JCI Japan Hosts a Global Youth UN Ambassador Training in Germany

From August 24 to 30, 2025, students from Japan and Germany participated in a unique training program organized by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCI Japan). This initiative is part of the Global Youth UN Ambassador program, which aims to foster the future leaders of diplomacy by providing high school students with valuable insights into global cultures and values through international training opportunities. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, making this program particularly significant as participants reflected on historical contexts while discussing pathways towards achieving enduring world peace.

Overview of the Global Youth UN Ambassador Program

JCI Japan initiated this program in 2017 to empower tomorrow’s leaders by exposing them to various cultures and international challenges. The core focus for 2025 is on promoting sustainable world peace. This year, students from Japan and Germany will have mutual exchanges in what is a first for this project. The partnership with JCI Germany facilitated the training, allowing students to collaborate and share their experiences, an essential aspect given both countries' shared history involving World War II.

Training Schedule and Activities

The training was held in Berlin and included a well-structured itinerary designed to engage the participants in thought-provoking activities:

- Day 1: Travel from Japan to Germany.
- Day 2: City tour of Berlin followed by a welcome party.
- Day 3: Historical site visits in Berlin conducted in a scavenger hunt format to encourage exploration and teamwork.
- Day 4: Visit to the Japanese Embassy in Germany for dialogue exchange.
- Day 5: Meeting with the Mayor of Oranienburg and a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
- Day 6: Insights about the Berlin Wall and concluding with presentations by the groups.
- Day 7: Return to Japan.

A total of 20 Japanese students and 13 German students participated in the program. This dynamic partnership was aimed at preparing these young ambassadors for future challenges in diplomacy and international relations through shared experiences and ideas.

Learning Outcomes

The expectation from this program was not just to learn about historical events but to instill a consciousness for peace-building based on lessons from the past. It aimed to cultivate:

- A sense of responsibility for peace among the youth reflecting on historical narratives.
- A deep understanding of diverse values and perspectives in a global context.
- Enhanced communication and collaborative skills necessary for future diplomatic leaders.

Detailed Report of the Training Experience

Throughout the training, morning sessions focused on various topics, including communication, conflict resolution, anger management, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and negotiation. Participants received direct lessons from accomplished experts, including members of the German Parliament. Evening activities were centered around teamwork, as Japanese and German participants worked in mixed groups to tackle challenges related to peace initiatives. They presented their solutions in a final presentation, showcasing the skills and ideas they acquired during the training.

The training not only provided an opportunity to learn about historical sites like the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and the Berlin Wall but also helped deepen the participants' understanding of the importance of peace and their responsibility in sustaining it for future generations.

Next Steps for Ambassadors

In the coming months, these young ambassadors will engage in awareness activities across different regions. Notably, two selected Japanese ambassadors will attend the JCI World Conference in Tunis, Tunisia, in November 2025, where they will present proposals aimed at achieving enduring peace.

Conclusion

This initiative represents a significant step towards shaping global leaders committed to fostering peace. The ongoing activities and reports can be followed on their official social media accounts, including Instagram @jcijp_gyambassador. The impact of this training extends far beyond the confines of the program, aiming to instill a global mentality among the youth as they tackle future challenges together.

Stay tuned for updates and achievements from the Global Youth UN Ambassadors as they continue this vital journey towards a more peaceful world!