Amy E. Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), explained IOM’s latest activities at a discussion meeting with members of the National Diet of Japan from both the ruling and opposition political parties, organized by the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation. The participating Diet members asked for an explanation of the differences between the roles of IOM and UNHCR. They also pointed out the challenges in accepting more foreigners in Japan. For more information on what was discussed at this meeting, please click here. (27/2/2024)

Dr. Arbenita Sopaj, a member of the Board of Directors of the Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan (GPAJ) the Special Assistant to the Ambassador of Kosovo and Mr. Keitoku Ikegami, a member of the GPAJ, acted as Masters of the Ceremony of the Independence Day and 15 th year of Diplomatic Relations Kosovo- Japan celebration hosted by the Embassy of Kosovo in Japan. Ambassador Dr. Sabri Kiçmari of the Republic of Kosovo spoke to the diplomats and officials of the Japanese government who participated in the Independence Day reception held at Hotel Okura in Tokyo on February 20, 2024. (20/2/2024)

Thank you to Professor Takaaki Mizuno for inviting me to his final lecture at Kanda University of Foreign Studies. It was the most rewarding opportunity to talk with his students on this special day. I was impressed that his students were learning in-depth about contemporary international peace and development issues. The video that showed students’ discussions on behalf of the countries involved regarding conflicts occurring around the world was insightful and remarkable. (22/1/2024)

Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa gave a lecture at the Model United Nations Conference All-Japan Convention held in Tokyo on December 27, 2023. More than 200 students from all over Japan heard the lecture on how to cultivate their kokorozasi, or will, to demonstrate leadership in order to promote peace and human dignity in the international community. Please click here for details.

Happy New Year 2024. Just before the arrival of the New Year, Stefan Hiroshi、Corinne Mariko and her son, Cedric, visited the Showunji Temple in Hiroo with Hasegawa family relatives.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mahathir, who visited Japan to attend the Japan-Asian Summit, gave an interview to NHK on December 15 and stated that while Southeast Asia has become a site of intense conflict between the United States and China, Japan has set itself apart from both countries.

Thank you for helping to hold a seminar with former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Gambari at the International House of Japan with the assistance of International Christian University and Waseda University students under Mr. TANIMOTO Masakuni`s supervision.

President Jose Ramos-Horta of the Republic of Timor-Leste spoke online to more than 1000 participants of the SDGs Global Governance Summit 2023 Tokyo held on 6 November 2023 in Shibuya City, Tokyo. Please click here for the video message.

At the invitation of Professor UEKI Yasuhiro of the Sophia University, following the introductory statement made by Ms. NEMOTO Kaoru, Director of the UN Information Office in Tokyo, Professor HASEGAWA spoke about the successful peacebuilding carried out by the national leaders with the assistance of the United Nations.

Professor HASEGAWA Sukehiro spoke to the employees of the Sunny Health Corporation about the prospect for the United Nations to play like the Government of World Federation in global governance.

Father Toshiaki Koso, Pastor of St. Ignatius Church, made opening remarks at the memorial ceremony and symposium for the International Day of Peace adopted by the UN General Assembly, which were held on 21 September 2023 at the St. Ignatius Church and Sophia University, Tokyo.

The International Day of Peace was commemorated at the St. Ignatius Church of Mary Cathedral, Sophia University in Tokyo. (21/9/2023)

The scholars and practitioners debated the efficacy of the New Agenda for Peace. Please click here for the audio recordings of their remarks.

After three years of recess, the JCK Youth Forum was held in Beijing, China, from August 23 to 26, 2023. Nineteen Japanese students joined Chinese and Korean students in a series of discussions on such global issues as the need for marine environmental protection, digital technology, population aging, the role of youth in global governance, and sustainable development.

Rector Tschilizi Marwara of the United Nations held a conversation with
Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa about the state of peacebuilding
in the wake of Ukraine and Sudan.

In his opening speech to the online meeting of former UN Special Representatives and Ambassadors to the United Nations, Professor Tshilidzi MARWALA, Rector of the UN University, warned about “the weaponization of new and emerging technologies.” MARWALA also pointed out that the rapid “developments in artificial intelligence and quantum technology-related weapons systems are exposing the insufficiency of existing global governance frameworks.” In concluding his opening remarks, MARWALA echoed the call made by Secretary-General António Guterres “to explore, formulate, and present to the UN and its member states to take concrete actions to prevent the weaponization of emerging technologies and promote their responsible application.” Please click here for the full text of his opening remarks.

There will be an online discussion on Saturday, 19 August 2023, from 21:00 Tokyo time. If you are interested in participating in this event, please register by sending an email to Dr. Arbenita Sopaj`s email address: arbenitasopaj@gmail.com. Please click here for the draft details.

At the kind invitation of Ms. Noriko Nagayoshi, Executive Committee Member of AFICS-Japan, I had an opportunity to dine and chat with 10 former United Nations officials visiting Japan at a restaurant in Asakusa. They have visited countries around the world, and this year, the group came to Japan and traveled to various places such as Tohoku. While meeting them, I felt that they had a strong sense of Kizuna, or bonds with each other.

JCK orientation course was held at the Yoyogi Olympics Memorial Center on August 5, 2023. Mr. AKASHI Yasushi, GPAJ Special Advisor, and GPAJ President HASEGAWA Sukehiro delivered lectures to the participating students.