Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality
- Agustin Tabares
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
On December 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) held the Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality at the United Nations University. Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered the opening remarks. This forum was co-hosted by the United Nations University and held in cooperation with UN Women, as part of the Next Generation Network Program for Gender Equality, which MOFA launched this fiscal year.
In his opening remarks, State Minister HORII expressed his great pleasure at welcoming Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, and being able to host the first Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality. He stated that further acceleration of efforts towards realizing gender equality is necessary, and expressed his hope that this forum would serve as an opportunity for young people, who will be the future promoters of gender equality, to deepen their understanding of international discussions and issues in the gender field, foster research and debate, and build networks.
Subsequently, Executive Director Bahous, delivered a keynote speech. In her speech, she shared the current situation of the international community regarding gender equality, and expressed strong expectations regarding the crucial role young generations play in promoting gender equality.
In the subsequent sessions, panel discussions were held on the themes of "Women's Participation" and "Gender Bias (Gender Roles)," respectively. Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, also attended as a panelist at the session on "Women's Participation". Speakers shared challenges hindering women's participation, responses to issues unique to women, and initiatives to support female entrepreneurs and students in regional areas. In addition, they discussed the utilization of technology and change of awareness for promoting women's participation, as well as narrowing gaps between urban and rural areas, regarding women's participation. Reports were also presented by young researchers dispatched to overseas research institutions under the Next Generation Network Program for Gender Equality.
Finally, the forum concluded with closing remarks delivered by Ms. SUZUKI Aya, Senior Vice-Rector of the United Nations University.
Editorial Note for chilanga.con
The conversation surrounding gender equality in Japan has stepped into a new and decisive chapter. This week in Tokyo, during the Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored a reality the world has long been watching: progress is coming, but the pace and depth matter now more than ever. In a country balancing deep cultural roots with rapid modernization, the global community observes Japan’s efforts as both a case study and a measuring point for Asia’s broader transformation.
What stands out is the forum’s urgency. From international delegates to young local leaders, voices converged on one truth—gender equality is not a trend but an essential structural shift. Japan’s challenge lies not in the absence of will but in the architecture of its institutions, workplaces, and social expectations. The forum did more than state the facts; it invited Japan to lead the change it has long promised. For many, this moment signals a turning point: the world wants to see Japan not only acknowledge gender disparities but become a global model for eliminating them.
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