Opening Remarks of Governor Michael Dukakis at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, March 28, 2025
Good morning, distinguished guests, friends, and colleagues. It is an honor to address you today at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference. I regret that I cannot join you in person in Tokyo, but I am with you in spirit, and I am delighted that Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, is there to represent us and engage with you directly. I would also like to extend a warm greeting to Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, who joins us as a distinguished speaker today. Your leadership in advancing science and technology is vital to the conversations we are having here, and we are grateful for your presence.
We gather today to celebrate the legacy of a truly remarkable leader, Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Abe was not only a visionary statesman but also a great friend of the Boston Global Forum. His dedication to peace, security, and global cooperation earned him the prestigious World Leader for Peace and Security Award—an honor that reflects his extraordinary contributions to making our world a better place. His leadership continues to inspire us, and this conference stands as a testament to his enduring impact.
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.
Let us seize this moment to honor Shinzo Abe’s legacy—not just with words, but with action. Together, we can forge a future that reflects his vision: a world of peace, security, and shared prosperity. I am confident that, with your leadership and collaboration—including the insights of Minister Kiuchi and so many others here—we will succeed. Thank you for your dedication, your ideas, and your partnership. Let us move forward with purpose and unity to create the future our citizens deserve. 
