It is with pride that we mark the 20th anniversary of the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund. Since its foundation in 1987, the SYLFF network has grown steadily, and today counts sixty-nine universities and consortia among its members. I have only the deepest respect and appreciation for all of the people who have contributed to this remarkable achievement.

 Ryoichi Sasakawa, the founder of The Nippon Foundation, was a leading Japanese philanthropist. His philosophy was, "The world is one family; all mankind are brothers and sisters," and he pursued this way of thought throughout life, promoting humanitarian initiatives all over the world. His dream was to realize a world in which people with diverse backgrounds could work shoulder to shoulder, striving to resolve social issues that our societies are facing. He passed this torch to The Nippon Foundation, forming one of its most fundamental principles. As a result, our foundation has undertaken many wide-ranging human resource development programs. Among these widely varying efforts, it is SYLFF that best reflects his philosophy.

 SYLFF supports excellent young scholars at first-class universities throughout the world. Its aim is to develop future leaders who have a strong sense of responsibility and a passion for addressing social issues. There are any number of scholarship programs around the world that enable excellent individuals to acquire top-rate knowledge and skills. However, resolving social issues calls for much more than this. Rather, it requires the ability to identify problems not apparent to others, to ask the important questions, and to translate these findings into action.

 I am pleased to say that there are many among SYLFF fellows who have shown such leadership. The recipients of the inaugural SYLFF Prize, given in 2004, particularly represent these traits. They are Ms. Amal Jadou, who has worked tirelessly for peace in Palestine; Ms. Egla Martinez-Salazar, who has devoted herself to improving the lives of ethnic minorities in Latin America; and former Yugoslavian Foreign Minister Mr. Goran Svilanovic, who has lead efforts to safeguard human rights in his country and region. These SYLFF fellows continue to selflessly share and apply their outstanding capabilities to the fullest, bringing about positive changes.

 It is important for future leaders to have opportunities to work together, sharing insights and comple-menting each other's capabilities. The world has gone through major changes over the past two decades. Today our environment is facing any number of complex issues that transcend regions and academic disciplines, and that are deeply interrelated. Unfortunately, too many researchers focus only on very narrow fields. The scale of these problems makes it obvious that we need to work from global perspectives and diversified approaches. Yet, there are not many mechanisms that facilitate this way of working. Thus, the network of SYLFF fellows stands out as a shining example, with great potential to contribute global, proactive, and innovative approaches to pressing social issues.

 This potential will go nowhere without strong positive action. There are many alumni associations and networks around the world that are associated with scholarship programs. They are actively used for personal networking, information exchange, and the creation of business opportunities. But many of them are not actually contributing to the betterment of society. Opportunities for networking and sharing information alone cannot lead to effective solutions and actions. What is needed here are the closely connected human relationships that are based on shared commitment and a clear sense of direction.

 SYLFF follow-up programs are an attempt to help SYLFF scholars and professionals to coordinate their efforts. By producing collective knowledge through proactive interaction, they can emerge as a true collective force. They include several initiatives, such as joint research and social action projects, the initiatives of the nine-member SYLFF Fellows Council, activities of university-based associations of SYLFF fellows, and regional forums jointly conducted by the Council, The Tokyo Foundation and host SYLFF universities. SYLFF fellows represent a vast spectrum of national, regional, ethnic, and disciplinary backgrounds. Their interaction through regional forums, local associations and other activities present a wealth of possibilities. The foremost challenge before us is to help make the most of these.

 SYLFF follow-up programs may be modest, compared to programs that can draw on the large resources available through think tanks and governments. However, SYLFF support provides opportunities to pursue collaborative research. With this freedom to move and act, the potential output of SYLFF-based activity can be significant. Let us further fortify the SYLFF network, combining the power of its members even further, and thereby provide a framework in which SYLFF fellows can assert themselves even more effectively.

 The future of SYLFF rides on our shoulders. I look forward to watching the continued growth of this network as it generates ever more positive change in the world.

　

　

 "The world is one family and all mankind are brothers and sisters" (Ryoichi Sasakawa).

 All have the right to fulfill their basic needs for food, health care and education.

　

 To support the education of outstanding students pursuing graduate-level study in the social sciences and humanities who have high potential for leadership and a commitment to exercising leadership in local, national, regional and international affairs, in public as well as in private endeavors. To nurture future leaders who will transcend geopolitical, religious, ethnic, cultural and other boundaries and will contribute to peace and the well-being of humankind.