#Japan #Osaka #Sustainable Development #Osaka Expo #JICA

JICA Students Engage with Osaka Companies at Expo 2025

In a remarkable initiative, JICA Kansai will host around 40 international students from developing countries in a program titled "Co-Creation with Expo Participating Companies and JICA Students," running from August to October 2025. This collaboration, in partnership with the Pacific Human Resource Development Center (PREX), aims to facilitate learning and exchange experiences through a focus on the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Program Overview

With the Osaka Health Pavilion "Reborn Challenge" as a focal point, the program includes direct visits to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in the expo. This unique experience allows students to familiarize themselves with the innovative technologies and appealing strengths of these local enterprises. Through these interactions, JICA students will gain insights into sustainable social development, which they will subsequently share with stakeholders both domestically and internationally. The goal is to foster a collaborative effort towards a more sustainable future society.

Pre-Learning

Date: August 5 (Tuesday)
Location: JICA Kansai
The pre-learning session will focus on the expo's themes, including sustainable development and the distinctive characteristics and strengths of Osaka's SMEs.

Company Visits

Date: August 6 (Wednesday)
Location: Companies in Yao City and Osaka City
Students will visit seven companies participating in the expo, gaining firsthand knowledge about the efforts these organizations are making towards innovation and sustainability.

Expo Visits

Dates: September 17 (Wednesday) & September 25 (Thursday)
Location: Expo Venue (Yumeshima)
During these visits, students will specifically explore the Osaka Health Care Pavilion "Reborn Challenge" and interact with companies exhibiting sustainable initiatives in the textile and fashion industries.

Reporting Session

Date: October 10 (Friday)
Location: JICA Kansai Second Floor Briefing Room
From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, students will share their learnings and insights from both company and expo visits. The session will kick off with a greeting from the PREX president, followed by remarks from the director of JICA Kansai, a reporting session on their findings, a summary discussion, and concluding with an opinion exchange.

The Role of JICA Students

The JICA students, who are pursuing their studies in Japan under JICA’s development human resource program, come from diverse backgrounds including civil servants, researchers, and private sector professionals in their home countries. Each one has the potential to become a leader contributing to their nation's development. This program not only enhances their academic pursuits but also seeks to strengthen the bridge between Japan and developing nations, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge and cultural understanding.

Conclusion

The collaboration between JICA, PREX, and participating Osaka companies presents a significant opportunity for international students to deepen their understanding of sustainable practices and innovations. By engaging directly with SMEs and participating in the Expo, these students are set to become impactful agents of change in their respective countries, armed with knowledge that transcends borders. As we approach the Osaka-Kansai Expo, this program exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and sustainable development, focusing on shared futures and community growth.