Addresses by Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino(2017)

　It is a great pleasure for me to welcome so many participants from 33 countries and areas around the world today at this IB Global Conference, which is being held for the first time here in Yokohama, Japan.

　I have learned that the International Baccalaureate Organization, known as the IB, has made great progress in developing world-class standards for international educational programs aimed at fostering international-mindedness.　The IB aims to develop young people who will help to create a better and more peaceful world through a spirit of understanding of, and respect for, diverse cultures.　The IB’s holistic educational philosophy is an approach considered essential in preparing future generations to work collaboratively to tackle global problems.

　In order to realize the IB’s educational philosophy, tireless efforts have been made by those involved in education, to whom I would like to express my deep respect.　These efforts have borne fruit, and I have heard that the number of authorized IB World Schools has grown year by year to the current level of over 4,800 schools in around 150 countries and areas.

　The situations in which students and schools find themselves greatly differ in each country and area, but they share some common issues.　I hope that you will find innovative solutions to these various issues as you share your experiences through the exchange of information and discussions over the 3 days of this conference.

　In concluding my address, I wish to express my sincere hope that the continued growth and progress of the International Baccalaureate will further enhance education in the world and foster many more young people who will contribute to world peace and human well-being.

　It is a great pleasure for me to be with you all at this opening ceremony of the 23rd World Congress of Neurology, which is being held here in Kyoto, with a large attendance of over 8000 participants from more than 115 countries and areas.

　I believe it is extremely meaningful that a wide range of presentations and discussions on neurology will take place at this Congress under the theme of“Defining the Future of Neurology”.

　Neurology deals with many kinds of disorders of the brain and the nervous system which control all of our mental and physical functions, including our muscular functions.　Therefore a tremendous variety of neurological and neuromuscular disorders exist.　And many of them are intractable, including neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Creutzfeldt Jakob disease as a representative example of prion diseases.　In particular, dementia in today’s aging society is considered to be a pressing issue, with over 46 million affected patients around the world.　I have learned that the World Health Organization, and the World Federation of Neurology, the organizer of this Congress are playing leading roles in global collaborations to improve the care and treatment of dementia through education and research.

　Since the first Congress took place in 1931, neurology and the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders have made remarkable progress.　However, there are still many illnesses and related disabilities that await the development of new methods of cure and treatment.　It is my wish that this Congress will contribute to overcoming many neurological and neuromuscular disorders at the earliest possible date.

　In concluding my address, I hope that this Congress will be a fruitful opportunity to exchange information for you all, and thereby lead to the further advancement of the World Federation of Neurology and its member societies.