일본YMCA동맹 이사장 Takashi Shono 제7차 한중일Y 평화포럼 환영인사 - Learn from the past, walk towards the future -

7th Korea-Japan-China YMCA Peace Forum

Congratulatory Message

- Learn from the past, walk towards the future -

 

Takashi Shono

President

National Council of YMCAs of Japan

 

On behalf of Japan YMCA, I would like to congratulate the 7thSino-Korea-Japan Peace Forum and deeply appreciate our colleagues and partners who have exerted themselves to continue this peace relationship among 3 countries for moreth ana decade. Especially, “Prayer for Peace in Northeast Asia” in 2014 is still an important guide-post towards Peace for Japan YMCA.

 

In our Northeast Asia region, the tensions across the boarders seem to be increasing. The political intension of “Peace Keeping” by strengthening military power which we never wish to have has become evident. This proves that our society is moving towards the one which values one’s own Power and interest without learning from the past experience of wars which created sadness, suffering and cruel behavior among people.

 

On the other hand, when we look at our ordinary life, many people including young people have deprived of their human rights in many areas such as Employment, Health, Environment and Civic Engagement. This situation is getting even worse in conjunction with globalization of our society.

 

It has been more than 70 years since Japan’s defeat in war, but Japanese society seems to be falling down to darkness rather than rising up to peace and prosperity. Japan YMCA states in our Mission Statement that “Recognizing our historical responsibility to the people of the Asia-Pacific region, we shall walk forward hand in hand with the people of the world to build a world of peace”. To lead our steps form darkness to peace, I strongly recognize that we need to learn from the past and pass down the memory of our wrongdoing to next generation.

 

Meanwhile, YMCA needs to transform as a space for young people to build peace, exchange ideas and learn each other across the border. The Sino-Korea-Japan YMCA Peace forum is also transformed as a forum to be led by young people. We would like to begin our journey for next 10 years supporting those young people with wisdom and experience of experienced senior leaderships.

 

Therefore, this year’s Sino-Korea-Japan YMCA Peace Forum will be significant. I look forward to the wonderful time to share with you all.

* 2017. 12. 17. 광주

한국YMCA연맹 이사장 황진 인사말

중국YMCA동맹 이사장  Xu Xiaohong 인사말