【AWLF Official Report】AWLF Kyoto Conference 2025 (September 26–27/ Osaka Expo)

AWLF Kyoto Conference 2025 & Osaka Expo Special Tour Report (September 26–27, 2025)

On September 26, 2025, the Asia Women Leaders Forum (AWLF) held the AWLF Kyoto Conference 2025 at Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto. Under the theme of “Social Impact Ecosystem,” leaders from across Asia gathered to engage in deep dialogues envisioning the future of Asia over the next 1,000 years. Participants from diverse fields such as policy, education, economy, and international cooperation joined in meaningful exchanges, where tradition and modernity, culture and policy, and personal narratives and social structures intersected. It was a day in which AWLF’s unique international dialogue fostered trust and friendship among participants.

“By connecting women beyond borders, generations, and sectors, Asia will certainly change.” – Ai Sasaki, Chairperson of AWLF

September 26 – AWLF Kyoto Conference

【Highlights】

Guest speeches by leaders from various fields, including Mr. Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Special Missions, Cabinet Office, Japan
Discussions on new civilizational models (ADM), lifestyle-based economic systems, and social impact
All-participant discussion based on the 3Es (Economy, Education, Environment)
Exclusive guided tour of Kondo and Kyozo by a Buddhist monk
Japanese cultural experiences including Noh, Kabuki, folk dance, and shamisen performances
Gala Dinner and ensemble performance

【Program】

13:00 – Welcome Party

14:00 – Opening Remarks

Ms. Ai Sasaki, Chairperson of Asia Women Leaders Forum
Mr. Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Special Missions, Cabinet Office, Japan
Dr. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo
Ms. Erialfia, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs
Mr. Seiji Maehara, Member of the House of Representatives, Japan Innovation Party

14:05 – Guest Speeches

Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay
Chairman, India-Japan Foundation / Founder, India Center (NPO)
Ms. Saengduean “Lek” Chailert
Founder & Director, Save Elephant Foundation
Mr. Sumio Takeichi
Former Director, International Finance Corporation (World Bank) / Former Executive, Mitsubishi Corporation
Mr. James Skinner
Global Management Consultant / Bestselling Author / AI Expert
Ms. Kaori Takahashi
Investor Relations Manager, LivEQuality / Former Board Member, Grameen Nippon
Mr. Kazuya Nakajo
Executive Advisor & Former Executive Vice President, JETRO
Ms. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela
Minister of Higher Education, Philippines

14:45 – Thematic Sessions

Session 1: Global Vision “Lifestyle Economic System”
Speaker: Mr. Ichitami Mikuno (Author of the Global Vision)
Session 2: Private Sector Initiative “Willway Osusowake Fund”
Speaker: Mr. Takuma Nitta (CEO, USTUS Inc.)

15:30 – All-Participant Discussion

What social systems are required to unleash the potential of Asian women based on the 3Es (Economy, Education, Environment)
Exchange of ideas toward policy recommendations to the government

16:00 – Cocktail Party

16:45 – Exclusive Guided Tour by a Monk

17:30 – Cultural Experience

Noh
Mr. Norishige Udaka (Noh Actor)
Kabuki
Mr. Hashigo Nakamura (Kabuki Actor)
Mr. Daidaikanō (Creator)
Mr. Shōsai (Haguro Shugendō Yamabushi)
Mr. JACK (Tsugaru Shamisen Performer)
Japanese Traditional Dance
Ms. Kimie Yamamoto (Urasenke Master / Japanese Dance Instructor)

18:30 – Gala Dinner

Mr. Lalit Bakshi (Former Chairman, Golden Eagle Group / Advisor, Modi Group)

19:30 – Silent Auction

Artist: Ms. Coco Nanayo

20:00 – Ensemble Performance

Ms. Shiori Abe (Violinist, Women Orchestra Japan)
Ms. Mika Watanabe (Pianist)

21:30 – Closing Remarks

Ms. Ai Sasaki, Chairperson of Asia Women Leaders Forum

September 27 – AWLF Osaka Expo Special Tour

On the following day, September 27, a special program was held in which participants traveled from Kyoto to the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 in Yumeshima. Leaders from across Asia experienced future-oriented exhibitions and cultural exchange throughout the day.

【Program Highlights】

Special charter bus from Kyoto to the Expo
A dedicated route enabled participants to enjoy networking and international exchange during the journey.
Special program “LIFE® – Inochi – / Super Kids Orchestra”
This special program was hosted by AWLF Executive Board Member Sayaka Hashimoto and her husband.
The large-scale performance combining music, visual art, and an immersive narrative world was presented before an audience of 3,000.
With its powerful theme of “the story of life,” the show deeply moved many participants.
Expo lunch and pavilion exploration
Participants enjoyed a special lunch at an on-site restaurant and explored various country and theme pavilions, experiencing future society through culture, food, and technology.
Evening special dinner
A special dinner was arranged at a waterfront restaurant or dome-style venue, offering an elegant setting where cross-border dialogue deepened over a beautiful course meal.

The AWLF Kyoto Conference and Expo Tour brought together the symbolism of ancient tradition and future innovation, creating two meaningful days in which Asia’s women leaders learned from one another, broadened their perspectives, and envisioned the future.

【Support Messages】

We are deeply grateful to the following distinguished leaders for their warm messages of encouragement for the AWLF Kyoto Conference 2025 and the United Nations Summit 2026.

President Teruo Fujii, The University of Tokyo
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Eriko Yamatani-Alfiya
Member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Seiji Maehara

We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your support. Your encouraging words provide tremendous strength to AWLF as we work toward a future in which the 4 billion women of Asia can realize their full potential.

Message of Congratulations from Mr. Seiji Maehara, Member of the House of Representatives:

”I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the successful convening of the “Asia Women Leaders Forum Kyoto Conference 2025.”
Although I had been honored to receive your kind invitation, I regret that I am unable to return to Kyoto today and must refrain from attending this important occasion.
In today’s rapidly changing global environment, we face a wide range of pressing challenges—including gender equality, sustainable development, and the promotion of innovation.
I sincerely hope that the meaningful discussions and exchanges among the distinguished women leaders representing countries across Asia will serve as a valuable catalyst for the region’s further progress and development.
In closing, I wish AWLF continued growth and success, and I offer my heartfelt wishes for the health, happiness, and continued achievements of all participants in attendance.

September 26, 2025
Japan Innovation Party
Member of the House of Representatives
Seiji Maehara

Toward the UN ESCAP International Summit

AWLF is preparing to host an international summit at the UN ESCAP Headquarters in Bangkok in 2026, inviting 333 women leaders from across Asia. The networks and dialogues formed in Kyoto will continue to shape a future in which Asia unites as one.

【Support & Information】