Europe
FY 2026 Young Diplomats Invitation Program from NIS (Central Asia and the Caucasus) countries
From October 5 to 12, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited seven young diplomats and officials from NIS (Central Asia and the Caucasus) countries under the theme of “Disaster Risk Reduction & AI.”
1. During their stay in Japan, following a courtesy call on Akiko IKUINA, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, the participants of the program met with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Bosai Platform. They received explanations on Japan's international cooperation initiatives in the field of disaster risk reduction as well as disaster prevention measures utilizing AI and digital technology, and exchanged views with the representatives. Additionally, they attended a lecture by Professor Takeshi YUASA of Sophia University on "Security Perspectives from Japan and the Far East," which was followed by an active discussion.
2. In addition, the participants visited the National Diet Building and other sites in Tokyo to learn about Japanese politics and history, and also conducted regional visits (in Hiroshima and Kyoto). In Hiroshima, they visited the Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and other sites, deepening their understanding of the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons by confronting the realities of the atomic bombing. In Kyoto, they deepened their understanding of Japanese history and traditional culture through a study tour and a tea ceremony experience.
3. Participants expressed their desire to further develop relations between Japan and the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus, utilizing the knowledge they acquired through this invitation program regarding disaster prevention measures leveraging Japan's AI and digital technologies, as well as Japanese culture and history.
(Reference)Young Diplomats and Officials Invitation Program for NIS (Central Asia and the Caucasus) countries
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, young diplomats and government officials from the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) are invited to Japan to deepen mutual understanding through exchanges of views with government and business representatives and experts, visits to economic and cultural facilities, and visits to regional areas.