On 4 and 6 February 2025, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ representatives met with counterparts from ministries of the Government of Japan. The discussions covered a range of topics and initiatives to strengthen partnerships to support sustainable development in Japan and beyond.
On 4 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan the 31st High-Level Consultations between the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ and relevant ministries. The meeting provided an opportunity for ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Rector Tshilidzi Marwala and ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Senior Vice-Rector Sawako Shirahase to outline ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ¡¯s recent work as a think tank for the United Nations system, while introducing a revitalized ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ strategy focused on expanding partnerships, increasing visibility, and enhancing knowledge and capacity.
Prof. Marwala highlighted ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ¡¯s renewed commitment to engaging with younger generations throughout Japan and ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-led initiatives that are promoting dialogue between Japanese and non-Japanese youth. He also invited the Government of Japan to deepen collaboration with ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ throughout 2025 as ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ celebrates its 50th anniversary ¡ª?a milestone that would not have been possible without steadfast support from the Government of Japan.
On 6 February at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Headquarters, Rector Marwala with Mr. Hisayuki Fujii, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Rector Marwala extended his gratitude to Minister Fujii for MOFA¡¯s longstanding support for, and collaboration with, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. He outlined recent examples including last year¡¯s youth dialogue with Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa and the TICAD Ministerial Meeting side event exploring the role of innovation for sustainable development in Africa.
Rector Marwala emphasized ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ¡¯s commitment to engaging with audiences in Japan through events at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Headquarters, including the Conversation Series and BIG IDEAS Series. He placed particular emphasis on a renewed commitment to youth in Japan through his tour to give public lectures in Japan¡¯s 47 prefectures ¡ª so far delivering 20 presentations. Other examples included professional development for Japanese youth through the Rector¡¯s Office Junior Fellows internship programme and a new Japanese Junior Professional Officer in Paris.
State Minister Fujii extended his appreciation for the Rector¡¯s points and ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ¡¯s long-running collaboration. He gave particular emphasis to ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ¡¯s partnership on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, stressing its central importance for Japan¡¯s diplomatic policy and in achieving a diverse, inclusive society.
He discussed how the Japanese government and MOFA are planning a capacity-building programme to ensure future generations can be leaders on gender-related issues. This will include supporting young researchers, building gender-related networks, and hosting leadership forums.
He noted that this year¡¯s upcoming WPS symposium, on the occasion of the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ 50th anniversary, is indeed one of these programmes. He extended MOFA¡¯s thanks to Senior Vice-Rector Shirahase for facilitating the symposium as well as her and ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ¡¯s work to host the ongoing BIG IDEAS Series.
