On Thursday, June 12, Hokkaido University renewed its partnership agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

This agreement was concluded in 2005 with the objectives of improving the quality of international cooperation projects in developing regions, making international contributions, advancing academic research and education, and cultivating human resources capable of contributing to international cooperation. It is renewed every five years, and this marks the fourth time it has been renewed.

Our university and JICA have dispatched experts and research teams, accepted trainees, etc., and in recent years have expanded the scope of our collaboration through SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) and sending students as interns, etc. As our university places importance on field science, by renewing this agreement, we hope to further utilize our collaborative projects with JICA as a place to realize the Extension stated in our university's HU VISION 2030.

[Contents of collaboration]

(1) Accepting JICA trainees and international students and providing support for them
(2) Dispatch of faculty members, staff, special researchers, and other experts and members of research teams
(3) Support for undergraduate and graduate students participating in JICA activities, such as the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program
(4) Hokkaido University's educational and research activities in collaboration with JICA activities
In addition, JICA staff will participate in Hokkaido University-related projects, and other personnel exchanges
(5) Acceptance of internship students at JICA
(6) Implementing collaborative projects overseas
(7) Mutual and effective use of facilities
(8) Any other matters agreed upon by both parties in addition to those listed in the preceding paragraphs.

JICA President Akihiko Tanaka (left) and President Kiyohiro Takakin (right) signing the document