ASEAN-Japan Peace Ambassador Project (AJPAP)

Youth from Japan and ASEAN Foster Peace Through Dialogue and Collaboration

ASEAN-Japan Peace Ambassador Project (AJPAP) (YouTube)

In today’s society, one of the important challenges is how to build a foundation of dialogue and trust that enables people to understand one another and address shared issues, regardless of differences in nationality or culture. More than ever, there is a need for an approach that explores possibilities for coexistence while also recognizing diverse values and perspectives.
In considering these challenges, the principles and practices of ASEAN offer valuable insights. In particular, important lessons can be learned from ASEAN’s approach to using dialogue as a means of reaching a broad consensus, assuming there will always be conflicting interests and differences of opinion.
The ASEAN-Japan Peace Ambassador Project (AJPAP) is a youth exchange initiative between Japan and ASEAN countries to promote peace and dialogue. Launched in 2025 by The Japan Foundation, in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, the AJPAP is an ongoing initiative as a part of the “Partnership to Co-Create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0.” Bringing together the knowledge and experiences of Japan and ASEAN Member States, the project creates opportunities for high school students to engage in exchange and dialogue around the common theme of “peace” with the aim of nurturing the next generation of peacebuilders.
Through lectures, workshops, and joint activities, participants learn to engage with others in an environment of diverse values. They gain experience not only in addressing challenges and differing opinions through dialogue but also in collaborative activities based on empathy and discussion. Through this process, participants deepen their understanding of one another across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Overview of ASEAN-Japan Peace Ambassador Project (AJPAP) 2025

Detailed report of ASEAN-Japan Peace Ambassador Project (AJPAP) 2025