An organization of about 8,000 municipalities around the world lobbying for the abolition of nuclear weapons gathered in Hiroshima, Japan, to discuss what each of them can do toward their cause.

Representatives from 93 municipalities of nine countries attended the general conference of Mayors for Peace on Wednesday. Many others took part online.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video message at the opening that the world is in danger of forgetting the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But he said we should not give up.

He went on to say, "Nuclear disarmament is not some utopian dream. It is the only best way for a peaceful future. Eliminating nuclear weapons will be the greatest gift we can bestow to future generations. Let's make it happen."

Atomic bomb survivor Kajimoto Yoshiko spoke of her experience. She was 14 years and at a factory 2.3 kilometers from the epicenter when an atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima.

She called for the abolition of nuclear weapons, referring to her experience of facing a junior high school student who died before her eyes, something which she cannot forget.

The participants decided on systematically posting their activities on social media in the hope that younger generations will realize the value of peace and more people will support the organization.

Some participants said the meeting should specifically share a sense of crisis about Russia's nuclear arsenal amid its invasion of Ukraine.

The conference will continue through Thursday. They are expected to adopt the "Hiroshima Appeal" summarizing the group's determination and proposal toward the abolition of nuclear weapons.