We, the three sponsoring organizations of the East Asia Quadrilateral Dialogue; Korea Diplomacy Plaza (KDP), the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and the New Diplomacy Initiative (ND) convened here in Tokyo to inaugurate a new era of inclusive public diplomacy in East Asia. We do so at a time the policies of our governments are exacerbating geopolitical competition, which is making the climate crisis worse and increasing the risk of nuclear war. This is a moment that requires cooperative approaches to difficult global and regional problems. We are determined to use our capabilities, as civil society-based organizations, to provide an example our governments can follow and to encourage them to change course.
We recognize that it is impossible to strengthen our economies, provide resilience and prosperity, support a free and open international order based on the rule of law or bolster regional and global peace and security if the language and behavior of our governments continues to intensify geopolitical competition and undermine regional and global cooperation. Today, we declare openly that we are united in a common purpose to promote a more inclusive approach to shared challenges that we must meet together. There is no other path to sustainable peace and prosperity.
We are encouraged by the outcome of what we expect will be the first of an annual series of dialogues between scientists and experts from the Republic of Korea, the United States, Japan, and China. We, the three sponsoring organizations, are pleased that elected representatives from the Japanese and Korean legislatures were able to participate. The disappointing policies of our governments reflect the misguided view that simply strengthening military power promotes peace. Over many decades, this notion has gained undue influence over government decisions about international affairs. Increased public oversight and participation in the decision-making process can help our governments find and implement new and sustainable solutions to regional and global problems.
We depart Tokyo with a shared resolve and optimism for the future. It is the product of a determination, fiercely held by each of us, that in order to create a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of East Asia and the United States we must reject the self-destructive addiction of geopolitical competition, and recognize the necessity of inclusiveness and cooperation in a time of regional and global crisis that requires an urgent public response.
October 13, 2023
Korea Diplomacy Plaza (KDP)
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
New Diplomacy Initiative (ND)
