Japan Young Leaders Assembly convenes for the second time in April 2025.
In a remarkable demonstration of international solidarity and youthful ambition, the 2nd Japan Young Leaders Assembly (JYLA) was held in Tokyo from April 10 to 13, 2025. Timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, the event brought together 200 young leaders from 25 countries, all committed to advancing peace, human rights, and the reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
Hosted by Global Peace Youth (GPY) and co-organized by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Japan and the Korean Dream Crew, the assembly transformed Tokyo into a hub of youthful energy and vision. Participants from countries including Korea, Japan, the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia bridged cultural divides to stand together under shared universal values of peace and human rights. Their unity sent a resounding message: youth have a critical role to play in creating a peaceful world.
Korea-Japan Delegates Exchange during the Japan Young Leaders Assembly.
A key highlight of the event was a special seminar held on April 11 at the House of Councilors Members’ Office Building in the National Diet (Japan’s parliament). The seminar brought together a diverse panel that included a member of the House of Councilors, Mitsuko Ishii, a human rights activist, Eiko Kawasaki, and youth representatives from both Korea and Japan. Discussions centered around two pressing themes: the ongoing human rights abuses in North Korea, particularly forced repatriation cases involving Japan, and the broader role of youth in building peace in Northeast Asia.
The assembly’s main event, held on April 12 at the Tokyo International Exchange Center, was a powerful showcase of the young leaders’ passion and commitment. Speakers such as Dr. Dongsoo Kim, a former North Korean diplomat; Kim Ga-young, a defector-turned-YouTuber; actor Cha Wi-seong; and unification advocate Kim Ju-hyun shared deeply personal stories and heartfelt calls for reunification. Their testimonies, shaped by lived experiences on both sides of the divided Korean Peninsula, stirred emotions and inspired renewed hope.
Youth from around the world show support for the One Korea Global Campaign during the Japan Young Leaders Assembly.
Notably, the youth took ownership of their roles as “Peace Creators,” employing digital tools to craft and share impactful messages. Through one-minute speeches and short-form videos, they raised awareness of North Korean human rights issues and advocated for peace in ways that resonated across generations and borders. The most compelling presentations were recognized with certificates of appreciation, a symbolic nod to the assembly’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and Goal 17 on partnerships.
Dongchan Kim, Executive Director of GPY Korea, described the assembly as a “powerful platform for youth to transcend national and cultural boundaries.” He emphasized that the genuine wave of peace stirred by the participants could have a lasting impact on the global community.
As an annual event, the Japan Young Leaders Assembly continues to build momentum as a leading platform for youth-driven change. With its firm grounding in values and its focus on a sustainable and peaceful future, JYLA is poised to empower even more young leaders across Asia and the world in the years to come.
