A symposium on "Japan-UNRWA, Palestine Refugees in the Changing Middle East" took place on August 8.
This symposium was conducted jointly by Sophia University and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with whom we have a strategic cooperation agreement concluded in the wider context of global cooperation.
We invited Mr. Filippo Grandi, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and Professor Emeritus of Sophia University Dr. Sadako Ogata who is a special advisor to JICA. The discussion focused on the problems that center around the current situation of Palestine refugees.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Grandi spoke on the issue of the Middle East situation emphasizing that the question of Palestine refugees would remain a pressing concern in the region. He also explained that the activities of UNRWA mission have always been the center for providing assistance and protection of Palestine refugees.
Professor Emeritus Dr.Sadako Ogata
In the panel discussion, the speakers were being asked to set forth their viewpoints on the new international situation brought about by a wave of demonstrations and protests in the Middle East, and thereby discuss the future developments in the region. The panel exchanged opinions on why Japan supports a cause for helping Palestine refugees.
Panelists were Professor Ogata, Mr. Tatsuo Arima, Director of Middle East Institute of Japan, Ms. Misako Kaji, Director-General for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, Professor Ryoji Tateyama at National Defense Academy of Japan, Professor Masatoshi Kisaichi, in the Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Asian Cultures at Sophia University.
Throughout the symposium participants listened attentively to discussions and at a point of high interest, the audience was invited to join in and series of questions were raised by enthusiastic participants. The speakers and participants led the discussions to lively debates. All in all, the symposium turned out to be a great success.
