Abstract of the Symposium (August 10th, 2000)

A symposium open to the general public was held on 10 (Thu) August 2000 in Awaji Yumebutai International Conference Center in Hyogo Prefecture to commemorate the establishment of the Asia Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference Japan.

Since 2000 is the International Year for a Culture of Peace, which was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and declared by the United Nations (UN), the symposium was honored by the attendance of Director-General Koichiro Matsuura of UNESCO, who embellished the opening delivering a commemorative address under the theme of "Dialogue Among Civilizations and UNESCO."

Director-General Matsuura stated that it was "dialogue among civilizations" and "exchange" that formed the cornerstones of world peace, elaborating at the same time the recognition that protection of countries' cultural diversity without impairment while promoting "dialogue among civilizations" in an era of globalization is an important challenge facing UNESCO.

After this, a panel discussion coordinated by Professor Makoto Iokibe of the Graduate School of Law, Kobe University ensued under the theme of "Dramatic Exchanges among Asia Pacific Civilizations - Experience in the 20th Century and Prospects for the 21st Century." The five panelists, Professor Kuniko Inoguchi, Sophia University, Professor Takashi Shiraishi of the Southeast Asian Research Center, Kyoto University, President Tadashi Yamamoto of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE), Governor Toshitami Kaihara of Hyogo Prefecture and Mr. Francisco Sionil José a writer-publisher from the Philippines, exchanged views and made proposals for two and a half hours on the vision of Asia Pacific region in the 21st century.

In addition to the Consuls General in the Kansai area, the venue was attended by 350 general participants, who listened enthusiastically to the commemorative address and panel discussions.