Africa
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Attends an Event Hosted by the STS forum



1. On Saturday, August 27, commencing at 12:26 p.m. (local time; 6:26 p.m., Japan time) for approximately five minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Nairobi, the Republic of Kenya to attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), attended the TICAD VI Japan-African Workshop for Strengthening Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation, which was held by the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), and delivered an address(English (PDF) / Japanese (PDF)
).
2. In his address, Prime Minister Abe noted the important role that science and technology played in the history of Japan’s modernization, expressed his conviction that science and technology are now literally bringing quantum leaps to Africa’s development, and explained that he believes Japanese science and technology are certain to contribute to enhancing the happiness of the people of Africa.
(Reference)
This side event was held by the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum (NPO) from 10:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. The main attendees were Mrs. Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, Minister, Department of Science and Technology, South Africa; Mr. Taku Ohstuka, State Minister of Finance,Mr. Yoshifumi Matsumura, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry; Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); and Mr. Koji Omi, Chairman of the STS forum. A direction was established for cooperation between Japan and African countries’ relevant organizations, toward developing social infrastructure, securing new energies such as renewable energies, and achieving a complete health and medical care system, including improved measures to combat infectious diseases, in Africa.