- UNITAR conducted the training and study tour "UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI/Digital Storytelling" training programme in Hiroshima from 25 to 28 August 2025, where 13 youth from four Asian countries and Hiroshima Prefecture participated.
- The study tour in Hiroshima included visits to Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum, hiakusha testimony, a visit to a local company, and a hands-on workshop to learn about use cases of digital tools, among other activities.
- On the final day of the study tour, 28 August, participants presented their storytelling projects that incorporated the use of digital technologies.
28 August 2025, Hiroshima, Japan - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) conducted the training and study tour "UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI/Digital Storytelling" training programme in Hiroshima from 25 to 28 August 2025, welcoming 13 youth participants from four Asian countries and Hiroshima Prefecture.
The programme, implemented by UNITAR with the financial support of Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima, and in cooperation with the UNITAR Association in Japan, aimed to build the capacity of young people to harness AI and digital storytelling as tools for social transformation.
Learning from the Hiroshima Study Tour
The four-day study tour began on 25 August. In collaboration with SPINGLE Co., Ltd., participants received "Paper Crane Recycled Sneakers," made from paper cranes sent from around the world. This provided a valuable opportunity to experience firsthand a creative way of conveying peace messages globally through design.
Participants also visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, joined a VR (virtual reality) guided tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and listened to the testimony of Ms. Keiko Ogura, a hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) from Hiroshima, gaining firsthand insights into the realities of the atomic bombing. In addition, they visited local companies and attended a workshop delivered by experts from Microsoft Japan on the use of digital tools such as Minecraft, deepening their understanding of how to leverage new technologies for effective storytelling for a sustainable future for all.
This is the most favorable time to receive training in AI and digital tools, as they are playing an increasingly significant role in our society. In my case, this programme served as a bridge between my work in the physical space and the digital space, particularly in my study of art and the environment and art and memory. - MAGPANTAY Andre Oriondo, UNITAR Training Participant (Philippines)
The most favorable aspect of the programme was the making of my story. I could use AI to create a story and see how far my imagination can take me. - Jinto Kanazawa, UNITAR Training Participant (Japan)
I was very impressed by the structured approach to using AI for creating videos and images. Although I had used AI many times before, this was the first time to go through it in such a systematic manner. - Trần Anh Thơ, UNITAR Training Participant (Vietnam)
Participants Developing Storytelling Projects
On the final day of the study tour, 28 August, participants presented their storytelling projects. Each project utilized digital technologies to address local and societal challenges in pursuit of sustainable development. Proposals included an AI-based project to pass down the experiences of atomic bomb survivors to future generations, initiatives using digital mapping tools to support recovery and preserve lessons from natural disasters, and projects aimed at expanding educational opportunities for women and underprivileged children.
Moving forward, participants will continue refining their projects under the guidance of mentors. In the final phase of the programme, they will present their completed works at a hybrid international event by the end of the year 2025, harnessing digital tools to tell stories that inspire a more sustainable and peaceful future.
About the Training Programme "Changemaking Through AI/Digital Storytelling"
This training programme is implemented by UNITAR from June to October 2025 (planned), with the support of Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima, and in cooperation with the UNITAR Association in Japan. The programme has welcomed youth aged 16 to 28 and is conducted in a hybrid format.
The programme is structured in three phases:
- Phase 1 : A total of 22 domestic and international participants acquired basic skills in AI tools and knowledge of the SDGs through online lectures by experts. Participants came from eight Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Vietnam) as well as Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Phase 2: Thirteen participants selected from Phase 1 joined an in-person study tour in Hiroshima. They deepened their understanding of the lessons of peace and reconstruction in Hiroshima and had opportunities to network with fellow participants.
- Phase 3: Participants will take part in a hybrid international event in October 2025 (planned), held both in Hiroshima and online, to present their digital storytelling projects.
