The 2025 Annual Council Meeting of the Kyoto Peacebuilding Center (KPC) was held at Kyoto University of the Arts’ Uryuyama Campus. At the meeting, Mr. Yasushi Akashi, former UN Under-Secretary-General, Special Advisor to GPAJ, and Advisor to the Center, delivered a keynote address highlighting the continued importance and urgency of peacebuilding in the face of increasing global instability.
At the beginning of his speech, Mr. Akashi referred to introductory remarks made by Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, President of KPC, noting that “since its establishment in 2019, the Center has steadily grown over more than five years, incorporating new elements each year.” He added, “It is a great pleasure that we could hold this year’s meeting here at the Uryuyama Campus with the attendance of Chairman Tokuyama of Kyoto University of the Arts. I am also delighted that former Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi joined us for the first time, and that our fellow Council Member, Dr. Miki Sugimura, has been appointed President of Sophia University.”
Turning to global affairs, Mr. Akashi remarked, “The international situation is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain. The UN General Assembly has just begun in New York, and former President Trump’s speech has sparked various reactions.” He continued, “As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, there remains uncertainty about its future direction—this year evokes a sense of unease as well as reflection. At the same time, this highlights the urgency and importance of our own mission.”
He concluded by stating, “Although our time is limited, listening to President Sugimura’s presentation and engaging in discussion with all of you will be deeply meaningful for each of us, and crucial for the future direction of this Center. I sincerely hope this meeting will be a fruitful one.”
This address was delivered as a guest speech during the Council Meeting.
You may read the details of the event here.
(Reported by Koki IMON)
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Full Text of Mr. Akashi’s Speech
As Dr. Hasegawa has already kindly introduced me, I would like to say a few words.
It has already been more than five years since the Kyoto International Peacebuilding Center was founded in 2019. I feel that the Center has been steadily advancing each year, adding new elements to its activities and continuing to grow.
This year, it gives me great pleasure that we are able to hold this meeting here on the Kyoto Uryuyama Campus with the attendance of Chairman Tokuyama of Kyoto University of the Arts. I am also delighted that former Foreign Minister Kawaguchi is joining us for the first time today. Furthermore, I would like to express my heartfelt joy, as a fellow member, that Councilor Sugimura has assumed the position of President of Sophia University.
As I hardly need to tell you, the international situation is becoming increasingly complex and chaotic. In New York, the UN General Assembly has just begun, and President Trump’s speech has generated a variety of reactions. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, there is an undeniable sense of anxiety about the Organization’s future path. It may not necessarily be a hopeful trajectory. In that sense, this commemorative year brings with it a sense of foreboding. At the same time, it underscores the heightened importance and urgency of the work we are engaged in.
Although our time today is limited, I believe that listening to President Sugimura’s remarks and engaging in discussions with all of you will be meaningful for each participant and highly significant for considering the future activities of our Center. I sincerely hope that this meeting will be a fruitful one.
