On October 7, Dr. Lucia Rivadeneira Barreiro, a lecturer at Manabí Technical University in Ecuador and a participant in the 2025 “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan: Joint Research and Training Course for Young Female Researchers from Developing Countries,” paid a courtesy visit to President Yasuto Nasu. The programme is jointly organized by Okayama University and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Professor Manabu Ohta of the Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Academic and Research (Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology Area), who serves as her host supervisor, accompanied Dr. Barreiro during the visit. Following an introduction of her academic background and research activities, an active exchange of views took place on her research theme, generative AI. President Nasu commented, “While there are challenges such as privacy protection, generative AI is a field expected to develop further in the coming years. I look forward to the outcomes of your research.”

On the same day, Dr. Barreiro joined President Nasu and Professor Ohta for a luncheon meeting, further deepening mutual understanding and exchange. She also visited Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle, where she experienced Japanese culture, including wearing a kimono and enjoying traditional matcha tea.
Okayama University and UNCTAD concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement in January 2020 to promote human resource development in Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI for SDGs), marking the first such agreement between UNCTAD and a university worldwide. Based on this agreement, the “Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan” provides short-term joint research and training opportunities (approximately two weeks to one month) for young female researchers from developing countries in Africa and ASEAN member states of UNCTAD. From this fiscal year, Latin America has newly been included among the target regions. Dr. Barreiro is one of the selected participants from the region and is the first participant of the fifth cohort to arrive in Japan.

Okayama University will continue to strengthen its collaboration with UNCTAD, the United Nations focal entity for STI for the SDGs and actively promote and disseminate initiatives in human resource development for STI for SDGs from Okayama to the world.

◯ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Established in 1964 and headquartered in Geneva, UNCTAD is the United Nations body responsible for trade, development, finance, investment, technology, and sustainable development issues. It works to maximize trade, investment, and development opportunities for developing countries, supporting them in addressing challenges arising from globalization and integrating into the global economy on an equitable footing.