News
Strategic Dialogue and Exchange Program
(Asia and Middle East Unit)
Building a Foundation of Trust Between Japan, Asia, and the Middle East to Fortify Solidarity and Engender Peaceful Coexistence
In April 2024, the Gender Investment and Innovation Program merged into the Asia and Middle East Program. The projects previously managed by the Gender Investment and Innovation Program, except for the Asia Women Impact Fund (AWIF), have been transferred to the Social Innovation Team within the Asia and Middle East Program. Management of AWIF has been transferred to the Accounting and Finance Department.
In Asia, economic growth and regional integration has accelerated the process of globalization. At the same time, inequality and inequity in the region continues, which requires greater protection and empowerment of socially vulnerable populations, including women and minorities. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains unstable due to intra-regional conflicts and strained relations with other countries. However, the region’s geopolitical importance has been reaffirmed, and the region's role in supporting global peace, stability, sustainable growth, and economic development is more important than ever. Furthermore, from a geopolitical and security perspective, it is becoming increasingly important to strengthen and develop relations between the region and Japan.
In Asia, economic growth and regional integration has accelerated the process of globalization. At the same time, inequality and inequity in the region continues, which requires greater protection and empowerment of socially vulnerable populations, including women and minorities. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains unstable due to intra-regional conflicts and strained relations with other countries. However, the region’s geopolitical importance has been reaffirmed, and the region's role in supporting global peace, stability, sustainable growth, and economic development is more important than ever. Furthermore, from a geopolitical and security perspective, it is becoming increasingly important to strengthen and develop relations between the region and Japan.
Our Approach in Asia
While shining a light on the shared history and embracing the rich diversity across Asia, we undertake field-based activities, research, information sharing, and create policy recommendations to support the development of inclusive societies where the most marginalized regions, minorities, and vulnerable populations are heard and valued. Additionally, we believe collaboration with our Asian neighbors will revitalize Japanese society as it confronts a multitude of pressing challenges. It is this conviction that drives us to build equal and fruitful partnerships with Asian nations and create networks to connect all of our citizens.
Our Approach in the Middle East
In the Middle East, we aim to contribute to the development of both societies and world peace by building mutual understanding and trust between Japan and countries in the Middle East by working with those countries to resolve global issues. We also support initiatives such as facilitating research and policy dialogues covering political, diplomatic, social, and cultural themes to advocate for increased joint collaboration with Middle Eastern countries.
We are also developing initiatives to strengthen relations with Islamic countries in Asia as part of our efforts to promote understanding of Islam in Japan.
We are also developing initiatives to strengthen relations with Islamic countries in Asia as part of our efforts to promote understanding of Islam in Japan.
News
Project List of FY2025
| Project Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Asian Statespersons' Forum（ASF) | Third year of a five-year project |
| Developing the Next Generation of Human Resources for Peace in Asia | Second year of a three-year project |
| Enhancing Japan-India Strategic Network | Second year of a three-year project |
| Multilayered Dialogue with North-East India | First year of a three-year project |
| Asia Inclusive and Innovative Leadership Program | First year of a three-year project |
| Building Strategic Japan-Iran Ties | Second year of a four-year project |
| Promote Understanding and Dialogue between the Middle East and Japan | First year of a three-year project |
Reports and Publications
Staff
Nobuyuki Konishi (Director)
Kenichiro Iwahori (Program Officer)
Kaoru Kajigayama (Associate Program Officer)
Asumi Kimura (Associate Program Officer)
Related Websites
This page has information about the Gender Investment and Innovation Program activities until FY 2023.
This page has information about the Sasakawa Pan Asia Fund activities until FY 2017.
This page has information about the Sasakawa Middle East Islam Fund activities until FY 2017.