Shoichiro YAMADA
(Senior Executive Director, Osaka International House Foundation)
What did you think of our two-day, epistemic discussion "Asia-Looking to the Future" ?
We have been encouraged by Professor Reid and many other lecturers. We have had our troubles but we would like to move forward with confidence. Thank you very much. When this discussion was being planned, we never expected that the Asian currency and financial crisis would be in such a serious condition. But we strongly believe now that such an involved discussion which has been held among these distinguished members will drive away such a crisis. Even if we reach an even more critical phase, we have no need to be pessimistic about it, but must believe that it will become a lesson for us in order to establish a foundation towards the future.
Looking back I think that Japan, together with the Asian region, had been over-praised as the growing center of the world and the individuals and the nation states also had too much confidence in themselves. This must be reconsidered. We are facing many problems such as environmental problems, poverty, refugees and food shortage. I think it is most important for the Asia-Pacific region to make an effort to work together and deepen the understandings of the society, culture, economy and other various fields of each other. By doing so, we will be able to establish a reliable relationship where we can positively act in harmony. In this sense, this was a very stimulating, impressive and beneficial forum, suitable to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Foundation.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks once more for the lecturers who have come all the way from six countries within the Asia-Pacific region and Japan. I also thank the audience, and the relating institutions which gave us so much support. I would like to end my speech by praying for everlasting peace and prosperity for the future of all regions. Thank you very much.
