May 25, 2006: UNGASS+5: Japanese Government Delegation Launching Ceremony: Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori serves as head of delegation, 4 members

On May 25, a launching ceremony of the Japanese government delegation to UNGASS+5 took place at the First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives. Former Prime Minister, Yoshiro Mori, who is serving as the head of the delegation was also there. In his speech, he emphasized Japan’s contribution to the progress made against world’s infectious diseases, such as the G8 Okinawa Summit in 2000 when he served as prime minister, which propelled the establishment of the Global Fund against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The Japanese Government Delegation, headed by Mr. Mori, former prime minister, consists of two members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two officials and one specialist from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and four advisors from civil society. In addition, other members of the office to the UN, such as Ambassador Kenzo Oshima (former UN Undersecretary General) are members of the delegation.

Mr. Tadashi Yamamoto, Director of the Friends of the Global Fund Japan, will be joining the delegation as an advisor representing civil society. Other advisors from civil society are Masayoshi Tarui, Vice-Chair of Japan AIDS and Society Association, Mr. Hiroshi Hasegawa, Director of Japan Network of PLWHA, and Mr. Tsutomu Nemoto, National Focal Point for Japan, Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS.