Discussing a wide range of topics with faculty and graduate students
On November 14, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, who was visiting Japan to commemorate the 70th year of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, came to Sophia University. Following being welcomed by Chancellor Sali Augastine and President Yoshiaki Terumichi, a round table discussion was held with faculty members and graduate students specializing in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies joined by undergraduate students as the audience.
The round table discussion was opened with a welcome address by the host, Dr. Masayuki Akahori, Director of the Center for Islamic Studies(SAIAS), and a welcome speech by Chancellor Augustine, followed by a keynote speech by Prince Hassan. In his keynote speech Prince Hassan reported on the ongoing warfare in the Middle East, the enormous suffering of civilians in the region, and the impact of the conflict on the children of the region. He emphasized that he hopes that Japan would support the Middle East region as it develops a new role in international political arena.
Professor Yasuhiro Ueki, Director of Human Resources Center for International Cooperation(SHRIC), then facilitated the discussion with the knowledgeable Prince Hassan on a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, geopolitics, education, and gender.
Attending the lecture, a doctoral student from the Graduate School of Global Studies expressed his admiration for Prince Hassan’s extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for global issues, including the establishment of a water network (in Jordan, about 75% of the land area is desert) as well as an institute for science and technology and commented that how he was impressed by Prince Hassan’s practical approach to solving these issues.