My dear friend, Mr. Victor Angelo, took me and my wife to this impressive monument on the edge of the river leading to the Atlantic Ocean. It is dedicated to the 15th to 16th century Age of Discovery when Portuguese explorers set out across the oceans to seek the New World. They took one hundred years before they finally reached Japan in 1543. Please click here for detail.
At a forum organized by the Japan Institute of International Studies, President of the Japan Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan, Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, noted that, as stated clearly in the Constitution, Japan should pursue gaining an honorable position in the international community even though the chances of Japan becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council has decreased. (27/09/2018)
In a discussion moderated by Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae, Chairman of the Japan Institute of International Studies, the participants shared various viewpoints on the role and limitation of the United Nations in light of the dramatic global situation, the main issues before the UN General Assembly this year, and challenges Japan faces in the United Nations system On the issue of the United Nations, Professor Motohide Yoshikawa, former Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations and Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, President of the International Peacebuilding Association of Japan shared their views and perspectives.
Preparation for the 2019 JCK Youth Forum and the 2019 JCK OB/OG meeting started. (23/09/2018)
At the United Nations Association Office in Tokyo, the preparatory meetings for the next year’s JCK Youth Forum and the JCK OB/OG were held with Ms. Misato NAGAKAWA presenting a plan.
International Terrorism and Japan’s Strategy for Security, Public Order Measures and Cooperation Efforts (22/09/2018)
Ambassador in charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organized Crime, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Eiji YAMAMOTO, explained the incidents of international terrorism has reached its highest frequency in OECD countries, while it declined in Southeast Asia.
Realistic Hope or yet Another Delusion for Peace in South Sudan (18/09/2018)
UN Security Council is meeting on the prospect of accommodations between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his former deputy leader Riek Machar after they signed a peace deal at the IGAD summit meeting in Addis Ababa, Sept. 12, 2018.
Several Mikoshis, or portable miniature shrines, were carried by Japanese and foreigners in the streets of Shibuya City during autumn festivals. (16/09/2018)
The arrival of autumn is celebrated by carrying the Mikoshi shrines that are said to hold the spirit of the deity of that shrine. Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity while moving between main shrine and temporary shrine during a festival. It is paraded around local areas and signifies the prevention of misfortune and wishing for the happiness of its people. The mikoshi is shaken and rocked not just to make a racket, but rather a gesture for the deity, to have it involved in the fun of the festival. Also rocking the mikoshi is thought to enliven the land.
Sen Genshitsu, 15th Grand Master of Urasenke and President of the UN Association of Japan, elucidated the relationship between an individual or a nation and the international community, and pointed out the necessity of understanding what the United Nations stood for. (10/09/2018)
At the same annual meeting of the heads of UN Associations of Japan, China and Korea held on August 27, 2018 at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul, Professor Ahn Byun-Jun of Korea gave a lecture on a theme entitled “Challenges to the Liberal International Order”.
President of the Kofi Annan Foundation, Mr. Alan Doss, has indicated that Mrs. Annan and the family appreciated condolence messages from Japan. (03/09/2018)
President of the Kofi Annan Foundation, Mr. Alan Doss, has indicated that Mrs. Annan and the family appreciated condolence messages received from many people in Japan and that the Foundation will continue to uphold Kofi Annan`s legacy.
The final plenary session of the International Student Conference was held at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Yoyogi, Tokyo. (02/09/2018)
International student councils, where students from 30 countries from around the world and Japanese students conduct international exchanges and discussions, discussed the issues faced by the world in the week from August 25 while travelling around together in various parts of Japan. On the final day of September 2, we announced the results of our discussions and asked the president of the International Peacebuilding Association of Japan and former UN Secretary General and asked the chairman of the Japan International Peacebuilding Association to evaluate our presentations. (Masaaki Mabuchi, Emily Okabe)
Second Geneva Dialogue between Asian Scholars and Heads and Senior Officials of UN and International Organizations (02-04/09/2019)
This second Geneva Dialogue will enable the Asian scholars, policy makers and practitioners to engage in active exchange of information and views on pressing global issues that are currently dealt with at the Headquarters of UN and other international organizations located in Geneva. It will provide the participants with an opportunity to engage in serious discussions and exchange of perspectives. It is hoped that the Geneva Dialogue will foster deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives regarding current global developments.
Core Group Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group on Peace and Stability in Africa (01/09/2018)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nippon Foundation co-hosted the Core Group Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group on Peace and Stability in Africa on 31st August and 1st September. Five former Heads of State were invited to the Meeting with the aim of suggesting proposals in the field of peace, security and stability in Africa. (MOFA Press Release)
JCK Youth Forum: Visit to the Demilitarized Zone between ROK and DPRK (31/08/2018)
Japanese, Chinese and Korean students who were participating in the JCK Youth Forum in Paju Book City took a day tour to visit the observation site and the Dorasan Railroad Station.
9th Japan-China-Korea Youth Forum held at Paju Book City near the 38th Demilitarized Zone between ROK and DPRK (30/08/2018)
JCK Youth Forum participants adopted two resolutions on human rights and international terrorism and held extensive discussions on gender equality and climate change.
Former Japanese diplomats, U.N. experts recall Kofi Annan’s support and commitment (30/08/2018)
Erick Johnson of the Japan Times writes former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who died earlier this month, was remembered by former Japanese diplomats and U.N. experts as a strong supporter of Security Council reform plans that could have given Japan a permanent seat.
Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan presents “International Terrorism and Japan`s Preparedness” (22/09/2018)
Ambassador Eiji Yamamoto in charge of international terrorism and organized crime countermeasures will make a presentation on Japan`s preparedness followed by discussions from 15:30 to 17:40 on Saturday 22nd September 2018 at JICA Research Institute at Ichigaya Room 201. If you would like to participate, please contact Mr. Masakuni Tanimoto Secretary-General of GPAJ (tanimoto[@]gpaj.org).
Kofi Annan, former UN secretary general, dies aged 80 (18/08/2018)
According to the Kofi Annan Foundation, Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully after a short illness, in hospital in Bern, Switzerland in the early hours of August 18 with his wife and children at his side.
Michelle Bachelet is new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (10/08/2018)
The General Assembly approved on August 10 the appointment of Michelle Bachelet as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights effective September 2018. Bachelet is a prominent women’s rights advocate who served as the first woman president in Chile and is expected to assert her leadership in advancing human rights in the world with rising racial tension and authoritarian rule.
2018 JCK Youth Forum Japanese Participants holds its Preparatory Workshop on August 5-7 at the Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo (07/08/2018)
This is the report of the Preparatory Workshop for the 2018 JCK Youth Forum Japanese Participants on August 5-7 at the Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo.
[NOTICE] Status and Problems of Refugees and Immigrants in Japan will be assessed by President Saburo Takizawa of UNHCR Association of Japan and Ms. Mio Sato IOM Chief of Mission in Japan (19/08/2018)
To participate, please contact GPAJ Secretary-Genral Masakuni TANIMOTO (tanimoto[@]gpaj.org).[Date and time] Sunday, August 19, 1900 (Sun) 15: 00 ~ 17: 30[Venue] Ichigaya JICA Research Institute Conference Room[Organized by] Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan (GPAJ)
Joint Action Plan drawn up by the Russian Defense Ministry for return of Syrian refugees from neighboring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. (21/07/2018)
At a press conference held at UN Headquarters on July 20, US Secretary of State Pompeo stated Presidents Trump and Putin discussed how to return Syrian refugees who had fled the war-torn country during their behind closed doors meeting in Helsinki on July 16, 2018.