Special Lecture for Ukrainian Evacuees (Understanding the Japanese Development Experience Program) at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

On February 6 and 7, 2025, with the support of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo), a special lecture for Ukrainian evacuee students in Japan, entitled "Thinking about the Future of Ukraine through Japan Development and Peacebuilding Projects." was held at the GRIPS.

A total of 23 students gathered, not only from the Tokyo metropolitan area but also from Osaka and Fukuoka, to learn about the experience and knowledge of Japan's postwar and earthquake recovery. The attendees listened intently to the lecturers and discussed how to use them for the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.

Regarding the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, Mr. OKAMOTO Masakatsu, President of the Japan Academy for Municipal Personnel (JAMP) – who spearheaded the restoration and reconstruction efforts in the disaster-devasted areas and was involved in the establishment of the Reconstruction Agency then served as Secretary General – presented his engagement to the debris disposal project and the difficulties of relocating residents to safer places.

From GRIPS, Professor Andrea Pressello talked about Japan's postwar history and its international contribution to the world development. He also led a group discussion at the end of the program. When asked, "What would you like to do when you became a government official in your home country?", the students enthusiastically produced many ideas.

From JICA, Dr. HASHIMOTO, Special Advisor, who has been involved in the Project for Capacity Development of Public Service Broadcaster of Ukraine for more than five years before the full-scale invasion by Russia, as well as, Mr KAMIISHI Hiroto, Senior Assistant Director, who oversees the Project for Strengthening Capacity on Humanitarian Mine Action and UXO Clearance, the both lecturers introduced their experience on establishment of strong system for related organizations and difficulties for continuing the projects while avoiding the ongoing air raids.

This program was conducted with donations from Japanese companies (below) who kindly agreed to implement this support for Ukrainian evacuees. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who reached out to them.

[Reference]
* Past projects conducted using donations
(September 2024, Job Matching) Job Matching Event for Evacuees from Ukraine in Japan Using Donation ｜ Where We Work - JICA
(November 2024, Yokohama Regional Understanding Program, in Japanese) 寄附金を活用した国内ウクライナ避難民向け横浜研修プログラムを実施 ｜ 海外での取り組み - JICA

[Companies offering supports]