Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from the representatives of the youths participating in the Global Leaders Development (GLD) Program at the Prime Minister's Office.

The GLD Program succeeds the "Japanese Youth Goodwill Cruise Program," which was launched to commemorate the Centennial of the Meiji Restoration, and the subsequent "Ship for World Youth (SWY)" Program, which the former was progressively reorganized into. Composed of three parts - training on land, training aboard a ship, and overseas training, the GLD Program aims to deepen mutual understanding through multilateral discussions and cultural exchanges between Japanese and overseas youths, to heighten their adaptability to different cultures and communication skills as well as to enhance leadership and management skills by participating in seminars given by distinguished experts and by organizing voluntary activities. In addition, the Program aims to expand the global perspectives of participating youths and to foster a spirit of international cooperation, thereby nurturing youths capable of providing leadership in fields that are becoming increasingly international and assisting the post-Program social contribution activities of participating youths.

After shaking hands with each of the representatives of the youths participating in the GLD Program, the Prime Minister said in his address,

"It is my pleasure to welcome all of you young people from all over the world today. Relationships of trust with countries around the globe are essential for Japan.
Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I have proactively met with global leaders, and by visiting countries all over the world, I have been developing strategic diplomacy that takes a panoramic perspective of the terrestrial globe.
In meeting many people, I have felt firsthand the significance of trust that is born out of sincere relationships. 
Through promoting exchanges between young people who have diverse backgrounds and diverse values, the GLD Program is intended to encourage the growth of young people and to foster deep bonds. I truly hope you will build relationships of trust with each other and serve as bridges between each other's countries.
In closing, I hope that this program and your stay in Japan will leave you with great memories, and that the friendships that have developed from this program will become great assets in your lives."