Over 30 years, the Fukuoka City International Foundation has been unwaveringly keen on promoting the value and uniqueness of cultures in Asia, as well as bringing Asia and the rest of the world closer. The global network of cultural drivers gave the city of Fukuoka a head start in minding an all-inclusive global initiative, such as founding a Culture Forum to substantiate cultural agendas with priority among the others like social, economic, political, educational and health agendas. Speaking of which, the current Covid19 situation provides all of us not only the alarming reality but an unprecedented opportunity to reflect and review the work of the existing cultural exchange network institutes. Taking the time to study these institutionsʼ missions, directions and SWOT analysis(*1) is the prerequisite for successful launch of any cross-cultural exchanges and cooperation. Furthermore, it would be like building castles in the air if the work in nurturing visionary leaders and drivers among cultural institutes (especially those grassroot ones) through human resource training programs is neglected or undermined. With a global agenda in perspective, carrying out a wide range of applied research is of vital importance to help develop short-, medium- and long-term program agendas for a forum of the world cultures. As a Fukuoka Prize laureate of 2014, I am excited to look forward to the Fukuoka City International Foundation** taking on this motion, and would be most honored if I could contribute.*

*Peace and prosperity. Best wishes to Fukuoka Prize and the citizens of Fukuoka.*

(*1)SWOT analysis*
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, and it analyzes both internal and external environment with these four elements.  It is one of the management strategy formulation techniques for adjusting in the changes in business environment.