Event details

As a curtain raiser for the launch of Global Appeal 2020 to End Stigma and Discrimination
against Persons Affected by Leprosy, Sasakawa Health Foundation is hosting a roundtable
discussion on the theme “Difference Is Natural” on 27 January 2020 in Tokyo.

Taking part will be a person affected by leprosy, a prosthetist and orthotist, a curator from
the National Hansen’s Disease Museum and a journalist. All bring their own perspective on
leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, and will discuss what kind of education and actions are needed to bring about a society where difference is accepted as natural.

Facilitating the discussion will be Professor Shigeki Sakamoto, President of
the Center for Human Rights Education and Training.

The roundtable will be preceded by a keynote speech by Ms. Miki Matheson, Promotion and Strategy Dept., Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center.

The annual Global Appeal is an initiative of Nippon Foundation Chairman and
WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa and is designed to draw attention to the stigma and discrimination that persons affected by leprosy still face, and promote an inclusive society.

Beginning in 2006, the appeal has been released every year on or near World Leprosy Day, which is marked on the last Sunday in January.

Each appeal is endorsed by a different organization or set of individuals. Global Appeal 2020, which is being launched from Tokyo in the year of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, is being supported by the
International Paralympic Committee.

Date and Time: January 27, 2020 (Monday)  14:30-16:00 (Doors open at 14:00)

Venue: ANA Intercontinental Tokyo, Galaxy (B1F)

Capacity：150 persons

Sponsor: Sasakawa Health Foundation

Supported by: Center for Human Rights Education and Training

Partner: The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center

“Think Act Share” Campaign volunteers

We are looking for volunteers for our “Think Act Share” campaign to raise awareness of Hansen’s disease and help promote the roundtable discussion as well as a photo exhibition and film festival.

To find out more, please contact the Global Appeal 2020 Secretariat below.

For inquiries and registration: Tomizaki (Ms.), Global Appeal 2020 Secretariat

✉shf_hd_pr@shf.or.jp　03-6229-5377（Weekdays 10:00-17:00）