Aizu-Wakamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Businesswomen's Club and the University of Aizu held an exchange program

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, an exchange program between Aizu-Wakamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Businesswomen's Club and the University of Aizu was held.

This program began in 2012, and is currently being implemented with the aim of disseminating the various initiatives and achievements of the University of Aizu to a wide range of people in the region through this program.

At this 11th exchange event, ASANO Atsushi*¹, Director of Office for Planning and Promotion, Professor, and Assistant to the President, gave a lecture on the theme of "International Cooperation and the Importance of Women's Empowerment and Human Resource Development in Regional Development". After working at a Japanese bank and a foreign bank, Director ASANO spent over 10 years with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), stationed in various African countries and working at the forefront of international cooperation. He later served as the mayor of Higashinari Ward in Osaka City, contributing significantly to local government and bringing a wealth of diverse and realistic experience.

In his lecture, he shared his past experiences while clearly explaining Japan's international cooperation efforts, the role of government, SDGs and gender issues, and the importance of women's empowerment and regional revitalization, as well as related initiatives at our university.　The participants were drawn in by Director ASANO's humorous and entertaining commentary, and learned a lot, were inspired, and had a fulfilling time.

Additionally, the event was held at the Community Space "Kiyare"*², which opened last December as part of the University of Aizu's 30th-anniversary projects. The interior features a signboard made with Aizu lacquerware, and fabric panels crafted from locally sourced wood and Aizu cotton, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The space typically serves as a place for students, international students, and faculty to rest, study, and interact with each other, as well as with members of the local community.

For the opening, Aizu-Wakamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its members provided tremendous support, so this event was also a wonderful opportunity for us to introduce the new facility to the Businesswomen's Club.

Thank you to all involved.

*¹https://u-aizu.ac.jp/research/faculty/detail?cd=90139&lng=en

*²https://u-aizu.ac.jp/en/curriculum/internal/student/kiyare.html