People's Exchanges
Japan South Asia Youth Forum Discusses Strengthening Peace and Stability in the World
The Japan South Asia Youth Invitation Program was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan with 39 participants from South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives and Nepal. Mr. Bishwa Mani Pokharel, Mr. Mahendra Bista, Ms. Prativa Shrestha and Ms. Seira Tamang participated in the program as the representatives from Nepal. The participants were invited from a variety of fields, such as students, journalists, civil servants, accountants, lawyers, academicians and professionals, who will contribute to the nation's development in the future. Stretching over 12 days from 29 August to 9 September, the youth forum was concluded with all participants' reaffirmation to work together to strengthen the ties among Japan and South Asian countries, and strengthen peace and stability in the world.
The program was aimed at understanding the economy, society, politics, and culture of Japan through interaction with the youths of Japan, as well as fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among the participants and Japanese youths. It included programs such as an audience with Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino, visits to cultural and industrial facilities, home-stay with a local family and sightseeing tours in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima.
One of the main purposes of the program was the Japan-South Asia Youth Forum, which featured "What Japan and South Asia Can Do Aiming at Peace and Stability in the World". Among the issues discussed were regional security in South Asia and Terrorism, South Asia's Economic Development and World Economy, Democracy, Education and Poverty and Expanding Mutual Understanding and Cultural Exchange between Japan and South Asian Countries.
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The discussions were frank and useful. After a three-day discussion, the participants adopted a final proposal on the importance of strengthening social and cultural ties in the South Asian region, expansion of cultural exchanges between Japan and South Asian countries, expectation of further Japanese cooperation for regional development, etc. Japanese representatives reaffirmed Japan's commitment to support South Asian countries by providing skill and technical know-how, and training South Asian countries to mobilize their natural and human resources for development. Regarding regional security, all participants took cognizance of border disputes, terrorism and poverty, and resolved that efforts should be made decidedly to solve all these threats and conflicts to establish peace and security in the South Asian Region.
The Nepali participants remarked that it was indeed innovative, enlightening and a very fruitful program for all of the participants, which provided a great deal of intellectual input and helped them to enrich their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Visiting different world heritage sites, industrial, commercial, science and technology related sites have helped them understand the art and culture of Japan. They said they would do a follow-up of that experience and knowledge gained in the program by contributing and engaging themselves as responsible citizens, and also through maintaining the valuable friendship and networking fostered in the forum.
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