The Asia 21 Summit 2008 in Tokyo, Japan opened with a bang - literally! - with Asia Society President Vishakha Desai and Hon. Taro Kono, Member of the House of Representatives of Japan, tapping kizuchis (wooden hammers) against a barrel of sake in a ceremony that signaled the opening of the three-day conference. Ms. Desai and Mr. Kono were joined by Asia Society Executive Vice President Jamie Metzl, Asia 21 Fellows Claire Chino and Nami Matsuko, and Merrill Lynch President, Pacific Rim Region, Jason Brand.
The Asia 21 Summit, ongoing from November 14 to 16 at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo in Chinazan-so, brings together 160 of the most dynamic new generation leaders, all under the age of 40 and representing a wide range of sectors, to talk about issues revolving around the theme "Challenges Across Borders, Solutions Beyond Cultures." Discussions will likewise explore the possibilities of using values-based leadership to develop equitable and sustainable solutions to shared challenges in the Asia-Pacific community.
Later that evening, the young leaders broke up into smaller groups for some interactive nightcaps, where they either watched a demonstration of a traditional tea ceremony, enjoyed a performance of classical Japanese musical instruments, learned to dance the Ceroc French Jive, or engaged in folk song-storytelling.
In his keynote address, Mr. Kono, who is also Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, encouraged the young leaders to move forward together toward a new age of democracy. He also underscored the importance of increased regional cooperation within the Asia-Pacific as we continue to see the rise of China, India and Japan as global powers.
Activities over the next two days include a debate by select Asia 21 Fellows on whether The Scarcity of Global Resources is a Myth, breakout sessions on how to Manage the Competition for Resources across different sectors, and discussions on developing joint public service projects.
Keep posted to this blog for more updates and photos!
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