In 2008, the Mont Pelerin Society enters its 61st year. From that first small gathering in the mountains of Switzerland 60 years ago, the Society has grown in numbers and in participation geographically. In the past ten years meetings have been held in Kenya, Guatemala, Iceland, Germany, Sri Lanka, the U.S.A., India, the U.K., Slovakia, Chile, Canada and Indonesia. This is a remarkable achievement and is indicative of the strength of the ideas that underpin it and the conviction of those who work to see them discussed and disseminated. As we return again to Japan in 2008 after 20 years, it’s worth taking stock of how far the cause of freedom has travelled. Back then the Berlin Wall was not the historical artefact it is now. Totalitarian governments ruled throughout Eastern Europe, and Soviet Russia and its satellites still maintained an iron grip (though a rusty one as it turned out) on hundreds of millions of individuals. But the desire for freedom was stronger than that iron grip and that form of control of society has by and large passed into history. But we can never be complacent: the pursuit of freedom is a ceaseless endeavour.

The 21st century presents new challenges though and many of them will be taken up at this meeting in Tokyo and at a momentous period in world history. Scarcely anywhere in Asia seems now to be exempt from the dynamism that is driving that part of the world forward economically and giving individuals by the millions, probably billions, the opportunity for the first time not only to enjoy the fruits of the modern market economy, but the political and individual freedoms that much of the world already enjoys and for which our Society stands.

The Mont Pelerin Society has its intellectual foundations firmly established in the traditions of the Enlightenment. Clause 10 of the Draft Statement of Aims discussed in April 1947 stated that ‘Political pressures have brought new and serious threats to the freedom of thought and science. Complete intellectual freedom is so essential to the fulfilment of all our aims that no consideration of social expediency must ever be allowed to impair it’. This is as true today as it was 60 years ago and it is to the credit of the organisers of this meeting that such cores issues will be discussed in Tokyo as even a glance at the program reveals.

I very much look forward to seeing you all in September 2008 for the 36th General Meeting of our Society.

Thanks to the founding fathers of the MPS who embarked on the intellectual battle against socialism in 1947, the world is a far better place at its 60th anniversary. Technologies and free markets have been principal sources of enhanced economic welfare. The third industrial revolution led by information technology and bio-technology sets the world economy on the rising tide. At the same time, though, the world faces new and different challenges related with technologies that could jeopardize the freedom and the dignity of human life.

We are going to discuss several topics related with technologies and how free markets can give solutions to challenges of the modern world. We have invited renowned speakers on each topic: 1. Global warming, Environment and Free Markets. 2. Biotechnology, Ethics and Free Markets. 3. Healthcare in Free Markets. 4. Impact of Information Technology on Freedom and Communication. 5. Asian Economic Growth: How Important were Free Markets? 6. International Spread of Technology. 7. Digital Divide: Poverty, Income Inequality and Education.

We will have enough time to discuss these topics closely among all participants at the breakout sessions after the speaker’s presentations. The tribute to Milton Friedman is scheduled as well at a lunch time.

Excursion is to Kamakura, the capital of the first Samurai government established in 1192. On the way, you will see the Japan’s most concentrated industrial area by the highway.

Pre-congress tour “History of Art and Technology” and post-congress tour “History, Culture, and World Heritage” are planned to know Japan more closely. Please take time to know the technological source of Asian economic growth.

The local organizing committee cordially welcomes all members and guests to the MPS 2008 General Meeting in Tokyo. Your trip to the MPS Tokyo is guaranteed to be fruitful, enjoyable, as well as affordable as the memorable 60th anniversary meeting for our Society to re-embark on a new intellectual battle against new challenges of the modern world.

See you all in Tokyo!

Yoshinori Shimizu (Chairman of the Organizing Committee)