The Yokohama Peace Circle was the first Peace Circle hosted by a local government in Japan. Credit: UNIC Tokyo
Youth voices shape the future: Yokohama Peace Circle in Japan
On 8 March, , a peace circle, as part of the UN¡¯s Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World campaign, was held in Yokohama, marking the first time the dialogue-based initiative has been hosted by a local government in Japan.
Approximately 70 participants - spanning high school, university and international students - gathered to discuss pathways toward a sustainable and peaceful society.
The theme of the Yokohama Peace Circle centered on ¡°Building a Sustainable Green Society and Peace.¡±, which would resonate the Horticultural EXPO or GREEN x EXPO to be hosted by Yokohama City in 2027.
Divided into small groups of five to six, participants used circular, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-themed 'Peace Circle Boards' to explore ideas and brainstorm actionable solutions. After an hour of dynamic, bilingual dialogue in Japanese and English, each group presented their boards ¨C filled with handwritten notes, ideas and insights.
Participants used ¡°Peace Circle Boards¡± to gather ideas from diverse viewpoints. Credit: UNIC Tokyo
One of the key concepts that emerged from various groups was education. Participants emphasized that ¡°people cannot act on what they do not know,¡± highlighting the importance of early, practical education on environmental and peace-related issues.
Ideas included expanding opportunities to study abroad to better understand global contexts and exploring the connection between everyday well?being and peace.
Discussions led to group presentations, highlighting each participant¡¯s perspective. Credit: UNIC Tokyo
Another common theme was the importance of enjoyment in sustained engagement. Participants proposed creative ways to encourage actions, such as playful technologies that reward environmentally friendly behavior, point-based incentive systems, and even dedicated online forums for peace and environmental initiatives.
While global perspectives shaped much of the discussion, many participants also stressed local action. Suggestions included listening more closely to community voices, sharing local initiatives on social media, and hosting peace circles within smaller community settings.
Closing the event, the Director of the UN Information Centre in Tokyo, Kaoru Nemoto, left participants with a powerful reminder that ¡°half of the world¡¯s population is under 30.¡± She encouraged the students to take their ideas and conversations beyond the day, emphasizing that youth are the driving force behind our collective future.
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