According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina attended a seminar hosted by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation on October 27, titled "The Future Can Be Changed Together: A New Era of Japan-Bangladesh Co-Creation, Starting with the Promotion of Children's Well-Being," and delivered remarks. The seminar welcomed Mrs. Zubaida Rahman, who visited Japan with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a Working Visit guest.
In the remarks, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister noted that Japan and Bangladesh have worked together on shared challenges in the field of health and medical care, built on a solid relationship of trust developed over a long history.
The Parliamentary Vice-Minister also stressed the importance of building a society in which the children of both countries, who will carry their co-created future, can open up that future for themselves, and expressed hope for the further development of bilateral relations. The full text of the speech (PDF) is available on the Ministry's website.
Key points
- A seminar on Japan-Bangladesh "co-creation" built around children's well-being
- A reference to the long-standing trust between the two countries in health and medical care
- An emphasis on building a society where the next generation can shape its own future
Why This News Deserves Attention
Relations between countries are often discussed in terms of economics or diplomacy, but this seminar placed children's well-being at its center. It suggests how years of cooperation in health and medical care can connect to the lives of the next generation.
It is also worth noting that a private foundation, not only the government, created a space for people from both countries to think about a shared theme, which offers a useful example of international cooperation that is open to the public.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“The seminar's title includes children's well-being, which felt gentler than a typical diplomatic event. I'm curious how years of cooperation in health and medical care will carry over to the next generation.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I felt the same gentleness Aoba mentioned. The word co-creation suggests an equal partnership, not one side simply supporting the other. I hope to see cooperation where children take center stage.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“I found myself nodding along with you both. A society where children can open up their own future is a wish that matters in every country. It made the children of faraway Bangladesh feel a little closer.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“The seminar's title, "The Future Can Be Changed Together," has a hopeful ring to it. It conveys an attitude of facing each other as partners building the future together, rather than as giver and receiver.
Why not read the speech published on the Ministry's website and take a moment to think about the future of children in Bangladesh?”