Pres. Sirleaf off to Tokyo, Japan

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Tuesday August 25, 2015, departed the country for Tokyo, Japan to attend the 2nd World Assembly for Women: WAW 2015 which runs from August 28 to 29, 2015.

An Executive Mansion release said, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Aba will deliver opening statement; while President Sirleaf will deliver the Keynote Address at the opening of the conference. The Executive Director of UN Women, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka will also make remarks at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, New Takanawa.

The Women Assembly for Women, being held under the theme: “WAW! For All”, brings together 140 leaders of various fields from more than 40 countries and seven international organizations. It is one of the efforts to achieve “A Society where Women Shine’ and continues to be one of the priority issues of the Government of Japanese Prime Minister Shino Abe.

At the High Level Round Table on August 29, issues widely covered both in Japan and the world including “Work-Life Balance Management” and “Women and Peace-Building” will be discussed in six sessions under the two main themes of “Women and Economy” and “Global Challenges.” In addition, six special sessions including “Youth Table,” “Implementing Diversity and Innovation,” “Improvement of Women’s Quality of Life and Restroom,” “Gender and Disaster Risk Reduction,” will provide a venue for discussion about the promotion of women’s participation in society from a broad perspective.

This year, many events will be held in collaboration with relevant organizations. Such events include sessions with the Asia Foundation and UNICEF Tokyo Office and a meeting among the members of Equal Futures Partnership, which is as a multilateral initiative regarding women’s empowerment.

During bilateral talks with Prime Minister Abe, President Sirleaf is expected to obtain confirmation on the commitment of Japan to undertake the construction of the second two lanes of Somalia Drive from Freeport to Red Light. The construction of the first two lanes and the bridges commenced in the dry season of 2014, but was suspended during the Ebola crisis. Work is expected to resume in October 2015.

During President Sirleaf’s brief absence from the country, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Dr. Edward B. McClain, Jr., will coordinate the work of the Cabinet in consultation with Vice President, Dr. Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. she is expected back on Sunday, August 30, 2015.-Press Release