10th Asahi World Forum 2025: Addressing Global Challenges

The 10th Asahi World Forum 2025: Examining Our Future

The Asahi Shimbun Company, led by CEO Katsuharu Kakuda, is proud to announce the opening of the 10th International Forum, the Asahi World Forum 2025, set for October 24, 2025. This forum, rooted in the earlier Asahi Global Environment Forum that started in 2016, has continued to evolve and expand its scope for nearly a decade, addressing pivotal global challenges and envisioning the future.

Event Schedule and Venue

The in-person sessions will be held on October 24 and 25, at the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference Center, conveniently connected to Tokyo Station. Following the live events, online sessions will be available for streaming from October 27 to October 31, 2025, and viewing will remain accessible on-demand until January 15, 2026. Participation in all sessions is free, ensuring broad access for individuals eager to engage with pressing global matters.

Theme for 2025: Understanding Our Turbulent World

This year's main theme, "Considering the Future of Our Turbulent World and Communities," encapsulates the essence of today's complex geopolitical landscape. 2025 marks a pivotal moment as the world navigates dramatic shifts in power dynamics influenced by conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza. The ongoing military confrontations have significant implications for the global order, affecting nations like the United States, EU countries, Russia, and China.

Moreover, the rise of the Global South, consisting of emerging and developing nations, reflects a movement away from Western-centric ideologies, challenging traditional alliances and value systems. The urgency of the climate crisis, hitting everyday life around the globe, underscores a critical need to rethink our societal frameworks and practices. The potential for technological advancement, bolstered by AI, IoT, and big data, is set against the backdrop of an aging society with a decreasing workforce in Japan, further complicating the landscape we traverse.

The Importance of Dialogue and Exchange

Through this forum, we aim to foster discussions that will help us articulate what the future might hold for our lives and communities. Various sessions will provide a platform for opinions and debates around vital topics connected to sustainability, international relations, peace, coexistence, diversity, and innovation. This year's sessions will highlight around 20 different programming segments, ensuring a diverse and rich exploration of the issues at hand.

Connection to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Since its inception, the Asahi World Forum has championed the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notably, during the second forum in 2017, we welcomed Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, who emphasized the need for collective action towards achieving these goals. Educational initiatives are underway, with institutions like Tohoku Fukushi University integrating forum content into their curricula to enhance student understanding of SDGs.

Students actively participate by registering for all sessions, viewing multiple videos, and presenting reports that combine their research with insights gained from the forum. By extending the discussion of sustainability, peace, innovation, and coexistence, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of global challenges among future generations.

Conclusion

The Asahi World Forum 2025 is more than just an event; it is an opportunity to engage with world-changing ideas and to envision solutions collaboratively. We invite everyone to join us in reflecting on our world, discussing our challenges, and shaping the future together. More information about the program and registration details will be shared in early September.

Event Overview

- Dates: October 24 and 25, 2025, with online sessions from October 27 to 31, and on-demand viewing until January 15, 2026.
- Venue: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference Center
- Participation Fee: Free

For updates and more information, please visit the official website of the Asahi World Forum 2025. You can also reach out to the forum's secretariat for inquiries. Let's come together to forge a shared vision for our future.