On 30 July, the Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability (GSAIS, or "Shishukan") held a symposium to kick off the "UNECO Chair on Water, Energy and Disaster Management for Sustainable Development (WENDI)" at the International Science Innovation Building.
KyotoU President Juichi Yamagiwa delivered opening remarks while GSAIS Program-Specific Associate Professor Minako Yoshikawa served as the emcee. These were followed by congratulatory addresses from two guests: Mr Mitsuhiro Ikehara, deputy director-general for international affairs at the science ministry MEXT, and senior deputy secretary-general of Japanese National Commission for UNESCO; and Dr Hirotada Matsuki, director of international affairs at the Water and Disaster Management Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MILT). GSAIS Dean Kaoru Takara then presented an overview of WENDI, for which he serves as a chair holder.
The main program was comprised of four sessions, each featuring presentations from UNESCO Chair and Center officials on specified topics. The final session explored WENDI's policies, in an animated discussion where the panel occasionally responded to audience comments and questions.
The event closed on a high note with remarks from Dr Kayo Inaba, Kyoto University's executive vice-president for gender equality, international affairs, and public relations.
The following day featured technical excursions to some of the World Heritage Sites located in the prefecture of Kyoto, including Kiyomizu and Byodoin Temples, the latter situated in the city of Uji. At each site, participants learned about local fire-prevention measures by observing and testing the equipment.
GSAIS Dean Takara
GSAIS Program-Specific Associate Professor Yoshikawa
Mr Ikehara, senior deputy secretary-general of Japanese National Commission for UNESCO
Dr Matsuki, director of international affairs at MILT's Water and Disaster Management Bureau
A presentation
President Yamagiwa holding up a chimaki good-luck charm, available for purchase during the annual Gion Festival from Yasaka Shrine and "festival houses"
Inspecting fire-fighting equipment near Kiyomizu Temple, one of the cultural sites covered by the technical excursions
Symposium presenters and participants
Related link
- UNESCO Chair on Water, Energy and Disaster Management for Sustainable Development (WENDI)
http://wendi.kyoto-u.ac.jp/index.html
