Sakura’s group selected Goal 16: to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, to provide access to justice for all, and to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Sakura first learned about peace and tolerance through hula dancing, which she has been dancing since she was young. As a student, she underwent a peace education programme for all Hiroshima students and was moved by the powerful stories of survivors (Hibakusha).
Nevertheless, the Youth Ambassador workshops made Sakura acutely aware of how little she knew about the violence and brutality that goes on in the world. If she does not know the facts, Sakura thought, there is no way for her to take action. In her final group presentation, she called on people to learn and take action together.
I’ve come to realize that living in Hiroshima has allowed me to think about peace deeply. It also means that we have that many more opportunities and platforms for us to communicate about peace.
Even after the completion of the programme, the Youth Ambassadors have stayed in touch and continued activities together, such as participating in an international forum and a poster exhibition. Led by another Youth Ambassador, Junya Takano, they have also launched a website promoting the SDGs.