From May 19 to 21, the G7 Hiroshima Summit was held under Japan’s presidency in the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and Itsukushima Shrine, among other venues. Congrès Inc. was in charge of the venue set-up and operation of the Summit.
On the first day, G7 leaders visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It was the first time that G7 leaders visited there together. After that, they wrote down their resolve and hopes for peace in the guest book and participated in the flower laying ceremony at the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims on the grounds of the Peace Memorial Park.
On the second day, G7 leaders along with the 8 invited countries and 7 invited international institutions held meetings, where they discussed issues of common global concern related to food, health, development, gender, climate/energy and the environment, etc.
On the final day, May 21, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy joined as a guest. President Zelenskyy was initially scheduled to participate online, but he changed his plans at the last minute and decided to attend the meetings face to face. He also had bilateral meetings with leaders of various countries, and it proved to be an opportunity that reaffirmed for all the quintessential, great significance of face-to-face international conferences.
Congrès was also in charge of the venue set-up and operations of the International Media Center (IMC). The IMC served as the base for all of the many media representatives who gathered in Hiroshima from all over Japan and around the globe, to cover this high-profile event and share the proceedings with the world of the G7 that was held for the very first time in Hiroshima. The IMC utilized the existing Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center, eliminating the need for construction of a new facility, to ensure sustainability.
As with previous G7 Summits, Congrès designed and produced commemorative items, including the summit bag for G7 delegates and press.
The bag was created from Bingo denim made in Fukushima City, Hiroshima, and all steps in the process, from making the fabrics through to sewing, were undertaken by craftspeople in Hiroshima. Furthermore, the bag contained goods that conveyed the appeal of Hiroshima and other parts of Japan, plus, they were environmentally friendly, using as little plastic as possible. Practical items such as stationery goods were featured, for use by the delegations and press in their work during the summit period. The soccer ball was included as football is one of the most familiar and popular sports in the world, and the world can join together in peace through sports.
The purpose of holding international conferences is naturally not only for the significance of the discussion; it is also very important to leave a legacy by introducing the host city and all it has to offer to the world, plus organizing programs for the local community and children toward further vitalizing that community. The “Citizens Council for the Hiroshima Summit” was established, comprised of various prefectural and municipal entities, which put forth their best efforts to plan and prepare for the summit, such as holding educational and cooperative events about G7 for citizens.
Congrès was honored and delighted to be engaged for work on this historic G7 Hiroshima Summit and the IMC’s operations, working together in collaboration with our stakeholders. We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the support and cooperation of everyone concerned.
