On June 24, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, the United States, and the European Union will co-host an online symposium in the UN on the abductions issue.
From 8:30 p.m. (JST) on June 24, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union will co-host an online symposium on the abductions issue, as a side event of the UN. The theme of the symposium is “Opening a Window of Opportunity for the Immediate Resolution of the Abductions Issue.”
With the participation of the permanent mission of the co-hosting countries and organization to the UN, the symposium will present an appeal by the families of victims from Japan and other countries. Experts on the situation concerning North Korea will join to discuss and deepen understanding on ways for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and its importance to the international community.
Please watch the live broadcast of the symposium on the UN Web TV (in English) or the official YouTube channel of the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue, the Government of Japan (in Japanese, Korean, and Thai).
The recordings will also be made available in the archives after the symposium.
・YouTube “the Official Channel of the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue, the Government of Japan”
https://www.youtube.com/@rachitaichannel/streams
・UN Web TV
https://webtv.un.org/en
Click here to download a flyer.
● Date and Time
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
8:30 - 10:15 p.m. (JST) / 7:30 - 9:15 a.m. (EST)
● Program
1. Opening Remarks
YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN
2. Keynote Remarks
KIHARA Minoru Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister in charge of the Abduction Issue of Japan
3. Remarks by the Representatives of Co-hosts
Michael G. WALTZ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Representative of the United States to the UN
James LARSEN Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Australian to the UN
CHA Jihoon Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the UN
Stavros LAMBRINIDIS Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the UN
4. Remarks by a Diet Member 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
YOKOTA Takuya Representative of the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea
IIZUKA Koichiro Secretary-General of the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea
YOSHIMI Miho Vice-Chairman of the Family Association of the Missing Persons Probably Related to the DPRK
James SNEDDON Brother of Mr. David SNEDDON
Banjong PANCHOI Nephew of Ms. Anocha PANCHOI
6. Panel Discussion
[Moderator]
NISHINO Junya Professor of Keio University, Japan
[Panelist]
James HEENAN Representative of the UN Human Rights Office in Seoul
Bruce KLINGNER Senior Fellow of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
Greg SCARLATOIU President and CEO of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK)
7. Closing Remarks
YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN
