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2005 Global Youth Exchange Program

Japanese

1. General Theme:

Toward a New Paradigm for the World - How to bring young people together to overcome difference in the world -

2. Dates:

10 to 24 July, 2005

3. Venues:

Tokyo, Kyoto and Niigata

4. Participants:

30 participants from 27 countries, UNDP and UNHCR

5. The Program:

Through the events that made up the program, the participants deepened their understanding of the general theme and, at the same time, carried productive dialogue and exchange of views, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. In addition, visits to local communities and exchanges with the people enabled the participants to deepen their understanding of Japan.

(1) Discussions in Niigata (From 10 to 24 July)

Following a lecture titled "For Our Common Future" by Prof. Haruo MIYATA of the University of Niigata, the participants undertook group discussions for three days in Niigata under the general theme of "Toward a New Paradigm for the World - How to bring young people together to overcome difference in the world -." Participants actively exchanged their views in group discussions on the sub-themes of this year's program: (1) A Partnership for Justice in the Globalizing World; (2) Development as Capability Expansion: Alternative Paths to Justice, Freedom and Well-being; and (3) The Arts in the Age of Globalization. After far-reaching and thorough deliberations, the participants drew up a final proposal. In the process, the young people who had travelled to Niigata from around the world as representatives of the international community strengthened their mutual understanding through discussion based on their own experiences.

(2) World Civilization Forum (22 July 2005)

(3) Lectures

To better understand the general theme and Japan, the participants attended lectures given by the following lecturers:
(a) Dr Heita KAWAKATSU, Professor, International Research Center for Japanese Studies
(b) Mr. Seiichi Kondo, Director-General, Public Diplomacy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

(4) Visits to Japanese cities and districts, exchanges and homestay

To better understand Japanese culture, the participants visited Kyoto and experienced traditional craftwork (yuuzen zome) and the tea ceremony. They also toured the city's Golden Pavillion, Nijo-jo Castle and other historic sites.

In Niigata, the participants paid a courtesy call on Vice Governor Mr. Masaki TAKAHASHI of Niigata Prefecture, who introduced Niigata's initiative to promote international exchange. The participants also attended a lecture on the traditional culture of Niigata. They subsequently visited Niigata Prefectural Museum of History, a brewery of Japanese sake and Sado gold mine, enabling them to come in touch with the cultural heritage of Niigata. Over the weekend, each participant stayed at the home of a host family in Sado and enjoyed a warm welcome and a typical daily life of a Japanese family.