Address by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince (2001)

Address of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince to the 21st Century Global Youth Conference(2001)

Address of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince
to the 21st Century Global Youth Conference
Tuesday, October 9, 2001
at Keidanrenkaikan

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here at the beginning of the 21st century, as a new endeavor of the International Youth Exchange Program, I am pleased to be able to attend the 21st Century Global Youth Conference with you, the participants from Japan and 37 other countries.

The program of exchanges among the youth of the world was begun by the Japanese government 40 years ago, to commemorate the wedding of Their Majesties The present Emperor and Empress of Japan, and it has borne much fruit in promoting mutual understanding and friendship, and nurturing a capable generation with a sense for things international.

The present Global Youth Conference was planned as part of the program of exchanges to enable the assembled youths to organize a message from themselves to the world. I believe that this is a very timely endeavor.

I hope that the youthful leaders congregated here today will conduct lively discussions on the problems of the world from their fresh point of view, and compose a message that will mark the start of a bright new future for the 21st century.