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Former Prime Minister of Japan / Chairman, East Asian Community Institute

Yukio Hatoyama

Support Message

I am a devoted advocate of “Yuai,” a Japanese term which may be translated as “fraternity.” More specifically, this refers to the need to effectively raise personal dignity (independence), while nurturing respect (coexistence) for others.

In addressing the numerous shared issues now confronted by all of mankind across Asia and other regions, it is vital for us to assure that the resulting benefits are not limited to any specific party or area. There is a critical need, rather, to forge win-win ties structured to enable such benefits to be widely generated and shared.

By fostering a sense of community and recognition of our respective differences, it becomes possible for people, nations and other entities to grow and develop hand in hand. In moving to build such a “Fraternity Community,” it is imperative to take strong steps toward the empowerment of women.

In that sense, I keenly look forward to the redoubled development of the Asia Women Leaders Forum, while extending my profound prayers for the success of this Summit.

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 Japan’s Growth Strategy (Cabinet Office), Member of the Japanese House of Representatives

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.

Member of the House of Representatives

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.

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 (AWLF) / Assistant Director General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Abdul Waheed Khan

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.

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.

Vice President, IARNIW / Former Deputy Director General, Indian Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

Rajiv Sharma

Support Message

Women’s life is the full circle. Women have the power to create, nurture, reform, perform and transform. They can do great things even with little resources with their inherent nature of great love and apathy. Optimism is the faith that leads to such an achievement.

AWLF is adding lot of value to humankind and Asian women’s life in particular, as they attribute value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion. Society will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. No one has ever become poor by giving.

Even when the whole world is silent, one voice becomes powerful. AWLF’s mission and vision may not look that extraordinary but their approach to women and children make them great because of their passion to care and share. The most beautiful thing one can wear is confidence and AWLF’s efforts are slowly and steadily moving in that direction. One must remember that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. One can learn something out of everything, and we must realize more than ever that we’re all here for a certain space of time and mission.

I am sure AWLF’s efforts will bring positivity and help in empowering Asian women and children, nurture the next generation of leaders, create a sustainable cycle in Asia, and empower humankind through collaboration among front-line Asian leaders.

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

Ai Sasaki

Chairperson

Chizu Sekine

Director

Saori Nohara

Director

Mari Yamada

Director

Abhisit Vejjajiva

Honorary Advisor

Abdul Waheed Khan

Honorary Advisor

Sumio Takeichi

Honorary Advisor

Kenji Eda

Advisor

Mai Morita

Ambassador

Kotomi Hirayama

Ambassador

Shungo Oyama

Ambassador

Committees

Ranjana Kumari

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