On August 5th, the 5th World Conference of Mayors for Peace through Inter-city Solidarity held a general conference and two plenary sessions in succession at the International Conference Center, Hiroshima located in Naka Ward, Hiroshima. At the general conference, the Mayors Conference adopted its first comprehensive activity plan.

With the realization of world peace as its goal, the activity plan listed 28 specific items, including the study and implementation of programs to cooperate with the establishment of Hiroshima-Nagasaki courses and research of a framework for protecting children from war.

To make the organization's name easier to remember, the Conference decided to shorten it to "Mayors Conference for Peace." The name change will take effect following the close of the current conference.

Roughly 200 persons, including city residents attending as observers, participated in the General Conference, the theme of which was "Roles of Citizens in Abolishing Nuclear Weapons." Christopher Weeramantry, who was vice president of the International Court of Justice in 1996 when it handed down its advisory opinion that "the use or threat of nuclear weapons would generally be contrary to the rules of international law," gave an address. Judge Weeramantry stressed that "The law obviously prohibits such cruel acts [as using nuclear weapons]. Such an act is impossible to justify."

The second plenary session took up the theme of violence surrounding children. Participants successively took the floor to criticize television programs and video games that portray violence in a positive light. Many pointed out the need for families and schools to teach that violence is wrong.

The evening events were a discussion meeting with city residents and a welcome reception hosted by city residents. The discussion meeting attended by 120 residents broke into groups that exchanged views on the abolition of nuclear weapons and other theme.

The main activities (- Key undertaking)

< Efforts to bring about the abolition of nuclear weapons >

- The study and implementation of programs to cooperate with the establishment of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Courses
- The study and implementation of methods of utilizing the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice
- Research of ways to improve the relationship between electronic media and children
- Research for a framework to protect children from war
-- Establishment of regional Mayors Conferences

< The resolution of problems confronting the entire human race, including global environmental destruction, hunger and poverty, and violence >
-- The study of Mayors Conference undertakings aiming at the creation of a "peace industry"
-- The study and implementation of collaborative projects with international organs and NGOs

< Strengthening the Mayors Conference execution structure to help reinforce its activities >
- Introduction of examples of progressive cities and undertakings
-- Expansion of the mailing list
-- Securing of sponsors

(Caption) The General Conference of the World Conference of the Mayors for Peace through Inter-city Solidarity engaged in discussion