The annual meeting of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), consisting of 43 major Member States of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), was held at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 27 to 31. Prof. Atsufumi Yokoi, Senior Vice President for Global Engagement Strategy, was invited and featured as a guest speaker in the main session, "Highlights of Technical Cooperation activities under the CSTD," on March 29.
　In addition to Okayama University, representatives from Brazil, Thailand, and China have also participated in this session, presenting their countries' programs in collaboration with UNCTAD. Furthermore, a video message by Incoming President Yasutomo Nasu delivered a powerful message to the Member States about the continued cooperation and partnership between Okayama University and UNCTAD.
　In January 2020, Okayama University and UNCTAD signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) for the development of human resources for science and technology innovation (STI for SDGs) to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the first of its kind for a university in the world, and based on this agreement, "Joint Research and Training Course for Young Female Researchers from Developing Countries (Short-term Program) and the "Doctoral Degree Program for Young Researchers from Developing Countries (Long-term program)," started and have accepted 21 young female researchers and three students to doctoral programs. In addition, at the end of January, Shamika Sirimanne, Director of Department of Technology and Logistics, UNCTAD, visited our University to interact with students and give a special lecture for faculty, staff, and community members. These achievements and the University's contributions and accomplishments to the program over the past three years were highly appreciated and led to Senior Vice President Yokoi's appearance at this year's CSTD session.
　Senior Vice President Yokoi met with Director Sirimanne and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation through joint programs with UNCTAD. Senior Vice President Yokoi also paid a courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Kozo Honsei, the Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva, who expressed his deep understanding of the University's efforts to represent Japan through its past partnerships with UN agencies and shared his views on the University's future role and collaboration.

○ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
　Established in 1964. Located in Geneva, UNCTAD is the central United Nations agency that comprehensively addresses trade and development, finance, investment, technology, and sustainable development issues. It aims to maximize trade, investment, and development opportunities for developing countries, assist developing countries in facing challenges arising from globalization, and integrate them into the world economy on an equal footing.

For inquiries:
Global Engagement Office
TEL: 086-251-8326 (International Affairs Division, International Department)