A celebration honouring the 25th anniversary of the UNU Global Seminar – Shonan Session was held at the UNU in Tokyo on 31 August.

The theme of this year’s Shonan Session — “Global Challenges and East Asian Responses” — addressed the impacts of globalization on the region and the initiatives being taken by various actors in response to the challenges. The seminar programme included sessions on geopolitical and economic issues, historical and cultural perceptions, and the roles played by the media and non-governmental organizations to foster a shared identity in East Asia.

The opening session was followed by two keynote lectures; one by Prof. William Tow on “The Pressing Global Issues in the 21st Century and Their Impacts on East Asian Countries”, and one by Prof. Kinhide Mushakoji (a former UNU Vice-Rector on “East Asia’s Responses to the Challenges of Globalization”.

During the following three days, the seminar participants examined the issues identified by these lectures in sessions hosted by the Kanagawa International Foundation at the Shonan International Village in Hayama. The programme consisted of lectures by distinguished experts from Japan, China, the Republic of Korea and Australia, and discussion and exchange among participants and lecturers.

Mr. Muto, director of the Kanagawa International Foundation, and Rector Osterwalder and Vice-Rector Takeuchi of UNU cut cakes celebrating 25 years of the UNU Shonan Global Seminar. Photo: DNP Services/UNU