The Peace Communication Foundation held a meeting of the Diet Members' Supporters Club for the Children's Conference of the Future in Support of the UN on November 5 at the First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Nagatacho, Tokyo. According to the article's headline, the theme at next year's Horticultural Expo and an increase in host regions next year were shared, along with support for the conference.
The conference grew out of the BEYOND2020NEXT FORUM, which began in 2019 as an official Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic program. Children from around the world gather each year to talk about a peaceful and prosperous world centered on the SDGs. In February 2023, the UN Headquarters certified its title, "The Children's Conference of the Future in Support of United Nations."
It has been held in 14 areas across Japan, including Tokyo, Hamamatsu (Shizuoka), Osaka, Hiroshima, Matsuyama (Ehime), Kumamoto, Tomigusuku (Okinawa) and Kamakura (Kanagawa). At last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo, held August 6–7, a ceremony on the 6th submitted children's proposals on peace and human rights to UN Headquarters.
Key points
- Begun in 2019 and certified by UN Headquarters, it is a place for children to talk about peace
- Held in 14 areas so far, with more host regions expected next year
- At the Expo, a ceremony submitted children's proposals to UN Headquarters
Why this news deserves attention
It shows that forums where children themselves discuss global issues such as peace, human rights and the SDGs are spreading across Japan.
The continued effort to carry children's voices to the UN offers a useful example of citizen participation in international cooperation.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I was surprised that a forum where children discuss peace through the SDGs has spread to 14 areas across Japan. More host regions are planned next year, and I wonder what voices will gather.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“The reach to 14 areas that surprised you, Aoba, moved me too. Delivering the children's proposals to UN Headquarters at the Expo must give a real sense of their voices reaching the world.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Hearing about the growth you both describe, I thought children's words can also encourage adults. It would be wonderful if such a forum arose in my own town, bringing peace closer to everyday life.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“It is encouraging that more children can speak about peace in their own words.
Future host locations and dates can be confirmed in the foundation's announcements. Let's look forward to the day it comes to a place near you.”