International Symposium on the Roles of Sub-Regional and Non-Governmental Organizations in Conflict Prevention and Peace Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa

February 23, 2000

International Symposium on the Roles of Sub-Regional and Non-Governmental Organizations in Conflict Prevention and Peace Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa will be held in Tokyo (Hotel New Otani) on March 28 (Tue) and 29 (Wed). The Symposium, supported by the Asahi Shimbun, is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute for International Policy Studies.
The symposium will be attended by people directly engaged in conflict issues at the U.N., the Organization of African Unity (OAU), sub-regional organizations in Africa, and also experts from research institutes, universities, NGOs, and other organizations in Africa, Europe, and U.S.A. which have been active in the field of conflict prevention and resolution in Africa, including Ambassador Yoshio Okawara, President of the Institute for International Policy Studies, Ambassador Mitsuro Donowaki, Vice-chairman of the Japan Center for Preventive Diplomacy (Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs), and five others from Japan.
The symposium will examine the roles played by sub-regional and non-governmental organizations for conflict prevention and resolution and thereby recognize the achievements and constraints of their activities as well as how to improve their capacities of conflict prevention and resolution, and how to advance the support and coordination of the international community. The discussion will be gathered in a report which will be distributed to the governments concerned and relevant international organizations.
In the afternoon of March 29 (Wed), a public symposium by major participants will be held for the purpose of announcing the results of this symposium followed by a question and answer session.

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