On Tuesday, May 12, Hokkaido University hosted "Belgium Day" to commemorate the 160th anniversary of friendship between Belgium and Japan, welcoming H.E. Mr. Antoine Evrard, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Japan.
A lecture session was held at Akira Suzuki Hall of the Frontier Research in Applied Sciences Building under the theme "Driving Change in Gender Inclusivity: Insights from Belgium." Ambassador Evrard delivered a lecture on policies and challenges related to promoting women's participation in the political sphere in Belgium.
In addition, Ms. Kanako Kikuchi, Representative Director and President of UCB Japan Co., Ltd., and a graduate of Hokkaido University's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy, gave a presentation on gender diversity in the business sector and initiatives to enable diverse talent to thrive in the workplace.
Furthermore, Mr. Dirk De Ruyver, Representative of Flanders Investment & Trade, Belgium, spoke about the background of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation concluded between Belgium and Japan in 1866, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of the event's significance.
Following the lectures, a Q&A session moderated by Professor Hyunjoo Naomi Chi from the Graduate School of Public Policy was held. Participants engaged in lively discussions on topics such as cultural differences between Japan and Belgium, the applicability of the Belgian model to Japan, and STEM fields and employment.
Prior to the lecture session, Ambassador Evrard visited the Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Center for Environmental and Health Sciences. During these visits, he interacted with students studying French-related courses and exchanged views with researchers.
The visit concluded with a courtesy call on President Houkin and Executive Vice President Ishizuka, during which they exchanged views on future collaboration between the two countries.
(Text provided by Division of International Relations, International Affairs Department)
