Interview with Mm. Akie Abe "Women, Peace, and Sustainable Development" an International Symposium in Iran.

A: I think one of the most important goals for all countries is to achieve peace and protect the environment though sustainable development and continued growth. I think what is needed for true peace and development, is not the masculine pyramid-type society formed by men that puts national benefits first, but for women who have given birth from generation to generation to go beyond the frame of the hierarchical society and assume a role in establishing horizontal connections. I felt throughout this symposium that the people of Iran have the same understanding of the importance of establishing a society in which women can play an active role. I recognized that even though Iran and Japan have differences in culture and religion, we can work together by having the same understanding of the importance of women' social progress.

Q: On behalf of the Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution, what kind of activities are you planning to promote?

A: As the Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution we will continue to actively promote people who are contributing to society but whose contributions are often not recognized. By introducing the actual activities of such people, we aim to influence others, such as young people, and to show as many people as possible that they can also do something more to contribute to society. From now on, we want to focus attention on people who are steadily active, not only domestically but all over the world, even though their efforts are not widely publicized in the mass-media.