GLH Core Activities
November 2024:
The Hiroshima Tonan Rotary, in a lovely project initiated by GLH's long-standing friend Kanameda sensei, has organized a painting contest among Hiroshima elementary, middle and high schools. More than 400 entries were submitted, and GLH and many other partners joined the Tonan Rotary members in selecting the final candidates in a session on November 25. The awardees will receive their prizes in a ceremony in February 2025.
November 2024:
Former executive director of UNITAR, later executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa Dr. Carlos Lopes and his wife Mara were in Hiroshima from 22 to 24 November on a private visit. They were welcomed back by old GLH and UNITAR friends and colleagues, and visited many Hibakujumoku in the company of GLH coordinator Nassrine Azimi, master gardener Chikara Horiguchi, as well as ANT executive director Tomoko Watanabe. A renowned economist now living and teaching in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Lopes has been a good friend of GLH since inception, and will continue to share his passion for trees by expanding across Africa the message of caution and hope of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
November 2024:
On November 19th, Junior writers from Chugoku Shimbun interviewed and learned from Nassrine Azimi about the A-bombed trees in Hiroshima. The article was published on December 2, 2024.
November 2024:
On November 16, 2024, Professors of Environmental History, Finn Arne Jorgensen and Melania Buns of Stavanger University, visited Hiroshima in the company of Ekuko Naka. They spent time in the company of GLH master gardener Horiguchi sensei and ANT executive director Tomoko Watanabe visiting some Hibakujumoku, and with GLH coordinator Nassrine Azimi speaking about the many legacies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They hope to bring their students to Fukushima and Hiroshima next year to, in their words,
to allow for an in-depth exploration of consequences of nuclear power and weapons. We think it’s very important right now - not only are nuclear weapons absolutely on the geopolitical map in the years to come, but in Norway in particular the discussion of nuclear power is growing in strength, with significant potential consequences for how Norway manages, uses, and protects nature.
November 2024:
GLH coordinator Dr. Nassrine Azimi’s students from Hiroshima University’s Integrated Global Studies (IGS) program participated in a field trip on November 13th, 2024. They partook in her lecture on the historic context, continued significance and powerful design of the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, masterpiece of Japanese architect Kenzo Tange—and the generally unique nature of Hiroshima (and Nagasaki) revivals. Students were then given a tour of some Hibaku-jumoku (and other symbolic trees in the Park), learning more of the GLH global initiative, its philosophy and modus operandi. Students finally attended a lecture by Head of UNITAR Hiroshima Office, Ms. Chisa Mikami, who spoke of the mission of UNITAR, its structure and programs, as well as of her personal experiences, building a career step by step by acquiring the necessary skills to pursue her passion for international development work. The lecture was followed by a lively Q&A with the students.
