Abstract of the International Symposium (August 3rd , 2001)

The symposium opened with an explanation from Professor Makoto Iokibe of Kobe University concerning the objectives of the Asia Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference Japan 2001, followed by an opening address by the Representative Director of the Awaji Conference, Satoshi Iue and a welcome address by the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, Toshizo Ido.

Kazuaki Hoshino, Senior Policy Coordinator of the Global Environment Bureau at the Ministry of the Environment, delivered a message from Yoriko Kawaguchi, the Minister of the Environment, and gave an explanation on the latest situation related to environmental issues, such as preparations for the Johannesburg Summit 2002--the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

The first keynote address was delivered by Dr. Leong Chee Chiew, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Parks Board, Singapore. Dr. Leong Chee Chiew outlined the various measures implemented aimed at the greening of urban areas in Singapore, including how Singapore's Garden City had been developed and how success had been achieved. The second keynote address was delivered by the architect Tadao Ando, entitled "Considering Asia Through theSeto Inland Sea," in which he gave examples of actual projects to illustrate his speech, such as the activities of the "Olive Foundation."

The second half of the symposium featured a panel discussion led by Professor Akihiro Amano of the School of Policy Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University, on the theme of "Sustainable Development and the Environment in the Asia Pacific Region." The four panelists invited to attend were Professor Emeritus Shigeru Itoh, Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ARDC), Kazuaki Tsuda, Co-Chairman of the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, Professor Emeritus Ryokichi Hirono of Seikei University, and Dr. Maryati bte Mohamed, Director of the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, University Malaysia Sabah. All gave recommendations and opinions from the standpoint of their respective fields of expertise.

In the conference hall, the Minister of the Embassy of India in Japan, Consul Generals in the Kansai Region, members of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly and 400 general participants listened enthusiastically to the discussions and speeches. The large number of invaluable questions submitted for the question and answer session also demonstrated the high level of interest in environmental issues.