On October 26, a young female scientist participating in the 2023 "Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan," a collaborative research and training course co-organized by Okayama University and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), visited President NASU Yasutomo. Dr. Maria Llaine J. Callanta, an Associate Professor from the University of the Philippines Manila, was welcomed by President Nasu, along with Vice President for Global Engagement Prof. YOKOI Atsufumi, and Vice President for International Affairs and Alumni Prof. SUZUKI Takayoshi, who listened as Dr. Callanta introduced her background and research plan at Okayama University.

The short-term program welcomes young female scientists from Africa and ASEAN countries. Dr. Callanta was introduced to this program by her colleague from the same university, who also participated in the same program last year. During her three-week stay, she plans to advance her research under the guidance of Assistant Professor KOBAYASHI Junko from the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of Okayama University Hospital.

After the courtesy visit, Dr. Callanta visited Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle, immersing herself in Japanese culture, including attempting a traditional tea ceremony for the first time.

Okayama University and UNCTAD signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement in January 2020, making us the first university in the world to do so, to foster human resources in science, technology, and innovation (STI) to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on this agreement, the 'Young Female Scientist Programme in Japan' was established to provide short-term joint research and training ranging from 14 days to 30 days for young female scientists from developing countries in Africa and ASEAN member countries. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first batch of seven participants conducted their program online. However, the second batch for the 2022 academic year, consisting of 13 participants (eight from South Africa, two from The Gambia, and one from Egypt, Tanzania, and the Philippines), visited Okayama University to conduct research activities.

Okayama University is committed to strengthening collaboration with UNCTAD, a central UN agency for STI for SDGs, to promote initiatives for human resource development in STI for SDGs globally and actively disseminate information domestically and internationally.

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