by Editor BGF | Sep 16, 2025 | News
Boston, September 16, 2025 – The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is pleased to announce the India Center Foundation (www.indiacenterfoundation.org), based in New Delhi, India, as a strategic partner. Under the leadership of Chairman Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, the India Center Foundation will partner with BGF, and Mr. Upadhyay will serve as the Representative of BGF in India, effective September 16, 2025.
Governor Michael Dukakis, Co-founder and Chair of BGF, welcomed the appointment, recognizing Mr. Upadhyay’s distinguished record of leadership and innovation. Through his work at the India Center Foundation, Mr. Upadhyay has advanced transformative initiatives connecting India with the Indo-Pacific and the global community.
As BGF’s Representative in India, Mr. Upadhyay will play a key role in advancing initiatives such as AIWS Government 24/7, the Boston Finance Accord, AIWS Digital Assets, the BGF–AIWS Family, and the Shinzo Abe Initiative. His leadership will strengthen BGF’s collaboration with India and reinforce the shared mission of building a more peaceful, democratic, and ethical world in the Age of AI.
“Mr. Upadhyay’s vision and leadership will help bring India’s voice and creativity into global dialogues on peace, governance, and innovation,” said Governor Dukakis. “We are honored to have him represent BGF in India.”
by Editor BGF | Sep 14, 2025 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
Boston Global Forum (BGF) leaders and close collaborators of the Shinzo Abe Initiative—Yasuhide Nakayama, former Japanese State Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs, and Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, visionary Indian leader and strategist—visited Vietnam for important meetings related to the Shinzo Abe Film, a flagship project of the AIWS Film Park.
On September 16 and 17, 2025, Nakayama and Upadhyay joined Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and Co-Chair of BGF, in Nha Trang to hold discussions with Vietnamese leaders and cultural representatives. The meetings focused on advancing the production of the Shinzo Abe Film, which will honor the late Prime Minister’s enduring legacy of peace, security, and democratic cooperation, while also highlighting Nha Trang as a rising center of cultural and technological innovation in the Age of AI.
The visit also included dialogues on strengthening Vietnam’s engagement in AIWS initiatives such as AIWS Government 24/7, AIWS Digital Assets, and the AIWS Music for Humanity Forum.
This collaboration marks another step in ensuring that Shinzo Abe’s vision—particularly his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and to fostering peace and security worldwide—lives on through culture, film, and innovation.
by Editor BGF | Oct 4, 2025 | News
October 4, 2025
Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi
President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan
Prime Minister-Designate of Japan
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the Boston Global Forum (BGF), we extend our warmest congratulations on your election as President of the Liberal Democratic Party and your forthcoming service as Prime Minister of Japan.
This historic achievement reflects not only your dedication to the people of Japan but also your enduring vision for democracy, security, and responsible innovation in the global era. We at BGF are especially proud to have honored you with the World Leader in AIWS Award in 2023, recognizing your leadership in shaping a human-centered future in the Age of AI.
You have been a valued speaker at BGF and at the Shinzo Abe Conferences, and a true friend of our community. As you assume this great responsibility, please know that BGF will continue to support your leadership and advance the Shinzo Abe Initiative, building upon the legacy of Prime Minister Abe to strengthen democracy, peace, and innovation across the Indo-Pacific and the world.
We believe you will make great contributions and achieve success in your new position, not only for Japan but for the world. We look forward to deepening our partnership with you and your government in the years ahead.
With highest respect and warm regards,
Governor Michael S. Dukakis Nguyen Anh Tuan
Co-Founder and Chair Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Boston Global Forum Boston Global Forum
by Editor BGF | Oct 5, 2025 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
Tokyo, October 5, 2025
Japan’s newly elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President, Sanae Takaichi, who is set to become the first female Prime Minister in Japan’s history, delivered her first public address immediately after winning the party’s leadership election.
In a clear, determined tone, Prime Minister-designate Takaichi pledged to “work, work, work” to restore confidence in government and strengthen Japan’s future. She emphasized action and accountability, vowing to prioritize the economy, social stability, and national security with what she called a “spirit of total dedication.”
Takaichi acknowledged the public’s growing frustration with politics and promised to rebuild trust in the LDP, saying that Japan must “turn the people’s anxieties into hope.” She framed her leadership as one grounded in results rather than rhetoric, signaling an era of focus, discipline, and transparency.
On the economy, Takaichi reaffirmed her support for pro-growth fiscal policies inspired by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Abenomics, including stimulus measures, tax incentives, and strong government investment. She warned against the risks of premature monetary tightening and emphasized that Japan’s recovery must prioritize the well-being of workers and families.
Her foreign and security policy remarks underscored continuity with the Abe Doctrine — maintaining a strong defense posture, deepening Japan’s alliance with the United States, and safeguarding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific amid regional challenges.
In her closing remarks, Takaichi expressed gratitude to party members for their confidence and to citizens for their patience, pledging to lead with integrity, courage, and resolve. “Japan stands at a crossroads,” she said. “We must act decisively to create a future where all people can live with confidence and pride.”
The Boston Global Forum (BGF), which honored Takaichi with the 2023 World Leader in AIWS Award, hailed her victory as a defining moment for Japan and for democratic leadership worldwide.
🎥 Watch the full address: Sanae Takaichi’s first press conference as LDP leader (NHK World–Japan)
by Editor BGF | Oct 5, 2025 | World Leader for Peace and Security, News, World Leaders in AIWS Award Updates
2023 World Leader in AIWS Award Recipient Continues Her Legacy of Vision and Leadership
Tokyo, October 5, 2025 — Sanae Takaichi, recipient of the 2023 World Leader in AIWS Award from the Boston Global Forum (BGF), has made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of Japan, following her election as President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Prime Minister Takaichi’s rise marks a defining moment for Japan and for women in global leadership. Recognized by BGF for her outstanding contributions to advancing human-centered innovation, ethics in technology, and democratic governance in the AI Age, she now leads Japan at a pivotal time for the Indo-Pacific and the world.
BGF celebrates this historic achievement by revisiting Sanae Takaichi’s visionary speeches delivered at Boston Global Forum events, where she outlined her approach to ethical AI governance, digital democracy, and the legacy of the Shinzo Abe Initiative.
Speeches of Sanae Takaichi at BGF
Sanae Takaichi’s Speech at the 3rd Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference (March 28, 2024)
🔗 Read on BGF Website
🎥 Watch on YouTube
Statement from Sanae Takaichi to BGF Event at AI Actions Summit Paris 2025
🔗 Read on BGF Website
Award Ceremony Speech (World Leader in AIWS Award 2023)
🔗 Read on BGF Website
🎥 Watch on YouTube
At BGF events, Prime Minister Takaichi consistently emphasized Japan’s responsibility to lead ethically in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and to strengthen cooperation among democracies. Her leadership reflects the enduring influence of the Shinzo Abe Conferences and the AI World Society (AIWS) vision for peace, trust, and responsible innovation.
Governor Michael Dukakis, Chair of BGF, and Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder and CEO, congratulated Prime Minister Takaichi, noting:
“Her leadership embodies the values of AIWS — wisdom, ethics, and human dignity. She will make great contributions and achieve success not only for Japan but for the world.”
BGF reaffirms its support for Prime Minister Takaichi’s leadership and will continue to advance the Shinzo Abe Initiative and AIWS programs that unite democracy, technology, and humanity for a safer, more enlightened future.
Newly-elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi celebrates after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool
