Press Releases
Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality
December 10, 2025
On December 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) held the Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality at the United Nations University. Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered the opening remarks. This forum was co-hosted by the United Nations University and held in cooperation with UN Women, as part of the Next Generation Network Program for Gender Equality, which MOFA launched this fiscal year.
- In his opening remarks, State Minister HORII expressed his great pleasure at welcoming Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, and being able to host the first Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality. He stated that further acceleration of efforts towards realizing gender equality is necessary, and expressed his hope that this forum would serve as an opportunity for young people, who will be the future promoters of gender equality, to deepen their understanding of international discussions and issues in the gender field, foster research and debate, and build networks.
- Subsequently, Executive Director Bahous, delivered a keynote speech. In her speech, she shared the current situation of the international community regarding gender equality, and expressed strong expectations regarding the crucial role young generations play in promoting gender equality.
- In the subsequent sessions, panel discussions were held on the themes of "Women's Participation" and "Gender Bias (Gender Roles)," respectively. Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, also attended as a panelist at the session on "Women's Participation". Speakers shared challenges hindering women's participation, responses to issues unique to women, and initiatives to support female entrepreneurs and students in regional areas. In addition, they discussed the utilization of technology and change of awareness for promoting women's participation, as well as narrowing gaps between urban and rural areas, regarding women's participation. Reports were also presented by young researchers dispatched to overseas research institutions under the Next Generation Network Program for Gender Equality.
- Finally, the forum concluded with closing remarks delivered by Ms. SUZUKI Aya, Senior Vice-Rector of the United Nations University.