Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first meeting of the Forum for Promoting Active Participation by Young People and Women at the Prime Minister's Office.

At this meeting, discussion took place on the current state regarding the promotion of active participation by young people and women, and a hearing from experts was held.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,

"We have convened this meeting today in the context of the Industrial Competitiveness Council and Japan's economic revitalization. The Abe administration is willing to carry forth its policies under the idea that, in the first place, Japan will aim for creating a society wherein young people and women are given opportunities and can participate actively, which is a good society.
Naturally, young people and women will serve leading roles in achieving economic growth. At the same time, we must also ensure that they are able to enjoy the fruits of growth. These are the two pillars of our efforts.
We would like to make these efforts as the government and the ruling parties.
In this context, today we asked for attendance by Ms. Sanae Takaichi, Chairperson of the Policy Research Council, and Ms. Seiko Noda, Chairperson of the General Council, from the Liberal Democratic Party, and Ms. Akira Matsu, Vice Representative, and Ms. Kanae Yamamoto, Director of the Women's Bureau, from the New Komeito. I would like to put in efforts also in terms of attaining results from your specific plans, while hearing further opinions from young people, women and relevant people in the future, or referring to local opinions, and by reporting what is discussed in this Forum to the Industrial Competitiveness Council."