On April 16, Prof. Atsufumi Yokoi, Vice President (Global Engagement) and UNESCO Chair of Okayama University, was invited to participate in the special symposium “An Eyewitness Account of Japan’s Entry into the United Nations,” held at the United Nations University in Tokyo, alongside UN ambassadors and government representatives from various countries.

The symposium provided an opportunity to reflect on Japan’s admission to the United Nations on December 18, 1956. As the 70th anniversary of this historic milestone approaches, it also offered a timely occasion to reconsider Japan’s contributions to international peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.

At the symposium, Mr. Yasushi Akashi, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, shared firsthand reflections on witnessing the historic session of the UN General Assembly as a young student. His remarks offered profound insights into both the significance of Japan’s admission and the responsibilities that come with active engagement in the international community.

Mr. Akashi had previously delivered a lecture at Okayama University in 2015 titled “My Experiences with the United Nations,” where he spoke to faculty members and students about his experiences at the UN and Japan’s role in the international community.

During the symposium, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, emphasized the principle expressed in the opening words of the UN Charter, “We the Peoples…”. This principle reminds us that the United Nations ultimately belongs to the people. It was further underscored that the UN must remain grounded in and accountable to people above all else - an idea that strongly resonated in today’s complex global context.

The symposium was hosted by the United Nations University, with which Okayama University concluded a university-level agreement in October last year. This invitation reflects the continued strengthening of collaborative ties since the agreement was established.

Okayama University will continue to promote international collaboration and academic exchange, contributing to the realization of a peaceful and sustainable society.

Global Engagement Center