2002 Global Youth Exchange (GYE) Program

Aiming to Build a Safer International Community: The World After September 11

4-16 March 2002

Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Kyoto

37 persons from 35 countries, including Japan. Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the number of participants. In cases where no parentheses are indicated, there is one participant.

Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Columbia, Egypt, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Japan (2), Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States (2), Uzbekistan, Viet Nam

(1) Discussions and Public Symposium

This year's program focused on the theme, "Aiming to Build a Safer International Community: The World After September 11." After three days of intensive discussions in Kyoto the participants completed a "Proposal From the 2002 Global Youth Exchange Program." The program culminated in a Public Symposium, at which the proposal was presented to the Japanese public.

(a) Discussions in Kyoto (10-13 March, Kyoto International Conference Hall)
The formal discussions in Kyoto commenced with a lecture by Dr. Koji Murata, Associate Professor of Diplomatic History, Department of Political Science, Doshisha University. In the subsequent group discussions, the participants covered the themes 1) What are the background factors behind terrorism? 2) Short-term countermeasures against terrorism: How should we face terrorists? and 3) Long-term countermeasures against terrorism: The challenge to civil society. As a result of the three days of discussions, the participants compiled a "Proposal From the 2002 Global Youth Exchange Program."

(b) Public Symposium (14 March 2002, Tokyo Prince Hotel)
The Keynote Address of the Public Symposium was delivered by Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, Professor, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, Graduate School of the University of Tokyo. A panel discussion was then held with participation by Dr. Tanaka, Director-General Jun Yokota of the Cultural Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and six GYE participants from Malaysia, United States, Kenya, Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia, moderated by Mr. Hisayoshi Ina, Columnist and Editorial Writer, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. The proposal was formally submitted to Mr. Yokota.

(2) Events of the 2002 Global Youth Exchange Program

(a) Visit to the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), Tokyo
At their visit to the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), the participants listened to lectures by three distinguished experts and had an opportunity to engage in discussions with the researchers of this non-profit research organization. Topics discussed included the Japan-US Security Alliance, President George W. Bush's "Axis of Evil" comment and the definition of terrorism.

(b) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
The participants were shown a documentary film with graphic images of the effects of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. Following the video, they listened to a talk given by a survivor of the atomic bombing and had the opportunity to ask questions about his experiences. Afterwards, the participants visited the Museum and enjoyed a walk in the Peace Memorial Park.

(c) Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island
The participants visited Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, which is said to be one of the three most beautiful coastal sceneries in Japan. The shrine has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

(d) Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, Heian-jingu, Chion-in Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto
The visit to the ancient capital of Japan started off with a tour of Kinkaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The tour continued with a visit to Nijo-jo Castle, in which the declaration by the Shogunate to transfer power back to The Emperor took place in 1867. Next, the participants enjoyed the tranquil grounds of Heian-jingu Shrine, after which they were taken to the much older Chion-in Temple. The tour concluded at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where the participants enjoyed the panoramic view from the famous wooden terrace of the temple.

(e) Homestay, Kyoto and Nara
The participants were warmly welcomed by host families from Kyoto and Nara and spent one day and night experiencing everyday life in Japan with them.

Applications to participate in the 2003 Global Youth Exchange Program will be accepted from the autumn of 2002, when details on next year's program will be made available.