peace.

A Vietnamese Story of Resilience on the Peace Boat Vuong Thi Quyen shared her story with international delegates. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) At the “Time for peace: Writing the next chapter” program, Vuong Thi Quyen, a victim of Agent Orange, moved the audience with her personal story, which touched the hearts of both speakers and delegates from around the world. Born in Quang Binh, Quyen's childhood seemed no different from that of other children. However, at age nine, she was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis and kyphosis - the result of Agent Orange her father was exposed to during his service in Southeast and Central Highlands Vietnam, where American troops had sprayed dioxin. Beyond physical pain, she also faced discrimination due to her appearance. But instead of retreating, she chose the path of learning and perseverance. With an optimistic spirit and unwavering determination, she earned a journalism and communications scholarship at NILM University (India), graduating with distinction. Upon returning to Vietnam, Quyen dedicated herself to community service, working at the Social Protection Center under the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. There, she met many individuals “in far more pain than myself,” which only deepened her commitment to spreading love and standing with the disadvantaged. “Though the war is long past, physical and emotional wounds remain. I only hope that future generations will never again have to witness such separations and losses. Let us work together to build a world where everyone can truly live as a human being,” she said.

Peace Boat and Vietnam "Continue Writing the Story of Peace" On April 30, the 120th voyage of the Peace Boat organization, departing from Yokohama (Japan), will dock at the Ha Long International Cruise Port, Vietnam, ...

[Photo] Peace Boat delegates immersed in Quang Ninh's Hues On April 30, the 120th voyage of the Peace Boat Organization, departing from Yokohama (Japan), docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port, Quang Ninh Province. ...