[Call for Participants] Asahi Global Forum 2024 "Exploring a Future of Coexistence Through Dialogue" October 25–31

The Asahi Shimbun will host the international forum "Asahi Global Forum 2024" from Friday, October 25 to Thursday, October 31. Now in its ninth year, this year's main theme is "Exploring a Future of Coexistence Through Dialogue." For the first time, the forum will hold in-person sessions on October 25 and 26 at the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference Center, directly connected to Tokyo Station via underground passage. Online sessions will be streamed sequentially from October 27 to 31 (most available for viewing until year-end). Registration for participation and viewing is open on the official website. Both are free of charge.

■ "Asahi Earth Conference 2024" Official Website: http://t.asahi.com/wo58

Among the approximately 20 sessions, here are the main sessions taking place at the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference Center.
*There will be no live streaming from the venue.

【Friday, October 25, 19:00–20:30】
◇The End of the "Postwar"? Darkness or Utopia?
Takumi Itabashi (Professor, University of Tokyo), Aiko Nishikida (Professor, Keio University)
Coordinator: Tomoko Nagano (Anchor)
Fighting continues in Ukraine and Palestine, and the U.S. presidential election looms in November. The end of the Cold War seemed to bring the world peace and stability. Yet what we face now is a world of war and division. We explore its origins and discuss what lies beyond this crisis.

【Saturday, October 26, 14:00-15:30】
◇What Does "Human" Mean in an Era Where AI Surpasses Humans?
Nomura Mansai (Kyogen performer), Hiroshi Yamakawa (Representative, Whole Brain Architecture Initiative)
Coordinator: Hiroko Yamaguchi (Reporter, Asahi Shimbun Opinion Editorial Department)
Some predict that "superintelligence" surpassing humanity will emerge within a few years. Will any domains remain uniquely possible for humans? In this rapidly evolving AI era, Mansai—who identifies as a "Kyogen cyborg"—and a researcher will discuss "What is Human?"

This year also features sessions collaborating with media and projects both inside and outside Asahi Shimbun. Here's one example.

【October 26 (Sat) 10:00–11:00】＝Collaboration with Asahi Shimbun's opinion site Re:Ron
◇Starting with "Huh?" How can we and the world change?
Erika Yoshida (Screenwriter), Sonoko Shigeta (Professor, Meiji University)
Coordinator: Seiko Mimaki (International Political Scientist)
Japan faces numerous challenges toward gender equality. We welcome the screenwriter of the NHK morning drama "Tora ni Tsubasa" to reexamine social issues from the grassroots level and deepen dialogue on global movements like Gaza, Ukraine, and the U.S. presidential election.

【October 26 (Sat) 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM】
◇ Living in an "80% Society" ~ Hints for Maintaining Hope
Seiho Furuya (Principal Researcher, Recruit Works Institute), Rie Kudan (Writer), Genki Kawamura (Novelist)
Coordinator: Saori Kuroda (Reporter, Asahi Shimbun Network News Division)
A session born from the Asahi Shimbun's serialized feature "The 80% Society." Where can we find hints for living positively in the "80% Society" of 2040, when the working-age population will have shrunk by 20%? We explore this with creators who have expressed the ever-changing atmosphere of our times through words and images.

※An after-talk session with the participants and Asahi Shimbun reporters is scheduled following the two sessions above.

※For details on other programs and registration, please visit the official website. Register to submit questions to the speakers and receive the latest updates via email. On-site registration closes Wednesday, October 16.

〈Organizer〉 Asahi Shimbun
〈Co-host〉 TV Asahi
〈Special Sponsors〉Asahi Glass Foundation, Suntory Holdings, JR East, Japan Tobacco Inc., Mitsui Fudosan, Mitsubishi Estate, Meiji
〈Sponsor〉 MS& AD Insurance Group
〈Special Cooperation〉Shinagawa City
〈Collaborators〉Global Compact Network Japan, Asahi Student Newspaper, CNET Japan, HuffPost Japan, Forest Culture Association, Zero Board, Pola Foundation for the Promotion of Traditional Culture
〈Special Co-organizer〉 Japan Foundation
〈Support〉Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (planned), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of the Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government

■Contact
Asahi Earth Conference 2024 Secretariat (Freestyle Ltd.)
E-mail: awf2024@freestyle2004.com