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Japan Forward
29-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor Naruhito Welcomes World Leaders
In mid to late May, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito deepened international ties by meeting with foreign dignitaries visiting Japan to mark their countries' national days at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. On May 16, he visited the United Nations University in Shibuya, Tokyo, with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. There, they attended a seminar on water issues hosted by Swedish research institutes. Other visiting leaders included: Latvia's President Edgars Rinkēvičs (May 19) Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev (May 19) Hungary's President Tamás Sulyok (May 21) Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen (May 22) On May 22, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was welcomed to the Imperial Residence for a dinner with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Emperor Naruhito welcomes King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on May 22 at the Imperial Palace. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency) Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, visited Ishikawa Prefecture on May 18–19 to observe recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake. On May 18, she visited a temporary housing complex in Nanao City, where she observed elderly residents participating in exercises. She also spoke with student volunteers from Kanazawa University, asking questions such as, "What kind of system do you think would make volunteering easier?" Princess Aiko converses with students from Kanazawa University's volunteer circle, May 18, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. On May 19, Princess Aiko visited temporary shops in Shika Town and spoke with a female business owner working to rebuild her store on its original site. Princess Aiko speaking with shop owners at the temporary stores of the Togi Kaido roadside station on May 19 in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. Later that day, at the Togi Administrative Center, she listened to volunteer staff and support counselors explain their ongoing medium- and long-term support efforts, including regular check-ins with residents. Princess Aiko receives an explanation about the activities of the Shika Town Community Support Center on the afternoon of May 19 in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. Crown Prince Fumihito visited Aichi Prefecture on May 21–22 to attend the general meeting of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, where he serves as president. Prince Akishino addressing the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums' General Meeting on May 21 in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture. On the morning of May 22, Crown Princess Kiko attended the 150th anniversary ceremony of the Special Needs Education School for the Deaf, University of Tsukuba, in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. She delivered a speech in sign language. Princess Kiko using sign language at the 150th anniversary ceremony. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency.) Princess Hisako toured the Expo in Osaka from May 20 to 22, visiting several international pavilions, including those of South Korea and Kuwait. On May 21, she attended the Netherlands' National Day ceremony at the event. Princess Tsuguko, daughter of Princess Hisako, visited the Expo on May 19. She toured several attractions, including the Grand Ring, and attended a cultural event hosted by Paraguay's First Lady Leticia Ocampos. Princess Hisako visiting the Women's Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on May 21. (©Sankei by Koji Taito) Princess Hisako visiting the Kuwait Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on May 20. (©Sankei by Koji Taito) In preparation for her official visit to Brazil in June, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the Musashino Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Showa and the Musashino Higashi Mausoleum of Empress Kojun in Hachioji, Tokyo, on May 16. On May 20, she traveled to Gifu Prefecture and visited sites such as the Gifu Wood Education Center. The next day, she attended the commemorative ceremony for the National Urban Greenery Fair in Kani City. Princess Kako listens to an explanation about Japanese giant salamander conservation efforts at the World Freshwater Aquarium Aquatotto Gifu in Kakamigahara City on May 20. Princess Kako riding a road train at Gifu World Rose Garden on May 21 in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. (©Sankei by Takanobu Sawano) Princess Kako taking part in a commemorative tree planting at Gifu World Rose Garden on May 21. (©Sankei by Takanobu Sawano) Princess Hanako attended the Prince Hitachi Prize for Comparative Oncology award ceremony in Tokyo on May 20. The following day, she participated in a certification ceremony for the Japan Ikebana Art Exhibition, organized by the Japan Ikebana Art Association, where she serves as honorary president. Princess Nobuko, honorary president of the Japan Rose Society, visited Hiroshima Prefecture on May 18–19 to attend the World Rose Convention in Fukuyama. On May 17, Princess Akiko also attended the opening ceremony of the National Junior Tennis Championships in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
Japan's Emperor, Empress Host Dinner for King of Sweden
News from Japan Society May 15, 2025 23:12 (JST) Tokyo, May 15 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a dinner for King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at their residence in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday. The Emperor greeted the king at the front door of the residence and shook hands with him with a smile. The king visited the World Exposition in Osaka, western Japan, to attend his country's "national day" event Wednesday. The Emperor and the king are scheduled to attend a seminar on water issues at United Nations University in Tokyo on Friday. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Daily Maverick
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Ashley Saul's attempt at questioning foreign staff at universities shows a lack of understanding
Tshilidzi Marwala, the former vice-chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, is now the Rector of the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo and a UN under-secretary-general. In August 2023, he was appointed to the United Nations Scientific Advisory Council. A global scholar in the field of artificial intelligence, Marwala is among South Africa's most distinguished academic international appointment is not only a personal honour — it is a reminder that our country has long been both a contributor to, and a beneficiary of, global academic exchange. The question now raised by some populist voices is: Should he and others like him return home to make space for natives of the countries in which they work? That, essentially, is the dangerous logic behind the latest xenophobic campaign, dressed up as concern for South African jobs in month, a Patriotic Alliance (PA) Member of Parliament, Ashley Sauls, accused universities of prioritising foreign nationals over South African academics, citing a single contested case at the Central University of Technology (CUT) and extrapolating it into an alarming generalisation. Sauls' confidence is matched only by his lack of understanding. He has taken one grievance and distorted it into a narrative that undermines both institutional integrity and our country's international standing. Struggling Let's be clear: South African universities are not flooded with foreign staff. They are struggling — still — to become truly representative of our demographics, values, and developmental priorities. But foreign nationals are not the obstacle. The real crisis lies in our failure to invest in and grow a new generation of black South African to the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) Report on the Recruitment, Retention and Progression of Black South African Academics, South Africans make up 88.4% of the academic staff in our universities. Foreign nationals — who often bring scarce expertise or participate in global research collaborations — constitute only 11.2% of the total academic importantly, many of those international academics are black Africans, whose presence in South African lecture halls should be a source of solidarity, not suspicion. The MTT report identified the real barriers to transformation: A shrinking and unequal postgraduate pipeline, especially in Stem and health sciences. Exclusionary institutional cultures that marginalise black scholars, particularly women. Poor working conditions and heavy teaching loads, leaving little room for research or advancement. Fragmented policy and funding support for initiatives like nGAP, which are critical to building black academic excellence. These are the bottlenecks. Not fellow scholars from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana or fact, many senior South African academics and vice-chancellors have benefitted from international exposure, studying or working in the US, UK, Germany, China, Brazil and across the continent. Are we now to punish those whose careers were sharpened abroad? Or suggest that they have no right to shape the institutions they now lead?It is precisely through international engagement that we sharpen our intellectual tools. South Africa collaborated with global institutions to develop and trial Covid-19 vaccines that saved millions of lives — right here, led by African scientists and researchers. That is what international collaboration looks like: not replacement, but suggest otherwise is to play directly into xenophobic populism, with dangerous consequences. The last time this rhetoric escalated, lives were lost. Shops were burned. Migrants were hunted. South Africa's reputation took a beating on the global may be right to raise a grievance about an individual hiring case at a university — but to generalise it into an anti-foreigner campaign is reckless and disingenuous. It's not transformation. It's be honest: if transformation was truly the concern, Sauls would be championing postgraduate funding, fixing NSFAS bottlenecks, defending nGAP, and holding universities accountable for succession planning. Scapegoating and political posturing Instead, what we get is easy scapegoating and political we need is not louder voices, but better ones. Let's cherish the black academics we can attract, from both South Africa and the continent, and build a system that grows more like them, with rigorous support, mentorship, and public us fix the real problems: underfunding, institutional inertia, a lack of coherence in building academic careers. But let us not turn fellow scholars into enemies. In the battle for transformation, our best allies are those who believe in justice, equity, and the power of shared knowledge. We don't build a better academy by building walls. We build it by growing our own — while learning with, and from, the world. DM
Mid East Info
08-05-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Recognised as a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development by the United Nations University
As part of the Year of Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has successfully secured recognition for Abu Dhabi as a member of the United Nations University (UNU) network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). With this achievement, Abu Dhabi becomes the first centre of expertise for environmental education and sustainability in the GCC region. Through its digital platform naha, EAD will lead this regional mission, driving collective efforts to advance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the adoption of best practices in education for sustainable development. This initiative aims to safeguard and sustain the environment, enhancing quality of life for current and future generations. Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: 'The recognition of Abu Dhabi by the United Nations University as the first regional centre for environmental education in the region underscores our forward-thinking approach to sustainability. It marks our commitment to strengthening environmental awareness and education for sustainable development. By harnessing the latest innovations and modern technologies, we continue to reinforce Abu Dhabi's leadership in global environmental action.' She added: 'Environmental awareness and education are catalysts for conservation and development within our strategic framework. By broadening community engagement and forging regional and global partnerships, we are supporting the emirate's vision for a more sustainable and promising future for the generations to come.' Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Awareness at EAD, said: 'The naha platform forward-thinking and holistic strategy, seamlessly integrating a portfolio of initiatives and programs designed to empower community participation in environmental stewardship. These include the Sustainable Schools Initiative, recognised internationally by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Sustainable Campus Initiative, and the Sahim Citizen Science Programme. Leveraging Abu Dhabi's rich natural heritage, naha plays a key role in accelerating local and global sustainability efforts while nurturing a new generation of young leaders equipped to drive meaningful change.' He added: 'The acknowledgment of naha by the United Nations University as a Regional Centre of Expertise builds upon the extremely successful 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) held in Abu Dhabi early 2024, the launch of the Abu Dhabi Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development, and demonstrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Action Plan Challenge 6.3 that called for the establishment of an RCE in Abu Dhabi.' The Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development network operates under a multi-stakeholder governance structure, bringing together the expertise of government entities, non-governmental organisations, universities, and international organisations. This inclusive approach ensures the effectiveness of operations, with all stakeholders committed to advancing education for sustainable development and restoring ecosystems. As part of its role, EAD will establish a Steering Committee to serve as the centre's governing body, responsible for setting strategic direction and overseeing operations across multiple entities. The Agency will manage daily decision-making, operational supervision, and partner coordination. Additionally, the formation of an Advisory Committee will bring together experts and practitioners in ecosystem restoration and sustainable education to provide specialised knowledge and guidance. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
Al Etihad
08-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi secures Abu Dhabi's membership in United Nations University network of Regional Centres (RCEs) of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), first in the GCC
8 May 2025 16:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of the Year of Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has secured recognition for Abu Dhabi as a member of the United Nations University (UNU) network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). With this achievement, Abu Dhabi becomes the first centre of expertise for environmental education and sustainability in the GCC its digital platform naha, EAD will lead this regional mission, driving collective efforts to advance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the adoption of best practices in education for sustainable initiative aims to safeguard and sustain the environment, enhancing quality of life for current and future General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, said, 'The recognition of Abu Dhabi by the United Nations University as the first regional centre for environmental education in the region underscores our forward-thinking approach to sustainability. It marks our commitment to strengthening environmental awareness and education for sustainable development. By harnessing the latest innovations and modern technologies, we continue to reinforce Abu Dhabi's leadership in global environmental action.''Environmental awareness and education are catalysts for conservation and development within our strategic framework. By broadening community engagement and forging regional and global partnerships, we are supporting the emirate's vision for a more sustainable and promising future for the generations to come.'Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Awareness at EAD, Ahmed Baharoon, said, 'The naha platform's forward-thinking and holistic strategy seamlessly integrates a portfolio of initiatives and programmes designed to empower community participation in environmental stewardship. These include the Sustainable Schools Initiative, recognised internationally by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Sustainable Campus Initiative, and the Sahim Citizen Science Programme. Leveraging Abu Dhabi's rich natural heritage, naha plays a key role in accelerating local and global sustainability efforts while nurturing a new generation of young leaders equipped to drive meaningful change.''The acknowledgment of naha by the United Nations University as a Regional Centre of Expertise builds upon the extremely successful 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) held in Abu Dhabi in early 2024, the launch of the Abu Dhabi Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development and demonstrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Action Plan Challenge 6.3 that called for the establishment of an RCE in Abu Dhabi.'The Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development network operates under a multi-stakeholder governance structure, bringing together the expertise of government entities, non-governmental organisations, universities, and international inclusive approach ensures the effectiveness of operations, with all stakeholders committed to advancing education for sustainable development and restoring part of its role, EAD will establish a Steering Committee to serve as the centre's governing body, responsible for setting strategic direction and overseeing operations across multiple agency will manage daily decision-making, operational supervision, and partner coordination. The formation of an advisory committee will bring together experts and practitioners in ecosystem restoration and sustainable education to provide specialised knowledge and guidance.
