Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda received a courtesy call from representatives of youth participants of the 24th Ship for World Youth (SWY) program at the Prime Minister's Office.

The SWY program is one of the international youth exchange programs of the Government of Japan. It aims to expand global perspectives of the youths of Japan, to promote mutual understanding and friendship among the youths of Japan and nations abroad, and to heighten the spirit of international cooperation and enhance their ability to put the spirit into practice, thereby nurturing youths capable of discharging leadership in various fields in the international community.

A total of approximately 260 youths from 13 nations are participating in this year's program. Together, they will engage in exchange activities on board and at countries of destination ports during the 35-day voyage which runs from late January to the beginning of March.

After shaking hands with each representative, Prime Minister Noda delivered an address and gave words of encouragement to them. He said, "It is my sincere hope that you, as youths, will develop a transnational, long-lasting friendship into the future by going beyond cultural and other differences, respecting each other, and deepening mutual understanding.
Many of your forerunners who have participated in this program have expanded their global perspectives by spending time and engaging in exchange activities together on board and are now standing as leaders discharging leadership at the forefront of their respective fields.
I strongly hope that based on valuable experiences, which only the SWY program can offer, you will make a great success as leaders in various regions in the world together with your precious friends, with whom you would not have been able to meet without participating in this program, and also that you as a bridge to the world will make a significant contribution to peace and development in the eras to come."