Ten years after President Obama stood at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and called
By Obama Foundation · October 5, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
Ten years after President Obama stood at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and called on the world to choose a future free from fear, students in that same city opened laptops to change the world… through Minecraft.
In November 2025, Aiko Shimizu, a 2022 Obama Asia-Pacific Leader, brought together the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the Digital Monozukuri Council, and Microsoft for a workshop using Minecraft Education to teach the fundamentals of AI—while reflecting on the history of Hiroshima and the meaning of peace.
But the lesson went beyond technology. When atomic bomb survivor Koko Kondo spoke to the audience, she reminded them that technology and innovation must always be grounded in humanity.
“When people think of peacebuilding, they often think of conflict,” Shimizu said. “But peace is also about expanding access and opportunity—creating economic opportunity and reducing inequality.”
Part of a global network of Obama Leaders, Shimizu’s work reflects a broader vision: bringing together partners across sectors to ensure that emerging technologies are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in human values.