At the international symposium on Japan’s international peace cooperation operations held at UN University on March 5, Japanese government officials provided a general overview, legal framework and operational parameters.

During the first session, Mr. Shigeki Takizaki, Director, National Security Policy Division and Director, International Peace Cooperation Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan made a comprehensive power point presentation providing a general overview of Japan`s peace initiatives. Professor Hideaki Shinoda of Hiroshima University acted as a moderator. During the second session, Director-General Toshihisa Takata, International Peace Cooperation Headquarters, Cabinet Office, explained clearly the legal framework guiding the Japan`s peace operations. Professor Akio Morita, Professor, Faculty of Law, Hosei University, was the moderator. In Session III, Director General Hideshi Tokuchi of the Ministry of Defense explained the role of Japan Self-Defense Forces, with particular reference to the humanitarian and reconstruction operations carried out in Haiti. H.E. Mr. Yukihisa Fujita, member of the House of Councilors of Japan then commented on the significance of Japan`s peace cooperation. After questions and answers, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa of Hosei University made a summary presentation of key points made during the meeting.
The symposium was hosted by the UNU-Institute of Sustainability and Peace and opened by Mr. Vesselin Popovski. Ms Madoka Futamura and Nicholas Turner acted as masters of ceremony. The symposium was attened by about 75 participants including more than 30 diplomats from embassies and international organizations based in Tokyo. (Reporter: Aoi Yokoda)