To the GCI Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I woke up at 4am today, jet lagged from my recent return from Tokyo, to learn of the unthinkable assassination of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. His untimely death breaks my heart and I join with the GCI community in mourning the loss of a much-beloved and highly-respected leader who was the longest serving prime minister in Japan.
This devastating news is especially significant to me as Japan is my heritage and home. It is also significant to GCI as Japan was host to our Summit, Seminar and Global Forum in 2019, when Mr. Abe was the current Prime Minister. During the Summit, our Fellows were privileged to meet Mr. Abe's wife, Mrs. Akie Abe who participated in an informal panel for GCI with other prominent Japanese women. It was a memorable discussion, which is bittersweet for many of us to recall today.
As gun violence continues to shock and disturb and is seemingly increasing around the world, the mission of GCI is more important than ever. GCI seeks to empower young global citizens from all sectors of society to be lifelong ethical leaders of positive change. We believe in civil discourse to achieve this and in equipping our next generation with the right mindset, tools and support to create a better, more equitable and safer world.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Abe family, and all citizens of Japan, especially to those in the GCI community. We thank you for your support and pray for your continuing health and safety.
Sincerely,
Yumi Kuwana and the GCI Team
