Sukehiro Hasegawa, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, delivered a special lecturer at Kwansei Gakuin University as one of the lectures organized by Professor Takahiro Shinyo. Hasegawa emphasized that in post-conflict peacebuilding, restorative justice—which seeks reconciliation through its emphasis on ascertaining truth—is necessary alongside retributive justice, which seeks justice through punishment. Using actual examples from his work as a UN official in Rwanda and East Timor, Hasegawa provided insights into the process. Students from Kwansei Gakuin University and the Hasegawa International Peacebuilding Academy shared their opinions and impressions, leading to a fruitful discussion. Finally, Takahiro Shinyo concluded, “I hope young people will not focus solely on immediate concerns like social media, but instead consider society from a broader perspective and on a larger scale. Since this is your generation’s time, it is up to you to shape society.” The lecture concluded, serving as a valuable opportunity for exchange between Kwansei Gakuin University students and Mr. Hasegawa’s students. It was an excellent lecture that prompted deep reflection on what reconciliation means, what constitutes justice, and how young people should work toward building a peaceful international society in the future. Reporter: Koki Imon
