Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, the US, and the EU co-hosted the Online Symposium in the UN on the Abductions Issue.
On June 26th, 2025, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union co-hosted the online symposium in the UN on the abductions issue, as a side event of the UN.Click here to watch the video.
1 Opening Remarks
YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN
2 Keynote Remarks
HAYASHI Yoshimasa Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister in Charge of the Abductions Issue of Japan
3 Remarks by the representatives of co-hosts
(1) Dorothy Shea Acting Representative of the United States to the UN
(2) James Larsen Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Australia to the UN
(3) Hwang Joonkook Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the UN
(4) Stavros Lambrinidis Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the UN
4 Remarks by a member of the House of Representatives of Japan
FURUYA Keiji Chairman of the Committee of Congressional Members to Act for the Early Rescue of Japanese Victims Abducted by North Korea
5 Appeal by the Families of Victims
(1) YOKOTA Takuya Representative of the Association of Families of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea
(2) IIZUKA Koichiro Secretary-General of the Association of Families of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea
(3) MIZUI Toru Secretary of the Family Association of the Missing Persons
(4) James Sneddon Brother of Mr. David Sneddon
(5) Banjong Panchoi Nephew of Ms. Anocha Panchoi
6 Panel Discussion
[Moderator]
NISHINO Junya Professor of Keio University, Japan
[Panelist]
Greg Scarlatoiu President and CEO of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK)
Yun Dukmin Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Japan
7 Closing Remarks
YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN
Following opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN, H.E. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister in Charge of the Abductions issue of Japan, delivered keynote remarks.
Please click here to watch the keynote remarks.
After the keynote remarks, remarks by the representatives of co-host, remarks by a member of the House of Representatives of Japan by H.E. Mr. FURUYA Keiji, Chairman of the Committee of Congressional Members to Act for the Early Rescue of Japanese Victims Abducted by North Korea, and appeal by the families of victims followed. During the panel discussion, panelists debated on international affairs surrounding North Korea, the ways to resolve the abductions issue, and so on.
