Press Releases
Video Message by Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs,
for the ERIA and ASEAN-IPR Kick-Off Roundtable
on Women Peace and Security (WPS) and Women in the Digital Economy (WDE):
Understanding Synergies for the Future of ASEAN
June 20, 2024
On June 19th, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered a video message for the ERIA and ASEAN-IPR Kick-Off Roundtable on Women Peace and Security (WPS) and Women in the Digital Economy (WDE): Understanding Synergies for the Future of ASEAN that was jointly hosted by the ASEAN-IPR and the ERIA. The message is as follows.
- I have been dedicated to promoting the WPS agenda since before I became Foreign Minister. During my visit to Southeast Asia last October, I highlighted the importance of WPS at every opportunity.
- WPS is an idea that originated in the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, but it is by no means confined to that. Nowadays, peace, stability, and the economy are inseparable themes. Various studies have demonstrated that economically stable societies are less prone to violence and conflict. Additionally, societies that have achieved gender equality and women’s active participation tend to experience higher economic growth rates.
- In this context, how can we combine the ever-evolving digital economy and WPS to achieve synergies in economic development and women’s empowerment, thereby realizing inclusive and sustainable development in ASEAN? I believe this effort to deepen our understanding of these points is very important.
- I trust that this joint study between ASEAN-IPR and ERIA will further promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the digital economy and contribute to the WPS agenda. May I encourage all of you in attendance to engage in open and vibrant discussions. I extend my best wishes for a successful meeting and conclude by sending warm regards to all.