Global Opinion Summit (2)

  The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, major newspapers in Japan, the Japan Forum on the International Relations, the Pacific Forum Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and B.C. Consulting.
  In the opening remarks, WSD Chairman Dr.Handa said, "I'm so happy the WSD and the IPU are collaborating to hold the event".  He added "Don't be too serious. Just enjoy the discussions."
  Following Dr.Handa, IPU President Saber Chowdhury greeted the participants: "We are older than the U.N., but our agenda is very forward looking...We are a permanent observer of the U.N."
  As he mentioned above, the IPU was founded in 1889 to build peace and promote dialogue between nations.
  He also raised a problem of  500 million young people earning  less than $2 a day and claimed that it's absolutely critical to engage the youth.
  Then, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chugong emphasize the importance of partnership and solidarity for golbal development, saying"20% of the world's population consumes 80 % of its resources. How do we ensure of equality? True solidarity should be achieved."


(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, June.6, 2015)
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/2015/06/06/special-supplements/parliamentarians-discuss-developing-economies/#.VZS3RP0w_mJ