In 2015, the United Nations adopted the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” a global call to create a world in which the Earth can remain sustainable forever and where all people can live happily together. It is certainly an inspiring vision, yet something profoundly important appears to have been overlooked.
The preamble of the declaration states:
“As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind.”
This short sentence evokes a strong sense of discomfort. Why is it that, while such beautiful words are proclaimed, the “renunciation of war” — arguably an indispensable condition for world peace — is nowhere explicitly written in the declaration itself?
Even as we may participate in this “journey toward a sustainable world,” countless children, civilians, and soldiers are losing their lives to wars and conflicts at this very moment. Behind them stand countless grieving families overwhelmed by despair and sorrow. Some children have lost even their families because of war.
They are precisely the ones who have been “left behind” from this supposed journey toward a sustainable world. We must never forget their existence.
The Renunciation of War as a Prerequisite for the SDGs
The SDGs document presents seventeen “Sustainable Development Goals,” beginning with “No Poverty (SDG1),” followed by “Zero Hunger (SDG2)” and “Good Health and Well-being (SDG3).”
The goal related to peace appears only indirectly and softly phrased as “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG16),” positioned near the end of the list. Yet nowhere does the declaration clearly and fundamentally reject war or weapons of mass destruction.
If this remains the case, all seventeen goals designed to protect humanity and the Earth can collapse in an instant because of war. Did the United Nations truly intend to achieve the SDGs by 2030 while leaving aside the renunciation of war?
As is widely known, war is humanity’s greatest act of destruction. It devastates forests, pollutes water sources and soil, diverts resources needed for education and healthcare, and mercilessly robs children of hope for the future.
As long as war is tolerated, the word “sustainability” has no real foundation. If humanity sincerely seeks a truly sustainable future, then the very first step can only be the renunciation of war.
To resolve this contradiction and breathe living spirit into the entire SDGs declaration, this blog proposes defining the “renunciation of war” as the fundamental prerequisite of all SDGs — namely, SDG0 — and formally introducing it into the declaration.
Specifically, the proposal calls for an unmistakably clear principle:
“War as an act of national sovereignty, as well as weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons, shall be permanently renounced.”
Alongside this, the movement proposes the call:
“sdg0now” (sdg-zero-now)
This is a call for humanity to renounce war and to act consciously and immediately toward achieving permanent peace.
Human beings are not destined to resort to the cruelty of war. One need only imagine the consequences.
A young girl stands alone before the ruins of what had been her home only yesterday. As she gazes at the mountain of debris, her eyes ask not merely in sorrow, but in confusion:
“Why?”
“How could this happen?”
No child should have to understand such destruction brought about by adults — the very destruction we witness daily in the news.
A Future Without the Concept of War
Why do human beings wage war? Do we truly lack the wisdom to resolve conflict without killing one another?
If our own children or grandchildren were to ask:
“Why do adults kill people in wars?”
— how would we answer?
Let us focus on the very word “war” and imagine a future society in which the concept itself no longer exists. The first step is to fundamentally reconsider our assumptions about war. That is exactly what the “sdg0now” call is all about.
When the seventeen SDGs are written together on a single sheet of paper, the overall vision of the declaration becomes clear. Furthermore, the final goal — “Partnerships for the Goals (SDG17)” — inspires extraordinary possibilities.
If the leaders of all nations possessing military power were to decide upon the immediate and total renunciation of war, and form a “Big Brother Partnership” based on mutual support and cooperation, then the path toward a truly sustainable future could emerge far more quickly.
Once war is abandoned, the enormous funds currently devoted to maintaining and developing military power would no longer be necessary. Redirecting these vast resources toward rebuilding the countless ruins left behind by past wars and supporting affected populations would finally make the achievement of the SDGs realistic.
Children across the world would undoubtedly shine with joy and excitement. They would have been given hope. They would finally see light for the future.
Imagine world leaders, guided by representatives of children from every nation, proudly walking down a red carpet surrounded by television cameras to sign a historic “Big Brother Partnership Treaty” dedicated to the renunciation of war and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
The furious cries of eight billion people — “Your decision came too late!” — would transform into thunderous applause. Their names would be engraved forever in human history.
Reflection and Cultural Bonds
Debates over the renunciation of war have continued for generations. Lawyers, politicians, religious leaders, and scholars have argued endlessly over the issue.
Regrettably, no one can predict when these debates will finally bear fruit. Meanwhile, countless victims continue to emerge every single day.
Is this truly the unavoidable destiny of “civilized society”? Certainly not. The real cause is humanity’s continued acceptance of war as a legitimate option.
There is little doubt that the renunciation of war is the sincere wish of countless people of conscience around the world. If realized, peace could spread across this planet tomorrow.
And yet, why do political leaders in Japan and many other nations continue to guide people in the opposite direction? This question is what compelled the author to begin writing this blog.
Japan’s overseas invasions beginning in the late nineteenth century eventually led to the Pacific War in the mid-twentieth century. Nearly a century has passed since then.
Have we truly learned from that history? Have we reflected deeply enough?
The answer is no.
Even today, in the region surrounding Japan, news reports continue to carry the dark shadows of past wars, along with lingering resentment and hatred. This clearly demonstrates that the postwar reckoning has never truly been completed.
Political or financial apologies between governments alone are not enough. It is evident that sincere and wholehearted remorse has not fully reached the hearts of individuals in the affected nations.
Both former aggressor nations and former victim nations must begin again together from an honest understanding of history. Through deep reflection and sincere apology, humanity must summon the courage to start anew. That is the true first step toward reconciliation.
For the happiness of future generations — and for the fulfillment of our own lives — humanity urgently needs a fundamental resolution to the unresolved consequences of past wars that still trouble us eighty years after the Second World War.
Historically, Japan has enjoyed deep cultural relationships with both Asian and Western nations. Modern democratic institutions and Western music were learned from Europe and America.
Japan also received profound cultural influence from China and the Korean Peninsula. One representative example is Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the sixth century.
The Chinese characters used daily in Japan originated in ancient China over three thousand years ago, while Japan’s hiragana and katakana writing systems were derived from those characters.
Numerous philosophies, technologies, and crafts entered Japan through China and the Korean Peninsula. Even practical technologies essential to daily life — such as ceramic production techniques — were transmitted from Korea to Japan.
All of these influences greatly contributed to Japan’s cultural development. Having benefited from such close exchanges with neighboring nations throughout history, Japan must continue to respect and strengthen these precious bonds.
