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Japan Forward
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
In the Fray of Divisive Elections, Young Voices Bring Hope
このページを 日本語 で読む Several political parties and candidates in the House of Councillors (upper house) elections held on July 20 promoted slogans like "zero illegal foreigners" and "Japanese First." It may well be the first time in Japan's modern national elections that such statements — seen by some as xenophobic — have been so widely and openly expressed. As is well known, in many Western countries, conservative-leaning parties advocating "citizens first" policies have made major gains. Some nations have even begun enforcing the removal of undocumented foreign residents. The rise of similar rhetoric in Japan may be part of a global trend that has gained momentum may be part of a longer global trend punctuated by the election of United States President Donald Trump and his "America First" doctrine. At the time of writing this column, the results of the Upper House election were not yet known. However, even before the vote, comments emerged from within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) that could be interpreted as an apparent admission of defeat. Voters listen to a campaign street speech on July 5 in Saitama Prefecture. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa) According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on July 16, LDP Public Relations Chairperson Takuya Hirai remarked that following the election, there would be "a National Diet that can't decide anything and an endless era of darkness." While Hirai is free to express such views, one must ask: who was he trying to benefit with such pessimistic remarks? He sounded more like a detached political commentator than a key figure in the ruling party during an election campaign. Even if Japan were to face a so-called "dark era" politically, that would not mean the value of Japan itself is lost in darkness. There is always hope. JAPAN Forward has consistently conveyed this sentiment in its reporting. The following essay is from the first article in our new feature series, IGNITE, launched in June. The goal of the series is to share the voices of Japanese students with the world. Through this, we hope global readers will gain deeper insight into what Japan's next generation of leaders are thinking, hoping for, and striving toward in these times. IGNITE #1: Be a Global Catalyst for Communications The first installment features winning entries from the Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) high school English essay contest, held annually since 2009. Leading the series is an essay by Tetsu Den, then a second-year student at Ashiya Gakuen Senior High School. He won the 2023 contest's top honors: the Grand Prize and the America-Japan Society President's Award. Den, a Japanese student born to a Chinese father and a Korean mother, studied in Canada as part of a school project. He arrived in Canada feeling anxious and uncertain about his identity, but was warmly welcomed by his host father abroad. Through conversations with him, Den came to realize that what he once saw as inner conflict was actually a source of strength. Tetsu Den, winner of the Grand Prize and Japan-America Society President's Award for his English essay. Den wrote about what he learned from a homestay in Canada. (©IIBC) He captured this experience in his English essay. Upon receiving his award, he commented: "When I wrote the essay, I seriously considered how I should be as an international person from now on, and was able to recognize once again the greatness of communication between different cultures." JAPAN Forward's core readership includes Gen Z and millennial youth in Asia who are interested in Japan, as well as generations working at the center of society around the world. In today's uncertain times, we hope Japanese youth will connect with their global peers and help shape a new future. This hope is at the heart of the IGNITE project. Moving forward, IGNITE plans to feature not only IIBC participants but also students speaking out in a variety of other contexts. As written in the Bible, the world's most widely read book, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5). Rather than lament or criticize the intensified rhetoric around immigration seen during the Upper House elections as a "dark age," JAPAN Forward aims to create platforms where the next generation can shine and engage in constructive dialogue. We seek to work alongside them to bring light to the future. Watch for the next issue on August 18. JAPAN Forward is a small media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to advance the future of Japan and its role in the world. For inquiries on supporting students through our IGNITE project, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@ このページを 日本語 で読む
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Climate-related threats: IT Minister announces five-point framework
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday announced a five-point framework that uses IT, data, and technology to address climate-related threats. She made the announcement, while delivering a keynote speech at the National Conference on Climate Challenges. Highlighting the rapid growth of Pakistan's IT sector, the minister emphasised that sustainable development is only possible through the effective use of data. 'Data plays a pivotal role in policymaking and decision-making,' she stated. She termed the Digital Nation Pakistan Act a groundbreaking legislative step that will establish systems for data exchange and interoperability across government departments. Khawaja also announced the establishment of a specialised National Incubation Centre for Climate Agri Tech and noted that young innovators are being supported through IGNITE with facilities for research, incubation, and commercialisation. The minister said Pakistan Stack, a new initiative, will connect youth-led innovation with government data, opening new pathways for digital solutions. She noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally chairs meetings on environmental issues, showing his strong commitment to tackling climate challenges. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Associated Press
28-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Lions Host IGNITE: A Day for Youth to Empower the Next Generation to Lead, Learn, and Thrive
SAN CARLOS, CA - June 27, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The Lions of Region 5 - District 4-C4 today announce IGNITE: A Day for Youth, a powerful and immersive day-long experience dedicated to inspiring, equipping, and celebrating youth leadership, creativity, and well-being. DATE: Saturday, June 28, 2025 TIME: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM LOCATION: Mahany Hall, 1336 Arroyo Avenue, San Carlos, CA IGNITE: A Day for Youth brings together teens and young adults with changemakers, mentors, mental health advocates, and civic leaders for a day of connection, inspiration, and action. 'IGNITE is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders to find their purpose, power and possibility,' said Uni Buckley, event committee chair. 'We are honored to host these inspiring voices and to celebrate heroes nominated by young people.' Featured Speakers & Panelists Supervisor Noelia Corzo District 2 Supervisor, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors A lifelong resident of San Mateo County and the first Latina and Indigenous Supervisor in its history, Noelia Corzo brings a powerful story of public service, advocacy, and lived experience - from social work to elected leadership. Rowena Chiu #MeToo Activist & Survivor A former assistant to Harvey Weinstein and now a powerful global advocate, Rowena Chiu's journey from silence to international activism has inspired millions. Her story is featured in She Said, both the book and the film. Elona Kogan Executive, Board Member & Founder An accomplished leader in life sciences, Elona Kogan has driven over $10 billion in M&A activity while championing women in leadership, education, and the arts. Daniel Hornburg, Ph.D. VP, Biomarkers & Precision Medicine, Bruker Daniel Hornburg is a scientist, inventor, and precision medicine expert. From prion research to AI-driven diagnostics, his work proves that curiosity and science can truly change lives. Marc Rappaport Clinical Director, allcove San Mateo With over 20 years of service to underserved youth, Marc Rappaport leads a youth-driven wellness center that offers free mental, physical, and social health services for young people ages 12–25. Stacey Holmes Youth Program Coordinator, NAMI San Mateo County A Stanford MBA and former tech executive, Stacey Holmes leads the Ending the Silence program, helping students and communities confront stigma and support mental wellness. The event is free and open to the youth of San Mateo County. To register for the event which includes lunch, please contact Uni Buckley at (650) 892-2578. The event is made possible through the generous support and contributions of the following organizations: allcove San Mateo, Anson's Catering, BAGO Lions Club, Burlingame Lions Club, CUB Foundation, District 2 Office of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, First Republic Bank (now part of JPMorganChase), Foster City Lions Club, KT Soundz, Mahany Hall, NAMI San Mateo County, PRConnect, Redwood Shores Lions Club, Scott Marsters, and Silicon Valley Cyber Lions Club. About Lions International Lions International represents Lions Clubs International and Lions Clubs International Foundation. Lions take on some of the greatest challenges facing our communities and the world through the service of 1.4 million members in 49,000 clubs and the grant-funding support of our foundation. We improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. At Lions International we are serving a world in need. Learn more about who we are and what we do at Media Contact Uni Buckley BAGO Lions Club (650) 892-2578 View the original release on
CBS News
19-06-2025
- CBS News
How the IGNITE rehabilitation program is changing lives at the Fayette County Jail
How the IGNITE rehabilitation program is changing lives at the Fayette County Jail How the IGNITE rehabilitation program is changing lives at the Fayette County Jail How the IGNITE rehabilitation program is changing lives at the Fayette County Jail The IGNITE program has grown into a national movement with a mission: changing lives and giving inmates second chances. The goal of the rehabilitation program is to bring education, workforce development and life skills into county jails across the country. It was started by a local sheriff in Michigan, and Fayette County was the first jail in Pennsylvania to give it a shot. Fayette County Sheriff James Custer had the vision of bringing the IGNITE program to the jail, and the program has been so successful, it's become an example to other jails across the country. How the IGNITE program works IGNITE is offered to all incarcerated individuals at the jail, providing hope, encouragement, accountability, education and life skills. The program changes the culture of stigma in those who are incarcerated, embracing progress over punishment. "They want to improve. They want to be better than they were last year, better than they were yesterday and that's essentially the goal," said Warden John Lenkey. Each inmate gets the choice whether to participate. Once they're in, the only requirements include staying free of any misconduct, maintaining behavior inside the jail and participating in at least 16 hours a week in educational classes, either in person or virtually. "That's a combination of hours that's done on the tablet, which is through Edovo and CypherWorx, educational classes," Lenkey said. Lenkey says there are hundreds of options for inmates to choose from, like psychology, reading, financial literacy, interview training and parenting. "We're teaching them how to prepare cover letters, maybe how to do a resume, just the basics in Excel, Word, email etiquette," said human resources director Kristy Spiker. "There are good people in these classes, people that want to do better," Spiker. Inmates say the program gives them hope Joshua Mulnix, an inmate from Connellsville, says the program has given him life skills that he can use. You can take that in the occupation that you're looking for. And I know people doing time in here, you can be rusty, and this kind of just brushes you up on things," he said. Within just a few weeks, some inmates say their outlook has changed. "It has changed for the better," said Sierra Arbogast. Others admit they first got into the program just to spend time out of their cells but realized the good that could come from it. "After actually being in the class, I, for the first time, feel like there's hope," said inmate Rebecca Rhodes. "I love it. I learned a lot from it. It kind of helps me with my goals that I want to do when I get out. I really like the classes," said Carthell Hardnatt, an inmate from Detroit, Michigan. Mulnix said he feels like it's making a difference, both for him and his family. Warden touts "undeniable proof" of the program Lenkey says since the program kicked off last year, there have been zero misconducts, fights or assaults by those participating in IGNITE. "We're developing a stack of undeniable proof of data that says it is working, and not just here, but throughout the nation," Lenkey said. According to a study done by Harvard, the U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. Since IGNITE launched in 27 counties and 14 states, studies show the program has reduced recidivism by 23%. And being in IGNITE for one month reduces weekly jail misconduct by 49%. "These people really just want something to keep them on the straight path in life and I think everything we are doing is maybe helping them on that direction," Spiker said. "I am far more than the blue uniform or the maroons. You know, I'm far more than an inmate at Fayette County Jail," said Rhodes. Fifty-five inmates took part in the latest IGNITE semester. At their graduation, they're not only awarded with new certifications that can help with jobs when they get out, but it allows inmates to see their loved ones. Inmates graduate from IGNITE program
Business News Wales
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Green Steel Hub Set to Share £44m of Innovation Funding
A Welsh project working to green steel is one of four new manufacturing hubs which will share £44 million in government funding. The Indigenous Green-steel for Net-zero Innovation, Technology and Enterprise (IGNITE) Hub aims to reshape steel design and use to deliver environmental and economic resilience for key areas of the economy including defence, transport, and energy. IGNITE is led by Professor Cameron Pleydell-Pearce at Swansea University and is funded by an £11 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of their flagship Sustainable Manufacturing Research Hubs programme. It is complemented by £11.9 million in partner funding. More than 30 partners, including steelmakers, scrap processors, Network Rail, Nissan and Rolls Royce, and government departments such as DESNZ, DEFRA and DBT, are involved in the hub. Its seven-year research programme is designed to transform steel-intensive manufacturing. Hub Director Professor Cameron Pleydell-Pearce said: 'Steel has never been more important to the UK; it's a key material in everyday life. If something's not made of steel, it's made using steel. 'The IGNITE Hub will give us the opportunity to work with industry, supporting the resilience of the UK's manufacturing sector on the road to net-zero. This groundbreaking project will benefit everyone who relies on and uses steel products.' Backed by £44 million through the EPSRC, the four new Manufacturing Research Hubs for a Sustainable Future will bring together world-class researchers with more than 180 industry and civic partners to drive practical, sustainable innovation across the UK. The four hubs have attracted a total of £38.8 million in direct and indirect contributions from partners. Each hub will focus on a different critical area of manufacturing, from creating net-zero supply chains and resilient production systems to transforming waste and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Their work aims to support businesses of all sizes, deliver impact in regional economies, and provide workers with new skills in areas like AI, sustainability, and engineering biology. The IGNITE Hub builds on the success of the SUSTAIN Future Manufacturing Research Hub. SUSTAIN is a £35 million, seven-year initiative supported by £10 million from EPSRC and co-funded by universities, trade bodies, research and technology organisations, and businesses. The Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'It is great news that significant UK Government funding is coming to Wales to support this green steel manufacturing hub. Investing in research and innovation in sectors where there is huge potential for growth is vital for the Welsh economy and for the creation of new well-paid jobs.' UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) said this project was the latest in a series of research and innovation investments which are helping to drive regional growth in Wales. Investments are creating jobs and training opportunities, supporting business and helping to ensure a cleaner, healthier, more prosperous place to live, it said.
