From April 15 to 19, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held an intergovernmental meeting of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CTSD) in Geneva, Switzerland. In this context, in a significant move, Okayama University hosted a pivotal official side event of the CTSD meeting on April 17 in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva and UNCTAD. President NASU Yasutomo and Vice Executive Director Prof. KANO Mitsunobu (in charge of SDGs, Diversity, and Inclusion) attended the event as hosts, a large audience from numerous countries attended, including officials from the Permanent Mission to each country, Embassies, Ministries, and UN agencies.

This side event marked a significant achievement for Okayama University and UNCTAD, serving as a platform to highlight the remarkable success of the two parties’ joint human resource development programmes. Notably, the short-term programme for young female scientists has been a resounding success; Okayama University two young female scientists who had participated in the past: Dr. Menattallah Elserafy (Programme Specialist, basic Sciences, Research, Innovation, and Engineering section, Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences, Natural Sciences Sector, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (From Egypt)), and Dr. Maria Llaine J. Callanta, MD, PhD, MPM (Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Collage of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila (From the Philippines)). They shared how their participation positively impacted their ongoing research and careers, underscoring the effectiveness of the joint programmes.

Dr. Shamika Sirimanne, Director of Division on Technology and Logistics at UNCTAD, and H.E. Mr. OIKE Atsuyuki, Ambassador  Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva, joined President Nasu and the two young female scientists in a lively panel discussion, which Vice Executive Director Prof. Kano moderated. The audience, displaying high interest, posted many insightful questions about the programme’s coverage, participation, a testament to the programme’s relevance and the interest it generates, was a key highlight of the event.

As a testament to the unwavering commitment and the success of the collaboration, the Comprehensive Collaborative Agreement of UNCTAD and Okayama University, which was due for renewal this year, was not only signed but will be extended for another five years. This extension solidifies the joint efforts’ continuity and long-term commitment of the two institutions, laying a robust foundation for future endeavors.

In addition, Okayama University participated in an exhibition booth during the annual meeting to introduce the programme to many visitors.

The programme is now entering a new phase, and consideration is being given to expanding its coverage beyond the current African and ASEAN countries.

◯ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD was established in 1964. Located in Geneva, the UN’s central body comprehensively addresses issues related to trade and development, finance, investment, technology, and sustainable development. It aims to maximize trade, investment, and development opportunities for developing countries, assist them in facing challenges arising from globalization, and integrate them into the world economy on an equal footing.