Diplomats Forum in Tokyo on Preventive Diplomacy

Tokyo, Japan - UPF-Japan organized the "Peace Diplomats Forum" on Sept 6, 2007, in Tokyo. Fifty diplomats participated, including Ambassadors in Japan, former Japanese ambassadors and Parliament members.

"This Peace Diplomats Forum will offer a good opportunity for you to share needs and vision of your country, as well as to exchange information with diplomats and leaders of Japan," said Mr. Katsumi Ohtsuka, Chairperson of UPF-Japan, in explaining about the Forum to the participants in his Welcoming Remark.

An experienced former Japanese ambassador spoke on the theme of Peacebuilding, stimulating the interest of the participants. The speaker explained about "preventive diplomacy," and from that perspective he mentioned that activities of UPF are very relevant to bringing about world of lasting peace.

After the speech, a luncheon meeting was held, and each participant presented his vision of peace.

Domingos Sarmento Alves, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, shared his vision of peace. He said, "Peace is coming something from inside. Peace starts from one person." He emphasized the need to share love with one another to make peace.

H.E. Hassan Soroosh, Charge d'Affarires ad interim of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, talked about how the Afghan people have suffered for two decades because of invasion and destruction, and as a result, they know the importance of peace and security. He emphasized, "It is crucial to shape the culture of peace based on dialogue not just among governments but also with civil society. I wish all diplomats would use their position to help shape the culture of peace and make peace a reality in the whole world."

Mr. Mithat Pasic, Counsellor of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said,"All conflict is caused by people's greed. All other reasons, such as different colors of skin or different religions, are used as excuses. So, I would like to support the proposal by UPF to establish an interreligious council at the UN."

Through the forum, the participants learned about what UPF is doing. The Forum inspired them to pledge to work for peace through developing the relationship between their nation and UPF as Ambassadors for Peace. Most of the diplomats had attended the recent International Leadership Conferences in Honolulu and Seoul.