The 1998 Global Youth Exchange (GYE) Program
1. General theme :
"Pursuing the universalization of freedom, democracy and market economy principles-Toward the stability and prosperity of the international community"
2. Date :
1 March-11 March 1998 (11 days)
3. Venues :
Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima
4. Participants :
53 persons from 41 countries, including Japan, and one region
Note: The figure inside the parentheses shows the number of participants from that country. No figure indicates one participant. Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Myanmar, Mongolia, Australia, New Zealand, USA (4), Canada (2), Mexico, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany (2), Austria, Greece, the Netherlands, Latvia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Lithuania, Estonia, Bielorussia, Russia (2), Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Japan (6)
5. Content of Program
This year's program focused on the theme, "Pursuing the universalization of freedom, democracy and market economy principles-Toward the stability and prosperity of the international community." First, three discussions were held in Kyoto. Then, the public symposium was held in Tokyo on 10 March at the United Nations University to summarize these earlier sessions. The symposium enjoyed the participation of Mr. Yasushi Akashi, former Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations, as keynote speaker.
A) Discussions in Kyoto (5-7 March)
The participants listened to lecturers speak on the theme of each session and broke up into five groups to hold discussions.
(i) Session 1: Building Market Economy Systems
Lecturer: Professor Masahiro Sakamoto, Director, The Institute for Policy and Cultural Studies, Chuo University
In discussion groups, many held the view that there is no ideal market economy system that can be introduced in all countries, and instead it is necessary to introduce models which are suitable for each country after consideration of the country's own political and economic situation. Some groups also discussed the Asian currency crisis and the maintenance of economic stability within the EU.
(ii) Session 2: Promotion of Freedom and Democracy
Lecturer: Dr. Jean-Marc Coicaud, Senior Programme Officer, Peace and Governance Programme, United Nations University
In discussion groups, participants from former communist countries touched upon the relationship between democratization, and corruption and bribery. It was also mentioned that in the promotion of democratization, it is important that people demand transparency from government. In addition, the development of the rule of law and the role of education, the media and NGOs are also important.
(iii) Session 3: International Cooperation toward World Stability and Prosperity
Lecturer: Professor Ryokichi Hirono, Professor, Faculty of Economics and Graduate School of Business, Seikei University
In discussion groups, it was noted that tremendous international cooperation is indispensable to stability in the world at large at present and in the future. In particular, it is imperative that international efforts are made to resolve environmental problems, transnational crime, AIDS and refugee crises. Discussion was also held regarding the role of international organizations in these efforts.
B) Public Symposium (10 March, at the United Nations University)
Mr. Yasushi Akashi, former Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations, gave a keynote address which focused on the theme of this year's program. The ensuing panel discussion was moderated by Professor Yozo Yokota, Faculty of Law, The University of Tokyo, and centered around five participants selected as panelists (from Estonia, Greece, Canada, Romania and Cambodia).
(2) Local visits and Exchanges
(A) Exchange with Kyoto Young Economic Leaders
The Exchange with Kyoto Young Economic Leaders, hosted by Junichi Nakamura, President of the Kyoto International Conference Hall, was held, in which 55 young businesspersons from economic associations in Kyoto (Kyoto Employers' Association, Kyoto Industrial Association, Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kyoto Junior Chamber Incorporated and the Kyoto Keizai Doyukai [Kyoto Association of Corporate Executives]) were able to deepen friendship with participants.
(B) Local visits (Kyoto and Hiroshima)
(i) Kyoto: Experiencing the tea ceremony in the Urasenke Tea House, followed by visits to Kinkaku-ji Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle.
(ii) Hiroshima, first day: Visit to Miyajima. Second day: visit to the Peace Memorial Museum, followed by a lecture from a Hiroshima atomic bomb victim.
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