On August 25, Okayama University and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held an online session which young female researchers from developing countries participating in “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan” present their research results.

On January 9, 2020, Okayama University became the world’s first university to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the UNCTAD. Both entities agreed to develop human resources in “Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals” (STI for SDGs) to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and established the joint research and training course for young female researchers from developing countries as a direct result. The seven researchers from UNCTAD member countries (two from Botswana, one each from Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Thailand) selected to participate in this short-term programme all took part in the research results presentation this time.

In this programme, young female researchers will visit laboratories at Okayama University in order to gain knowledge in their desired research fields, conduct short-term research activities, and learn about the SDGs initiatives being promoted by the university. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, they have been conducting online research activities since April this year.

During the online presentation session, participants gave a presentation on the results of the research they have been conducting online with their supervisors as well as their research plans for when international travel becomes possible again in the near future.

UNCTAD Director of Division on Technology and Logistics Shamika N. SIRIMANNE and UNCTAD Chief of Science, Technology, and ICT Branch Angel GONZALEZ-SANZ joined the session as representatives of UNCTAD and President MAKINO Hirofumi; Provost and Executive Director for Academic Affairs FUNAHASHI Hiroaki, Vice President and Executive Director for Research NASU Yasutomo, Senior Vice President for Global Engagement Strategy and UNESCO Chairholder YOKOI Atsufumi, and Vice President for International Affairs SUZUKI Takayoshi joined as representatives of Okayama University.

President Makino gave the opening remarks, encouraging the young female scientists by confirming that—as a research university promoting the SDGs—Okayama University would like to create and disseminate new values together with young female scientists on what STI can do for the SDGs from the perspective of Human and Planetary Health. Afterward, Director Sirimanne expressed her gratitude toward university faculty and staff members who are providing guidance and support to the young female researchers under the difficult circumstances of the global pandemic and expressed her hope that this program will continue to lead to the development of human resources in the fields of STI in developing countries. Then, the seven young female scientists each gave a five-minute presentation on their research results, followed by review from Executive Director Nasu.

As an organizer of this programme, Okayama University is actively strengthening its ties with UNCTAD, a UN body that implements and manages STI for SDGs,and promoting STI for SDGs human resource development both domestically and globally.

○ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. Their headquarters are located in Geneva. They work together with other UN Secretariat to comprehensively addresses issues related to trade, finance, investment, technology and sustainable development in developing countries facing problems arising from globalization by maximizing their opportunities and equipping them with the means to integrate into the global economy on an equal footing.