Hisashi Owada, former ambassador to the United Nations and now president of the Japan Institute of International Affairs, emphasized in a recent interview with this writer that Japan should play a larger role in the 188-member world body, saying: "Japan should contribute to the resolution of global issues, such as peacekeeping, economic development, environmental protection, refugee relief, international terrorism and transnational organized crime. This is the social responsibility of Japan as a key player in the global village."

Owada discussed these and other issues in connection with the three-day U.N. millennium summit that opens Sept. 6. The main theme will be the role of the U.N. in the 21st century. The meeting will be attended by leaders of some 160 nations, including Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.

Asked how he sees today's world, Owada said: "With the Cold War over, it is no longer possible for sovereign states to maintain international order through the balance of power. We are living in the most turbulent period since the formation of the modern international society as we know it. What is driving this transformation is globalization, which is typified by global environmental problems."