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Quotes

Former Prime Minister of Thailand

Abhisit Vejjajiva

Support Message

The relationship between Thailand and Japan is deep. It will deepen further in the future. I feel that women play a significant role in this process.

"By the women" and "For the women" initiatives should be more actively promoted. We feel that it is also very important for men to create a role for themselves in this process.

For peace and prosperity in Asia, further people-to-people exchanges are necessary. I believe that AWLF will empower Asian women and produce many next-generation leaders for a beautiful Asia.

Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, Member of the Japanese House of Representatives, Japan

Minoru Kiuchi

Support Message

AWLF 1st International Forum Support message

If we are to create a society that is truly sustainable and peaceful, it is indispensable that women’s rights are protected and that their participation as active members of society is encouraged.
However, much work remains to be done until the concept is develop. Through empowering women, this can be fully be achieve. In this context, I have great expectations for the Asia Women Leaders Forum to be held in Bangkok.There, women leaders from a variety of backgrounds will come together and discuss today’s most pressing issues. Male or female, we all stand to benefit from these great women’s achievements.

Click here for the speech at the AWLF 1st International Forum.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Member of the House of Representatives, Japan

Arfiya Eri

Support Message

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the convening of the AWLF Kyoto Conference 2025.

At a time when there is a growing global backlash against the promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), the significance of the Asia Women Leaders Forum International Summit is greater than ever. DEI is a universal principle rooted in respect for the fundamental human rights of all people, and it also serves as a vital foundation for academic progress and the creation of new social value. It is imperative that we continue to uphold these values and work toward building a society in which every individual is able to fully realize their potential.

Asia is a region defined by its rich diversity. Women leaders emerging from across Asia bring with them a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and possess the capacity to elevate one another through dialogue and collaboration. I sincerely hope that this summit will further strengthen such connections and contribute to the advancement of social inclusion and sustainability.

I also look forward to the encounters and shared learning fostered through this conference serving as a powerful source of encouragement for the next generation of leaders. It is my heartfelt hope that the discussions and relationships cultivated here will help shape a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.

Vice Chairperson and Executive Secretary, KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation)

Masakazu Kubota

Support Message

DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) is the source of innovation that cannot be brought about merely by extending from the past.

It is the power that makes organizations and society resilient and sustainable by identifying risks that monocultures do not notice.

Women’s empowerment is at the core of promoting DEI.

I hope that many women leaders will share the challenges of solving social issues, advance collaborative efforts, and lead social change at the Asian Women Leaders Forum summit.

President, The Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society Inc. (ALFS)

Haruko Komura

Support Message

With deep respect for the Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF),

The vision upheld by AWLF—“One Team, One Asia”—resonates strongly with the spirit of the Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS), an organization whose presidency I was honored to assume in 2005 at the request of the late Mrs. Mutsuko Miki.

Since its founding in 1968, ALFS has steadily and continuously advanced its mission, bringing together women across Asia who have worked hand in hand to foster friendship and mutual support. Our activities may be gradual, but they have never ceased.

Each year, we jointly organize a charity bazaar with women from Asian embassies in Tokyo, and the proceeds are distributed among the participating countries. What we value most is how these funds are used. We see each donation as a seed—one that, when nurtured, enables the women it supports to grow, blossom, and achieve empowerment. Watching this process unfold is at the heart of our philosophy.

AWLF envisions a world in which kindness circulates and smiles shared among women continue to expand across societies.

Under this noble vision, and in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals’ principle of “leaving no one behind,” I extend my heartfelt encouragement and hope that the empowerment of women will continue to flourish through AWLF’s efforts.

President, The University of Tokyo

Teruo Fujii

Support Message

At a time when the promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing growing headwinds, initiatives such as the Asia Women Leaders Forum International Summit are more important than ever.

DEI is a principle grounded in the intrinsic value of respecting the fundamental human rights of people from all backgrounds and identities. I am deeply convinced that it also serves as a vital foundation for academic excellence and innovation. We must continue to uphold these values and work together toward a society in which everyone is empowered to fully realize their potential.

Asia has always been a region rich in diversity. Women leaders across Asia bring with them a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences shaped by their unique contexts. I sincerely hope that this summit will strengthen connections among these leaders, foster greater inclusivity and sustainability in our societies, and contribute to the empowerment of one another, as well as of the next generation of leaders.

Honorary Advisor, Asia Women Leaders Forum / Assistant Director General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Abdul Waheed Khan, Ph.D.

Support Message

Women have a strong sense of valuing life. It will be a valuable contribution to world peace.

The AWLF will attract leaders like a magnet and lead to peace in Asia and around the world.

I am confident that this strong passion and leadership will pave the way for hope and progress in the future.
The dialogues and collaborations ahead will be crucial steps towards achieving a better world.

Lastly, I extend heartfelt cheers to the Asian Women Leaders Forum for hosting this summit. We anticipate that your efforts will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Asian region and the world.

Advisor, Asia Women Leaders Forum / CEO, RAUL Co., Ltd. / Author and Environmental Specialist

Kenji Eda

Support Message

Women’s deep respect for life makes a meaningful contribution to peace in the world.

I hope that AWLF will bring leaders together and guide peace across Asia and the wider world.

Such strong conviction and leadership will bring hope and progress for the future.

To protect our planet for the years ahead, I believe it is essential to make full use of both the strength of Asia and the strength of women.

The Asia Women Leaders Forum Summit will be an important step toward this shared mission.

For Asia and the world to enjoy prosperity in the year 2100, we must further strengthen our efforts in climate action and decarbonization.

I sincerely hope this summit will become the starting point toward achieving that goal, and I am confident it will help open the way forward.

We will always support your efforts. The dialogue and cooperation that grow from this gathering will be an important step toward creating a better world.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt encouragement for the holding of the Asia Women Leaders Forum Summit. I hope your dedication will lead to peace and prosperity across Asia and throughout the world.

Supports

AWLF 1st International Forum Supported by The Embassy of Japan in Thailand

The Embassy of Japan in Thailand has provided support for the AWLF International Forum.

Members

Saori Nohara

Director

Mari Yamada

Director

Yoko Shinoda (Yuile)

Executive Officer

Abhisit Vejjajiva

Honorary Advisor

Abdul Waheed Khan, Ph.D.

Honorary Advisor

Sumio Takeichi

Honorary Advisor

Satish Modi

Senior Advisor

Lalit Bakhshi

Senior Advisor

Mai Morita

Asian Cultural Exchange Ambassador

Kotomi Hirayama

Ambassador

Shungo Oyama

Ambassador

Committees

Ranjana Kumari, Ph.D.

India Committee Chairperson

Sangduen Lek Chailert

Thailand Committee Chairperson

Masako Perera

Sri Lanka Committee Chairperson

Sangita Adhikari

Nepal Committee Chairperson

Harasha Bafana

Singapore Committee Chairperson

Badamtsetseg Lkhagvasuren

Mongolia Committee Chairperson

Elisa Sarza Nuada

The Philippines Committee Chairperson

Linh Hoang

Vietnam Committee Chairperson

Yanying Toto Deng

China Committee Chairperson