The 20th International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) World Congress opened on Friday in the western Japanese city of Hiroshima, attracting about 700 doctors, researchers and officials from more than 60 countries.

The meeting, held at International Conference Center Hiroshima, was organized by IPPNW Japan Chapter in cooperation with some medical associations based in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Keiichi Hiramatsu, the 20th IPPNW World Congress president, stressed that doctors who assume the mission to protect people's lives and health try to continue their appeal toward nuclear disarmament and provide the public with proper services on health effects of radiation.

"We must pass on nuclear weapons' inherent inhumanity and balefulness, the lessons from the tragic experience of Hiroshima, to young generations," he said, adding, "We carry on our future efforts toward nuclear abolition."

According to the organizer, more than 10 meeting events including six plenary sessions are being scheduled during the three-day conference, held first in 23 years in Hiroshima.

IPPNW was founded in 1980 and its world congress has been held every two years.