Recognition of the History of the “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms”

Recognition of the History of the “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms”

Adopted at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, Tokyo, March 28, 2025

The “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms,” adopted on March 28, 2025, at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference in Tokyo, marks a landmark in the global pursuit of ethical, innovative, and continuous AI-powered governance. Hosted by the Boston Global Forum (BGF), this accord crowns over a decade of collaboration, sparked by BGF’s founding in 2012 by Michael Dukakis, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Thomas Patterson, and John Quelch, all dedicated to harnessing AI for humanity’s benefit and honoring the legacy of Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Shaped by prior global AI dialogues, notably the AI Action Summit in Paris (February 10-11, 2025), the Tokyo Accord emerged from discussions among luminaries including Michael Dukakis, Audrey Tang, Elisabeth Moreno, Yasuhide Nakayama, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Alex Pentland, Kazuo Yano, Joris Poort, Soichiro Chiba, Yutaka Matsuo, Nobukatsu Kanehara, and Takehiro Kano, alongside Japanese policymakers like Minister Minoru Kiuchi. Their expertise forged a consensus on integrating AI and finance platforms for real-time governance, prioritizing scalability, transparency, and citizen empowerment.

Adopted on March 28, 2025, the Tokyo Accord sets standards for AIWS Government 24/7, focusing on a financial backbone for continuous public services. Inspired by innovations like Fidelity Investments’ blockchain advancements and Tang’s transparent systems in Taiwan, it promotes secure, interoperable finance platforms to ensure equity and ethical oversight. The accord’s roots trace to Nguyen Anh Tuan’s visit to Ishikawa Prefecture on March 26, 2025, where, inspired by Governor Hiroshi Hase, he envisioned a September 2025 conference to transform disaster recovery into human-centric AI initiatives, amplifying the accord’s spirit.

A testament to BGF’s “think and do” philosophy, the Tokyo Accord bridges AIWS vision with actionable policy. Its outcomes, shared with world leaders post-conference, aim to steer global governance into the Age of Global Enlightenment, reflecting Abe’s belief in technology as a force for peace and prosperity. Rooted in years of collaboration and crystallized in Tokyo, this historic document charts a bold path where AI and finance unite to serve humanity 24/7.

Four Pillars Roundup: Honoring Abe’s Vision: Powering a Peaceful World with Government 24/7

Four Pillars Roundup: Honoring Abe’s Vision: Powering a Peaceful World with Government 24/7

Opening Remarks of Governor Michael Dukakis at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, March 28, 2025

Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The world is changing rapidly, driven by the transformative power of artificial intelligence. This revolution touches every aspect of our lives—how we work, how we connect, how we govern. With such profound change comes a critical responsibility for governments to adapt, to reform, and to reimagine how we serve our citizens. Our mission is clear: to harness these advancements to make our people happier, our societies more peaceful, and our world safer. This is not just an opportunity—it is an urgent necessity.

At this very important moment, we must commit to building a better world together. One promising solution lies in the concept of the AI World Society Government 24/7—an innovative framework that leverages AI to enhance governance, ensuring it is responsive, transparent, and accessible around the clock. This vision aligns with the values Shinzo Abe championed: progress, stability, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all. I invite you—leaders, thinkers, and innovators—to join us in building AIWS Government 24/7, a model for the future that can reshape how we lead and serve.

While I cannot be with you in Tokyo, I am thrilled that Nguyen Anh Tuan will carry this message forward. His presence at this conference highlights a significant trip to Japan, which began on March 24, 2025, during which he has engaged with government leaders, business visionaries, distinguished scholars, and outstanding students, as well as participated in key political events. The mission of his trip is to advance the AIWS and Shinzo Abe Initiative, fostering deeper connections between Japan and the United States, and amplifying Japan’s vital role on the global stage through the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative.

Please see full here:

https://bostonglobalforum.org/initiative/shinzo-abe-initiative-for-peace-and-security/honoring-abes-vision-powering-a-peaceful-world-with-government-24-7/

A Flash of Inspiration for a Human Initiative

A Flash of Inspiration for a Human Initiative

Yasuhide Nakayama

As Governor Michael Dukakis wrote in his Opening Remarks at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo: “I am thrilled that Nguyen Anh Tuan will carry this message forward. His presence at this conference highlights a significant trip to Japan, which began on March 24, 2025, during which he has engaged with government leaders, business visionaries, distinguished scholars, and outstanding students, as well as participated in key political events. The mission of his trip is to advance the AIWS and Shinzo Abe Initiative, fostering deeper connections between Japan and the United States, and amplifying Japan’s vital role on the global stage through the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative.”

As the Representative of the Boston Global Forum (BGF) in Japan and Taiwan, I am deeply honored to have arranged an agenda for Mr. Tuan during his special trip to Japan from March 24 to March 30, 2025.
On March 26, I accompanied Mr. Tuan to visit Ishikawa Prefecture and meet with Governor Hiroshi Hase.
During the meeting at the Governor’s office, when Governor Hase asked him what he intended to achieve with his visit today, I proposed the idea of organizing a conference here. Immediately, in a flash of inspiration, Nguyen Anh Tuan spoke: “The earthquake brought immense pain and loss to Ishikawa, but let us transform this suffering and the devastation caused by nature into new miracles. This will serve as a reminder to humanity to cherish nature, to avoid causing disasters and destruction to both people and the environment ourselves. Here, we will give birth to ideas, initiatives, and creative programs to build a better humanity in the era of artificial intelligence, within the AI World Society (AIWS), ensuring that humanity does not bring about disasters for itself through artificial intelligence.” With that spirit, BGF, together with Governor Hiroshi Hase and the Ishikawa government, will organize a conference in September 2025—not a conference to solicit donations to recover from the 2024 Ishikawa earthquake, but one that uses Ishikawa as a foundation to collaboratively develop action programs to prevent human-made disasters in the AI era.

Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms

Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms

Adopted at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, Tokyo, March 28, 2025

Preamble

We, the participants of the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, gathered in Tokyo on March 28, 2025, to honor the legacy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—a visionary leader who strengthened Japan and advanced global peace and security—recognize the urgent need to transform governance and financial systems in an era of rapid technological change. Inspired by his commitment to innovation, stability, and service to humanity, we hereby establish the Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms. This accord is a bold step toward realizing the AI World Society (AIWS) vision, with AIWS Government 24/7 as its cornerstone, ensuring that governments and financial systems serve citizens continuously, ethically, and effectively.

Principles

  1. Continuous Governance:
    We commit to developing AIWS Government 24/7—a framework that harnesses artificial intelligence, digital tools, and quantum computing to provide governance that is accessible, transparent, and responsive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This ensures that governments meet the needs of citizens in real-time, fostering trust and resilience.
  2. Finance as a Force for Good:
    We pledge to construct AI-driven finance platforms that innovate and reform financial systems, integrating them with Government 24/7. These platforms will leverage AI, digital technologies, and quantum computing to enhance efficiency, ensure economic resilience, and promote ethical advancement for the benefit of all.
  3. Humanity at the Core:
    The deployment of AI and finance platforms must prioritize human well-being, equity, and inclusion, reflecting the humane leadership exemplified by Shinzo Abe. These systems will empower citizens, reduce disparities, and strengthen societal bonds.
  4. Global Leadership through Collaboration:
    Building on Japan’s legacy of contributing to world peace and security, we aim to position Japan as a leader in ethical AI and economic progress. This accord fosters collaboration between nations, particularly strengthening ties between Japan and the United States, to share knowledge, resources, and innovations.
  5. Innovation and Stability:
    We honor Shinzo Abe’s vision by balancing cutting-edge technology with stability. The integration of AI and finance platforms into governance will drive progress while safeguarding the security and prosperity of our societies.

Commitments

  • Implementation of AIWS Government 24/7: We will work to adopt and refine AIWS Government 24/7, ensuring that it becomes a model for continuous, citizen-centered governance worldwide. This includes pilot programs, policy frameworks, and technological infrastructure to support its realization.
  • Development of Finance Platforms: We will establish AI and quantum-powered finance platforms that integrate with Government 24/7, reforming financial systems to be more efficient, resilient, and equitable. These platforms will be designed to support economic growth and ethical investment.
  • Dialogue and Action: We commit to ongoing discussions, beginning today at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference under the theme “Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms,” to refine and advance this vision. We will engage government leaders, business innovators, scholars, and students to build a global coalition.
  • Tribute to Shinzo Abe: We dedicate this accord to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose leadership inspires us to create stronger, more effective, and more humane systems. Japan will lead by example, amplifying its role in shaping a peaceful and prosperous world.

Call to Action

We invite all nations, organizations, and individuals to join us in this historic endeavor. The Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms is a commitment to harness technology for the greater good, building on Shinzo Abe’s legacy to create a future where governments and financial systems serve humanity with unwavering dedication. Let us act with purpose and unity to make this vision a reality.

Signed in Tokyo, Japan, on this 28th day of March, 2025

Dukakis, Michael, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum
Jonen, Tsukasa, Economic Commentator
Kanehara, Nobukatsu, Executive Director, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation; Professor, Doshisha University; The Inaugural Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Secretariat
Kano, Takehiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO
Kiuchi, Minoru, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy
Matsuo, Yutaka, Professor from Tokyo University (AI), External Board Director, SoftBank Group Corp
Moreno, Elisabeth, Former French Minister, Representative of BGF France and Africa
Nakayama, Yasuhide, Representative of BGF Japan and Taiwan; Former State Minister of Defense, Former State Minister of Foreign Affairs
Nguyen, Tuan, BGF Co-Chair and CEO
Nham, Quynh, Senior Assistant to Chairman of BGF
Pentland, Alex, MIT and Stanford Professor
Poort, Joris, CEO, Rescale
Tang, Audrey, The First Minister for Digital Affairs, Republic of China
Yano, Kazuo, Fellow of Hitachi, Ltd. (AI)

Building a Finance Platform for Government 24/7

Building a Finance Platform for Government 24/7

Distinguished Speech by Elisabeth Moreno

Representative of the Boston Global Forum for France and Africa

The 4th Shinzo Abe Conference

The Okura Tokyo, March 28, 2025

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Dear partners and friends from across the globe,

It is both an honor and a responsibility to speak to you today—as the representative of the Boston Global Forum for France and Africa—on this historic occasion, at the heart of Tokyo, at the close of the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference.

Although I join you from a distance, my voice carries with it the aspirations of two continents—Europe and Africa—united by a shared belief: that technology must serve people, not the other way around.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe understood this better than most.

He envisioned a hope-driven economy, where innovation was not just a tool for growth—but a catalyst for stability, dignity, and democratic resilience.

Today, we gather to build on his legacy through the bold vision of Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms.

This is not just about digitizing public services.

It is about reimagining governance.

It is about creating governments that are responsive, resilient, and relentlessly human.

Because no citizen should ever be told:

“Come back tomorrow.”

Not when their rights, their health, or their future is at stake.

And certainly not when technology allows us to respond instantly, equitably, and transparently.

The AIWS Government 24/7 platform embodies this vision:

  • A public finance system that never sleeps—designed to empower governments and uplift citizens.
  • A platform where AI supports tax services, benefits distribution, fraud detection, and even personalized financial planning—not just for the privileged few, but for every citizen, including those historically excluded.

As a woman who was born in Africa, raised in Europe, and who has served in the highest levels of government and business, I can tell you this:

Digital transformation without inclusion is just another form of exclusion.

We cannot build Government 24/7 unless we build trust 24/7.

Trust in AI.

Trust in institutions.

Trust in one another.

That is why ethics must be the backbone of this transformation:

  • Transparency, so that every decision is open and auditable.
  • Accountability, so that algorithms do not replace judgment, but assist it.
  • Equity, so that even the most vulnerable—on every continent—are not left behind.
  • And sustainability, because our financial systems must serve future generations, not just quarterly results.

This is especially urgent for Africa, a continent full of youth, energy, and untapped potential.

AI and finance platforms can unlock unprecedented opportunities—but only if we design them to be inclusive by default.

And as we design the future, let us not forget the lessons of the past.

It was once said—by Nobel laureate Henry Kissinger:

“Who controls the food supply controls the people; who controls the energy can control whole continents; who controls money can control the world.”

But today, we must go beyond control.

In an era of AI and global interdependence, the question is no longer who controls— but rather, who takes responsibility.

Responsibility to empower, not dominate.

To serve, not surveil.

To unite, not divide.

Because the true power of technology lies not in what it can do, but in what we choose to do with it.

As Shinzo Abe once said:

“The future is not something we enter. It is something we create.”

Let us create it—together—with courage, clarity, and care.

Let us build a Government 24/7 that reflects not only the power of AI, but the best of our humanity.

Thank you and I wish you all the very best.

 

Concluding Remarks of Nguyen Anh Tuan at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference

Concluding Remarks of Nguyen Anh Tuan at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference

March 28, 2025, Tokyo

Distinguished guests, honorable leaders, and dear friends,

As we draw this remarkable day to a close, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration. The 4th Shinzo Abe Conference has been a profound gathering—a testament to the enduring legacy of a great leader, Shinzo Abe, and a powerful step forward in our shared journey toward a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous world. I want to thank each of you—government leaders, scholars, innovators, and students—for your thoughtful contributions, your insightful discussions, and your unwavering commitment to the ideals we hold dear.

I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Yasuhide Nakayama, Representative of BGF in Japan and Taiwan, who set up a great program for me to visit and discuss with Japanese government leaders, business leaders, distinguished scholars, and outstanding students. It has truly been an amazing Japan trip for me, one that has deepened my understanding of Japan’s vital role in our global mission and strengthened the bonds between our nations.

Today, we have celebrated the realization of the AI World Society—AIWS—and its transformative vision of AIWS Government 24/7. We have explored how this framework can redefine governance, making it responsive, transparent, and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, empowering citizens to shape their societies in real time. Through our discussions, we have seen how AI, digital tools, and quantum computing can serve as partners in this endeavor, ensuring that governments not only meet the needs of their people but also contribute to global peace and stability, just as Shinzo Abe envisioned.

A highlight of this conference has been the unveiling of the Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms, which includes the groundbreaking Abe Financial AI Protocol. This accord is more than a document—it is a commitment to harness AI and finance platforms for the betterment of governance and society, rooted in Abe’s vision of strength, compassion, and foresight. The Abe Financial AI Protocol, with its focus on transparency, fraud detection, and sustainable economic growth, positions Japan as a global leader in ethical AI and financial reform. I am deeply grateful to Minister Minoru Kiuchi, Yasuhide Nakayama, and all our distinguished participants—Kano Takehiro, Matsuo Yutaka, Elisabeth Moreno, Alex Pentland, Audrey Tang, Yano Kazuo, and Governor Michael Dukakis—for your leadership and insights that have shaped this historic moment.

Our discussions today have also laid the foundation for the next steps in our journey. The outcomes of this conference will be brought to the BGF Conference at Harvard University Loeb House on April 22, 2025, where we will build on the Tokyo Accord to develop the Boston Finance Framework for Governance 24/7. This framework will further advance our shared vision for AI-driven governance and global enlightenment, ensuring that the momentum we have created here in Tokyo continues to inspire and shape the future. I look forward to seeing many of you there as we continue this important work together.

As I reflect on today, I am reminded of Shinzo Abe’s words and actions—his dedication to peace, his passion for innovation, and his belief in the power of collaboration. He showed us that true leadership is about building bridges, not walls; about serving humanity with humility and vision. Let us honor his living legacy by carrying forward the spirit of this conference—by working together to make AIWS Government 24/7 a reality, not just in Japan, but across the world. Let us create a future where every citizen’s voice is heard, where technology serves the greater good, and where peace and prosperity are shared by all. We will take action together, and our next conferences will be geared toward actionable outcomes, ensuring that our shared vision translates into tangible impact for societies worldwide.

I leave you with a heartfelt thank you for your partnership and a renewed call to action. Let us continue this journey with the same courage, determination, and hope that Shinzo Abe embodied. Together, we can build a world that reflects his dream—a world where governance is a force for unity, innovation, and peace, every hour of every day.

Thank you, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.

Recognition of the History of the “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms”

Shinzo Abe’s Living Legacy: AIWS Government 24/7 for a Peaceful World

Remarks by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, Tokyo, March 28, 2025

Good morning, distinguished guests, honorable leaders, and friends.
It is a profound privilege to stand before you today at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference in Tokyo. I am so moved with this gathering amid the beauty of the Cherry Blossom season, a fitting tribute to a remarkable legacy.
I bring warm greetings from Governor Michael Dukakis and the Boston Global Forum, and I am deeply honored to join you in person to advance a shared vision for a better world.

I would also like to extend a special welcome to Minister Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, whose leadership in driving innovation and technological progress is invaluable to our discussions today. Your presence, Minister Kiuchi, underscores Japan’s pivotal role in shaping the future we are building together.

Today, we celebrate the realization of the AI World Society—AIWS—a concept that has grown from an idea into a transformative force. At its heart lies one of its most vital components: AIWS Government 24/7. This framework represents a bold step forward in how we govern, leveraging artificial intelligence to create systems that are responsive, efficient, and humane—available to citizens around the clock. AIWS Government 24/7 is designed to serve citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that government is always accessible, whether for addressing urgent needs, delivering services, or providing information. More than that, it empowers citizens to contribute directly to governance—through feedback, ideas, and participation—making it a system truly of the citizens, for the citizens, by the citizens. With AI as a partner, citizens can propose policies, monitor progress, and shape decisions, ensuring that government reflects their voices and aspirations in real time.

We gather here to honor a great leader and wonderful friend of the Boston Global Forum, Shinzo Abe, whose legacy inspires us all. Prime Minister Abe made Japan strong—not just for its own people, but as a contributor to global peace and security. His leadership built a robust government that served the Japanese people with dedication and elevated Japan’s role on the world stage. His commitment to innovation and stability laid the foundation for the ideas we discuss today, and Minister Kiuchi’s work in science and technology continues to build on that legacy, driving Japan toward a future where technology serves humanity. Shinzo Abe was recognized as the World Leader for Peace and Security, and this conference continues to honor him with that distinction. I feel deeply that Shinzo Abe is still alive with us—he is here with us today, accompanying us through the spirit of AIWS Government 24/7, a vision that embodies his ideals of service, strength, and peace.

The world today stands at a crossroads. Governments must reform to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape—technological, economic, and social. This need for transformation is why we introduced AIWS Government 24/7. This initiative was first announced on November 25, 2024, at Harvard University’s Loeb House during a ceremony to honor President Emmanuel Macron with the 2024 World Leader for Peace and Security Award. It was further presented and discussed at the AI Action Summit in Paris, where it emerged as a key component of “Creating a New Paris of Enlightenment”—a special tribute to President Macron and the people of France on February 11, 2025. Now, we bring this vision to Tokyo, building on Shinzo Abe’s legacy.

AIWS Government 24/7 offers Japan an opportunity to become even stronger, more effective, and more humane. By embracing this model, Japan can lead the way in continuous governance—ensuring that its systems not only serve its citizens but also contribute to a more peaceful and secure world, just as Prime Minister Abe envisioned. Imagine a government that never sleeps: citizens can access services at any hour, report issues instantly, and see their contributions shape policy—all facilitated by AI, digital tools, and quantum computing. This is a government where every voice matters, where citizens are not just recipients but active builders of their society.

Today, we will focus on a critical topic: “Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms.” We are constructing a finance platform that will innovate and reform financial systems using AI, digital tools, and quantum computing. A cornerstone of this effort is the Abe Financial AI Protocol, which leverages machine learning to ensure transparency, detect fraud, and promote sustainable economic growth in real time. This platform ensures efficiency, resilience, and ethical advancement, integrating seamlessly with continuous governance. Building on Shinzo Abe’s legacy of innovation and stability, this framework positions Japan as a global leader in ethical AI and economic progress.

And now, I am thrilled to announce a landmark moment. Here at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, we will discuss and unveil the “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms,” which includes the Abe Financial AI Protocol as a key component. This accord represents a commitment to harness AI and finance platforms for the betterment of governance and society. It is a call to action—rooted in Abe’s vision—to create systems that serve humanity with strength, compassion, and foresight. Together, with leaders like Minister Kiuchi guiding the way in science and technology, we will explore its principles and chart the path forward.

The discussions and outcomes of the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference will be brought to and are fundamental for the BGF Conference at Harvard University Loeb House on April 22, 2025. There, we will build on the Tokyo Accord, further advancing our shared vision for AI-driven governance and global enlightenment, ensuring that the momentum we create here in Tokyo continues to inspire and shape the future: Boston Finance Framework for Governance 24/7.

Shinzo Abe showed us what strong leadership can achieve. Let us honor him by building on his foundation—making Japan a beacon of innovation and humanity through AIWS Government 24/7 and the Tokyo Accord. I invite you all—government leaders, scholars, innovators, and students—to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can realize a future that reflects his dream: a world of peace, security, and shared prosperity, where citizens are at the heart of governance every hour of every day, and where Shinzo Abe’s spirit continues to guide us.

Thank you.

Carrying Forward Shinzo Abe’s Vision ― A Financial AI Protocol for Ethical Innovation and Global Security

Carrying Forward Shinzo Abe’s Vision ― A Financial AI Protocol for Ethical Innovation and Global Security

Yasuhide Nakayama, Tokyo, March 28, 2025

Today, the world stands at the beginning of an era unlike any before―a time of tremendous technological change. Among these changes, artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming how our economies and societies function, and the financial world is no exception.

We must guide this transformation so that it leads to prosperity and safety for all people. The proposal I present today―the Abe Financial AI Protocol―is a framework inspired by the vision and values of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It provides direction for how financial systems should operate in the age of AI.

Prime Minister Abe always based his policies on universal values: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human dignity. The Abe Financial AI Protocol is also built on these principles. It aims to create a financial system that is open and secure, where trust and transparency support innovation. This protocol reflects the idea of “Society 5.0”― a society where technology serves people―and embraces the concept of “Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT),” which Japan has championed on the global stage.

With these frameworks, we seek to make sure AI brings benefits to many, while protecting human rights and dignity.

Prime Minister Abe often said, “Without economic revitalization, there can be neither national prosperity nor national security.” This belief is at the heart of the economic strategy behind this protocol. By using financial technologies (fintech) and AI, we can drive economic growth, improve financial services, and create new industries. In doing so, we can once again revitalize Japan’s economy and tackle long-term challenges such as our aging population. These efforts carry forward the spirit of Abenomics―a policy focused on inclusive growth that reaches all citizens.

At the same time, innovation must always go hand-in-hand with safety and security. In the financial world, the misuse of AI can pose serious threats―from destabilizing the economy to disrupting daily life.

We must protect society against AI-driven financial crimes, cyberattacks on infrastructure, and the harmful use of new technologies. Just as Prime Minister Abe strengthened Japan’s national security under the idea of “Proactive Contribution to Peace,” this protocol places great importance on defending our financial systems in the AI era. We must update legal frameworks, ensure transparency in algorithms, and give our regulators and law enforcement the tools they need to keep us safe.

In addition, allow me to speak from the perspective of a politician.
Japan once achieved remarkable postwar recovery and high economic growth as a nation built on “processing trade.”

With few natural resources, Japan’s greatest asset has always been its people. Under a fixed exchange rate of 360 yen to the US dollar, our country leveraged human talent and technological skill to open new markets and compete on the global stage.

Today, however, we face a new set of challenges―population decline, a low birthrate, and an aging society. We must not cling to past successes, but instead develop new strategies for sustainable growth. The keys to this will be greater productivity and stronger international technological cooperation.

In particular, we should pay close attention to Israel, a nation involved in some form with roughly 70% of the world’s startups. Their strength lies in creating “0 to 1” innovations―groundbreaking ideas that are then absorbed by Silicon Valley and global tech giants like GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon), leading to worldwide success.

Japan, too, must import such deep technologies from Israel and other innovative ecosystems, refine and commercialize them at home, and export them to the world as “Made in Japan” products. In this way, we can rebuild ourselves as a 21st-century processing trade nation. Japan has the discernment―the “mind’s eye”―to distinguish what is genuine. With this, we can form partnerships with global startups and implement a national strategy focused on enhancing productivity.

Just yesterday, I received a presentation from the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering at Waseda University and several student entrepreneurs. I strongly felt that Japan’s younger generation is filled with promise. The technologies they are creating―from zero to one―will surely be commercialized and implemented in society very soon. And yet, I couldn’t help but think how unfortunate it would be to waste the time between now and then.

We must also learn from the world, bring in the best ideas, and work together with countries and organizations that can offer synergy.

Let us not be distracted by political conflicts. Instead, let us keep our focus on what truly matters. Let us set clear national goals and build a new future―together.

In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have gathered here today and to everyone who actively participated in our discussions. I offer my deepest respect and appreciation to Governor Michael Dukakis and Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan for their outstanding leadership of the Boston Global Forum and their tireless efforts in organizing this event. I also extend my sincere thanks to Ms. Nobue Mita, Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Boston Global Forum, for her invaluable support in advancing this protocol and in preparing this important conference.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.