Sukehiro Hasegawa, special professor at Kyoto University of Art, talks about “The Difficulties of Establishing Free and Fair Elections” (13/3/2024)

It’s human nature we need to address and control to prevent conflict and war, says Hasegawa in his conversation with Rector Marwala of the UN University held on 31 August 2023. Personal desire and lust for power and wealth are the root causes of conflict that must be controlled. Please click here for video recording. (13/3/2024)

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International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy E. Pope met with Japanese parliamentarians. (27/2/2024)

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)

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The Embassy of Kosovo hosted a ceremony to celebrate 16 years of Kosovo independence and 15 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kosovo and Japan. (20/2/2024)

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)

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Prof. Daisaku Higashi, from GPAJ and Sophia University, delivers lectures on “Peacebuilding and Roles of Media” at South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) in Juba, South Sudan, organized by JICA, on February 13 to 19, 2024. (8/2/2024)

Prof. Daisaku Higashi, from GPAJ and Sophia University, delivers lectures on “Peacebuilding and Roles of Media” at South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) in Juba, South Sudan, organized by JICA, on February 13 to 19, 2024. Please click here for detailed information. (8/2/2024)

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President José Ramos-Horta stated the Security Council should be expanded including the numbers of both permanent and non-permanent members. (01/02/2024)

In an online discussion meeting organized by the Kyoto Peacebuilding Center and supported by the Peacebuilding Association of Japan and ACUNS Tokyo Office held on 12 January, President José Ramos-Horta called for reforming the Security Council to meet the traditional and new challenges posed to Humanity, particularly by Artificial Intelligence by expanding the numbers of permanent and non-permanent members to overcome the legacy of the Cold War. Ambassador Shinyo found it necessary to abolish the permanent membership in the long run and create a new forum for cooperation not only between the Great Powers but also between the so-called global or middle-power countries and the Global South. Mr. Chikvaidze suggested a major restructuring to include G20 members and the African Union in the UN Security Council. Please see the details of their views by clicking here.

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The Final Lecture at Kanda University of Foreign Studies by Professor Takaaki Mizuno (22/01/2024)

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.

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Franz Baumann “What to do to Stop the Earth Melts Down” (06/01/2024)

Franz Baumann, the new ACUNS President, suggests that while the climate crisis is, in fact, a fossil fuel crisis, the old mantra that mitigating global heating can be achieved without cost, inconvenience, or change is fading. Whatever Big Oil’s rearguard actions, the open question is: Before the climate tips, will whatever is politically possible prove to be ecologically sufficient, or will the ecologically necessary miraculously become politically possible? The answer is if only that plan from Rio would be resuscitated. Please click here for his full article.

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Dr. Vanessa Abou-Khalil discusses Japan-Middle East Relations at the YCAPS Seminar. (23/12/2023)

Dr. Vanessa Abou-Khalil, the GPAJ member, discusses the historical evolution of the relationship between Japan and the Middle East during periods of conflict with the United States as part of the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS) Seminar.To access the full recorded discussion on 23 July 2023, please click on the link below: https://youtu.be/iUFQwLn6rdI?si=9SyFlxmEKRIOfNNS

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