3 December 2003: A symposium to launch the Japanese version of the report of the Commission on Human Security (CHS) was held in Tokyo, Japan. The event was sponsored by Asahi Shimbun, the publisher of the report, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Government of Japan.

The symposium was initiated by Mrs. Sadako Ogata, the Chair of the Advisory Board on Human Security (ABHS). Statements were followed by the panelists: Mr. Keizo Takemi, member of the House of Councilors; Professor Susumu Yamakage, Chair of the Peering Committee for the Program on Human Security at Tokyo University; Mr. Michiya Kumaoka, president of the Japan International Volunteer Center; and Ms. Tokiko Ito of Shanti Volunteer Association.

In presenting the Commission's report, Mrs. Ogata outlined the challenges faced by the world today, underlined the significance of the human security concept in protecting people's freedoms from critical and pervasive threats, and described the opportunities beyond these challenges. Furthermore, Mrs. Ogata informed the audience of the role of the Advisory Board on Human Security, which was established to carry forward the Commission's recommendations and promote human security as a guiding principle in both national and international policies.

Following Mrs. Ogata's keynote address, the panelists reiterated the importance of adopting the human security concept, reflecting it in national and international policies and ensuring its implementation. Moreover, the panelists discussed the linkage between human security and development. Both Mr. Kumaoka and Ms. Ito, who are working for NGOs and who have been directly involved with people suffering from poverty and conflict, highlighted the importance of empowerment in enabling people to believe in their strengths and to fulfill their aspirations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ishikawa from the MOFA notified the audience that the Government of Japan was negotiating to appropriate about US$26 million for the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) for fiscal 2004. In addition, more than US$120 million would also be made available under the bilateral Grassroots Human Security Grants. Mr. Ishikawa concluded by emphasizing the need for human security to be promoted not as charity but in cooperation with the targeted people since without their consent and trust the security and dignity of individuals and communities cannot be established.

For pictures and scripts of the symposium in Japanese, please click here to go to Asahi Shimbun's web site.

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