Addresses by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince (2012)

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince at the Opening Ceremony of the 32nd Congress of the Société Internationale d'Urologie

Japanese

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince
at the Opening Ceremony of the 32nd Congress of the Société Internationale d'Urologie
September 30, 2012
Fukuoka Sun Palace

Distinguished participants and guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to have the honor of attending the opening ceremony of the 32nd Congress of the Société Internationale d'Urologie, with the participation of so many scientists from all over the world.

I am told that this congress has one of the longest international histories in the field of urology, having being convened in major cities around the globe since the inaugural congress in 1907. This year also marks the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Urological Association, which is co-organizing the congress. I believe it to be of great significance that the Congress of the Société Internationale d'Urologie is being hosted here in the city of Fukuoka in Japan with the participation of so many delegates from 93 countries and regions around the world in this commemorative year.

The field of urology is one where surgical and medical methods are fully utilized in both practice and research to address a diverse range of disorders that encompass the adrenal glands, the kidney, the urinary tract and the male genital organs. These disorders affect all people, young and old, men and women alike. Accordingly, it is a field that is expected to contribute to the health and well-being of a wide range of people. In the field of basic science, various endeavors are being undertaken, including research into preventive measures based on the epidemiology and etiology of disorders, and the development of novel drug treatments. Likewise, in the clinical field, it has come to my attention that cutting-edge medical treatments are being developed and researched, including robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in terms of surgical treatments, and endocrine therapy in terms of medical treatments. I am told that through these various approaches, efforts are being made to improve health and well-being, by lightening physical burdens and improving the quality of life for patients. I would like to express my deepest respect to you all for these ongoing efforts.

Finally, given the increasing shift towards a globally aged society, it is thought that the role of urology will continue to grow in importance in the future. In closing, I offer my heartfelt wish that this congress will bear fruitful results that will help to advance healthcare around the globe and contribute to the well-being of humankind.

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince at the 67th Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group

Japanese

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince
at the 67th Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group
October 12, 2012
Tokyo International Forum

Mr. Riad Salamé, Chairman of the Boards of Governors,
Madame,Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund,
Mr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group,
Distinguished Governors,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased that the 67th Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group are being held in Tokyo with many participants from all over the world.

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the warm support and encouragement that we received from your countries and many others in the world when Japan was struck by the unprecedented disaster in March last year. I am glad that today I can show you a nation that is recovering steadily from the damage, thanks to the support of the international community.

Since their foundation, the IMF and the World Bank Group have assisted member countries facing economic difficulties and have promoted economic development in developing countries. They have thus contributed significantly to the stable growth of the world economy, as well as to the elimination of poverty. I would like to express my sincere respect for the great achievements of the IMF and the World Bank Group.

Japan joined the IMF and the World Bank 60 years ago in 1952. During the initial period of our membership, Japan received financial assistance from the IMF and the World Bank. Such international support, coupled with the efforts of the Japanese people, enabled us to achieve our rapid economic development. Now, Japan is supporting countries facing economic difficulties and poverty through the active contribution to the activities of the IMF and the World Bank Group.

Today, the world economy needs to address various challenges, such as sustaining economic growth, stabilizing international finance, recovering employment and reducing poverty, and responding to large-scale disasters and climate change. These global challenges require global efforts based on the spirit of international cooperation. I have high expectations that the IMF and the World Bank Group will play an increasingly important role in these efforts.

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we have recognized the importance of mutual assistance and acting in solidarity. Many messages of sympathy received from abroad mentioned that it was truly impressive to see the disaster victims, even under such severe conditions, helping each other to take steps towards reconstruction. Such a spirit of cooperation is equally valuable in the international community. I hope that the Annual Meetings held here in Japan will offer an opportunity to strengthen the solidarity among countries, which will help to promote our efforts in unity for addressing global challenges.

Thank you very much.