Top > Foreign Policy > Japan and the United Nations > Japan and the United Nations Other Information > Information on the International Symposium "Emerging New Threats: Challenges for the United Nations"

Information on the International Symposium
"Emerging New Threats: Challenges for the United Nations"

March 5, 2004

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the United Nations University will be hosting an international symposium, "Emerging New Threats: Challenges for the United Nations" on 19 March, 2004. For those who are interested in participating the event, kindly refer the bottom of this information.

As the international community continues to seek effective mechanisms to respond to new threats such as international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and failed states, the roles and functions of the United Nations (UN) are now in question with its response to Iraq issue as a turning point. This symposium will provide a good opportunity to discuss necessary reforms and measures for UN, which symbolizes the universality of international society, to fulfill an effective security function. The main aim of the symposium is to deepen the understanding and awareness among the public concerning this important issue and elucidate prospects for the future of the international order.

1. Date and Time:

March 19 (Friday) 9:30 - 16:50
(Registration and reception starts at 8:45)

2. Venue:

U Thant International Conference Hall (3rd floor), United Nations University (53-57, Jingumae 5-chome, Shibuya-ku / Subway Omote-Sando Station Exit B2)
(Please refrain from driving to the venue.)

3. Program:

(Please be aware that the program is subject to minor changes. There will be simultaneous interpretation (Japanese/English))

9:30
 

Opening Remarks

Mrs. Sadako Ogata, President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Prof. Ramesh Thakur, Senior Vice-Rector, United Nations University
9:50-10:10
 

Opening Speech

Mr. Razali Ismail, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Myanmar
10:10-12:40
 

Session One:
"Measures against New Threats and the Role of the United Nations"

Moderator: Prof. Yozo Yokota, Special Advisor to the Rector of the United Nations University
 

[Part 1] "New Threats, the International Community and the United Nations"

Panelists:
Mr. Surin Pitsuwan, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
Prof. Shinichi Kitaoka, Tokyo University, Japan
An Official from the United Nations Secretariat
  (Coffee Break)
 

[Part 2] "The United Nations' Required Role and its Reform"

Panelists:
Prof. Shunji Yanai, Chuo University (Former Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, MOFA, Japan)
Mr. Bilahari Kausikan, Second Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Prof. Masatsugu Naya, Hitotsubashi University, Japan
  Discussant: Mr. Ali Alatas, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Indonesia
Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government on Peace-Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Japan
  (Lunch Break 12:40-14:00)
14:00-16:50
 

Session Two:
"Response against threats in Asia"

Moderator: Prof. Ramesh Thakur, Senior Vice-Rector, UNU
 

[Part 1] "Case Studies in Asia"

Panelists:
Mr. Vidar Helgesen, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government on Peace-Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Japan
Mr. Oh Joon, Director-General for International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Republic of Korea
Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for East Timor
  (Coffee Break)
 

[Part 2] "New Threats in Asia and Expectations of the United Nations"

Panelists:
Mr. Ralph Cossa, Representative of the Pacific Forum (CSIS)
Mr. Qin Huasun, former Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations
Overall Review of the Discussion:
Mr. Koji Tsuruoka, Deputy Director-General, Foreign Policy Bureau, MOFA, Japan
  The symposium closes around 16:50

4. Contact Information:

Participation Registration Office for this international symposium "Emerging New Threats: Challenges for the United Nations"
Urban Connections
Contact Person: Ms. Kato
Phone: 03-5467-8239

For those who are interested in participating in this international symposium, please send the following information to the Participation Registration Office for the international symposium "Emerging New Threats: Challenges for the United Nations" by e-mail (unchallenges@infoasia.co.jp) by March 12 (Friday).

Due to limited number of seats, there may be a draw in case of many applications.
The results will be informed to successful applicants by faxing a participation certification. Please bring the certificate to the reception desk on the day of the event.

(Please provide us with all of the following information)

  1. Name
  2. Affiliation
  3. Position
  4. Phone number
  5. Fax number
Back to Index