University of Tsukuba student delegates join Japan-Russia Student Forum 2017
2017/09/14
During the 3rd Annual Eastern Economic Forum, an international forums held in Vladivostok, Russia last September 6-7, two students representing the University of Tsukuba participated in the Japan - Russia Student Forum. Ms. Yumena Taniguchi, a senior, and Mr. Daishi Okura, a junior, of the College of Comparative Culture, School of Humanities and Culture, engaged in discussions with their Russian counterparts on Japan-Russia relations. As representative of the Japanese students, Ms. Taniguchi, together with the Russian student representative, presented the declaration formulated at the forum to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their courtesy visit.
[Student voices]
Ms. Taniguchi:
Despite the magnificent theme of the forum, it was a good experience for me to join deliberations on detailed action plans. It was also an honor to have the opportunity to present to Prime Minister Abe the declaration. I feel optimistic that the voices of the youth could be heard and could even influence cordial relations on a higher level. I consider valuable all the encounters I had throughout the forum and truly hope that student forums such as this will be held more for the youth to discuss issues that affect their future.
Mr. Okura:
Through this forum, I was fascinated to see the stakeholders involved to develop strong relationships between Japan and Russia are not only the heads of the two countries, but also universities, industries, private sector, among others. And I actually felt that it is possible to influence society and change the world if I myself would act such as by contributing my opinions in the formulation of a declaration. I believe the youth should take action if they aim for better relations with Russia, other than this forum.
(from FB)
