On 26 August, representatives from Kyoto University, the University of Bordeaux, and Addis Ababa University (AAU) met at AAU's Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) in Ethiopia to discuss academic cooperation strategies. The discussion was focused on collaboration in African studies between the three universities, all of which are recognized for their considerable expertise in the field.
Participants from Kyoto included Professor Fumihiko Matsuda, director of the Graduate School of Medicine's Center for Genomic Medicine, and Professor Masayoshi Shigeta, director of the Center for African Area Studies (CAAS), as well as President Juichi Yamagiwa. They were joined at the meeting by two Japanese counsellors: Mr Akira Uchida of the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia, and Mr Tetsuya Unno of the Mission of Japan to the African Union.
As the session began, Director Matsuda described the background and purpose of the conference, while also reflecting on the history of cooperation between KyotoU and the University of Bordeaux. An animated discussion then ensued among delegations from the three universities, with the University of Bordeaux represented by President Manuel Tunon de Lara, and AAU by IES Director Takele Merid.
Participants agreed to closely work together toward building a research cooperation framework spanning Japan, Europe, and Africa, recognizing the importance of such an effort in light of the increasing global focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The second half of the meeting was devoted to the exploration of collaboration opportunities around the topics of ongoing interest to the three universities: African area studies, health and population aging, and sustainable cities. The session included participants from other Africa-based research institutions, such as the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, and the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. Their constructive opinions and unique viewpoints enriched the discussion, and inspired the participants from Kyoto to seek stronger partnerships with institutions in French-speaking Africa and Europe.
The occasion also offered the KyotoU delegation a chance to take part in an opening ceremony for the University's own Africa Office, established within AAU-IES this past April. Kyoto University aims to use this office to further advance its Africa-based activities, including field surveys — which have continued over 60 years — along with research and education collaborations with local partners.
During the cooperation strategy conference
Opening ceremony for the KyotoU Africa Office
Conference participants
