20 July 2019 saw the Global Peace Inter-Generational Dialogue (IGD) take place in Yokohama, Japan as part of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Japan Summer Conference 2019. The JCI Japan Summer Conference, anchored in promoting SDGs, provided a strategic platform for the hosting of an IGD, made possible by our Global Peace partner, JCI through their national chapter, JCI Japan. Both Global Peace and JCI share a common commitment in promoting cooperation towards achieving a better world, and the Global Peace IGD achieves this by bringing young people together with their decision-makers to dialogue on the challenges we face. In support of the JCI “Peace is Possible” campaign. Global Peace and JCI entered into a formal partnership in May 2019 at our Inaugral IGD in Accra, Ghana.
The IGD in Japan enabled the exchange of generational knowledge in the shared pursuit of hope and peace and created an opportunity to share what peace means to them, whilst promoting the concept of the SDGs as the building blocks of peace. The dialogue served to foster communication and bridge the gap between generations through personal storytelling, shared experiences, and social healing.
Panelists
- Moderator: Mr. Arrey Obenson, JCI Secretary General
- Guest Speakers: Dr. Vasu Gounden, ACCORD Founder and Executive Director, Mr. Alexander Tio, 2019 JCI World President
- Panelists: Ms. Tomomi Nakamura, 2017 Global Youth United Nations Ambassador, and Professor Yasuyoshi Komizo, Former President of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Centre
Discussion Questions:
- What does peace mean to you?
- If you had the power, how would you use it to make the world more peaceful?
- Is your dream of the future hopeful?
- What will be your advice to a younger generation about building peace?
- Is peace possible?
Selected Outcomes
Ms Nakamura highlighted her passion for world peace that was sparked by her travels to countries like Cambodia and the Philippines and the vast levels of poverty she encountered. This prompted her to look into why the world has a shortage of information, especially in its coverage of those that are marginalised. One of the key components in Ms Nakamura’s reflections was on effectively communicating large volumes of information to the public at large. She further elaborated on the power of Social Networking Services (SNS) by stating that the internet environment cannot only expand the public’s access to information but also enables them to receive a high quality of education. Ms Nakamura went on to state that SNS can play an important role in building relationships through the various social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Mr Komizo shared a key message for young people across the world, warning of the future that the younger generation will inherit if the world does not make a change. The warnings he reflected upon included a future with a shortage of resources and increasing conflicts. Mr Komizo stressed that the youth must persevere against these challenges and emphasised the potential of each human being in contributing to shaping a better future, even if that change starts with one person.
