Courtesy Call by Asia Disability LeadersSocial issues discussed with 8 leaders from 5 countries

On August 26, eight disability leaders from five Asian countries paid a courtesy call on The Nippon Foundation to exchange views. These individuals had formerly visited Japan to study the independent living movement^{1, 2} and returned to their home countries as leaders to promote inclusiveness in local communities. On this visit to The Nippon Foundation, which is also active in this area, they introduced the initiatives they are pursuing in a wide range of areas including education, employment, and policy proposals.

Ichiro Kabasawa, The Nippon Foundation Executive Director in charge of the Global Issues Department, explained the Foundation’s ongoing support for human resources development through scholarship programs and opportunities for study and training. One of the session’s participants, from Vietnam, who had used a scholarship³ from The Nippon Foundation to obtain a master’s degree in public policy from a university in Malaysia and went on to work at an international agency, reported on their activities after returning to Vietnam. Many people noted that speaking out and connecting with others are the driving forces behind creating change, reconfirming the significance of international networks. The Nippon Foundation will continue to support these leaders as we work to achieve an inclusive society while promoting understanding of the fact that disability-related issues are not “individual issues,” but rather “social issues.”