#Japan #Tokyo #JICA #Hokkaido University #Global Challenges

Strengthening Global Solutions through Collaboration

On April 18, at the JICA headquarters in Kojimachō, Tokyo, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Hokkaido National University Corporation signed a comprehensive partnership agreement. This marks the first initiative of its kind between JICA and a university corporation that has integrated multiple universities. The agreement aims to leverage the academic strengths of Hokkaido University in commerce, agriculture, and engineering to address complex, global challenges such as climate change, significant disasters, food security, inequality, and conflicts, which have become increasingly intertwined.

The Hokkaido National University Corporation was formed in April 2022 through the integration of three institutions: Otaru University of Commerce, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, and Kitami Institute of Technology. This pioneering initiative in Japan represents a collaborative effort among universities that specialize in different fields to enhance educational and research quality while contributing to the local community's development. JICA’s relationship with Obihiro University has been particularly strong, having engaged in various training programs since well before the opening of JICA Hokkaido in 1996. Notably, it became the first university to establish a comprehensive partnership agreement with JICA, particularly excelling in the field of agriculture and livestock.

Additionally, JICA and Kitami Institute of Technology have been collaborating since 2021 through long-term training programs and grassroots technical cooperation projects. With this new partnership agreement, collaboration with Otaru University of Commerce will also be established, marking a significant step forward.

The partnership signifies a comprehensive approach between academia and international cooperation. JICA aims to foster an environment where Japan's scientific and technological advancements can significantly contribute to global societal innovation. By forging this robust partnership, they aspire to respond effectively to escalating multifaceted risks in the world, helping to promote international cooperation.

About Hokkaido National University Corporation

Established in April 2022, the Hokkaido National University Corporation integrates three national universities: Otaru University of Commerce, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, and Kitami Institute of Technology. The corporation seeks to enhance the quality of education and research by utilizing the distinct strengths of each university in collaboration to contribute to community development. For more information, please visit Hokkaido National University Corporation.

About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

JICA is the Japanese government’s institution responsible for official development assistance (ODA) aimed at resolving the challenges facing developing countries. It conducts technical cooperation, financial assistance, and various projects in over 150 countries and regions. As the international community's challenges are closely linked to Japan, JICA collaborates with domestic and international partners to address these issues, contributing to global peace and prosperity, as well as Japan’s further development. For more details, please visit JICA.

Previous Collaborations between JICA, Obihiro University, and Kitami Institute of Technology

• - Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

This university has focused on international cooperation targeted at developing regions alongside cultivating human resources for international collaboration. They have received training participants and dispatched faculty members as JICA experts, while also collaborating on providing lectures on international cooperation and engaging students in overseas volunteering. Over 300 JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers have emerged from Obihiro University.
More information can be found here.

• - Kitami Institute of Technology

Located in North Hokkaido, this university specializes in infrastructure management research for cold climates, including the unique challenges posed by frost heave. Their findings are utilized for road management in Kitami City. In collaboration with Kitami City, JICA’s grassroots technical cooperation will also support researchers and engineers involved in road construction in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Additional details are available here.