On February 28, 2012, MOFA・GRIPS held a symposium on international diplomacy featuring a keynote speech by Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, at GRIPS’ Sokairo Hall. The theme of Foreign Minister Gemba’s speech was “Japan’s Efforts in the Global Agenda: Implementing ‘Full Cast Diplomacy’ and Expanding the Frontiers of International Cooperation.”  Following the keynote speech, a symposium entitled “Overcoming Japan’s Inward-Looking Tendency: Japan’s Global Agenda and its Human Resources Development Strategy” was held.

The symposium was well attended, with participants from embassies, international organizations, the business world, NGOs, and the news media.

For Foreign Minister Gemba’s speech, please refer to MOFA’s website:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/fm/gemba/speech_120228.html

Date & Time: Tuesday, 28^th February, 2012, 17:30-19:30

Contents:

(1) Session 1  17:30-18:10

Keynote speech by Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs

(2) Session 2  18:20-19:30

Symposium

Panelists:

Mr. Yorihiko Kojima, Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Corporation

Ms. Yukie Osa, President, Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan/ Director, Japan Platform

Mr. Shinichi Nishimiya, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, MOFA

Prof. Takashi Shiraishi, President, GRIPS

Symposium Moderator:

Ms. Mari Watanabe, freelance announcer

Moderator:

Prof. Tetsushi Sonobe, GRIPS