CEPEX co-sponsored the first ISG (International Study Group) closed workshop on “Building Sustainable Peace and Security” with the Gulf Research Center and Sojitz Research Institute at the Japanese Diet Members Building on Tuesday, October 26.

This event was a brand new initiative and “Chatham House Rules” applied.

1. Topics: In addition to Far East Asia, we discussed India, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and created a comfortable, non-public atmosphere where experts could candidly exchange views on how to vigorously and creatively build sustainable peace and security in the region.

2. Participants: In addition to experts from think tanks and universities, invitees included non-partisan Diet members and related government officials, business and defense industry representatives, NPOs, and embassy staff from all over the world.

Opening Remarks:  Hon. Mieko Nakabayashi, CEPEX Vice Chairwoman

Guest Remarks:  Hon. Shinzo Abe, Former Prime Minister

Moderator: Yukio Tada, CEPEX Chairman of the Board

Session #1  Where Does Japan Stand?
by Tomohiko Taniguchi, Senior Guest Fellow, Sojitz Research Institute

Session #2 Transforming the Unstable Situation in the Middle East

by Dr. Mustafa Alani, Senior Adviser, the Gulf Research Center, Dubai, UAE

Session #3 Does the War on Terror Pay?
by Dr. Keiichiro Komatsu, Senior Guest Fellow, Sojitz Research Institute, London, UK