Latin America and the Caribbean

From March 1 to 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted the 16th Invitation Program for Young Leaders of FEALAC.

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has been hosting this Program since 2000, one year after FEALAC was established, in order to deepen the understanding on common issues between Asia and Latin America, and to strengthen the relationship among FEALAC member countries. The issue for this year's program was ""disaster risk reduction" "sustainable growth" and "use of technology", an issue of common concern for both Asia and Latin America.
2. On March 2, the FEALAC young leaders received lectures on Japan's measures for disaster risk reduction and reconstruction by government officials. On March 3 and 4, the participants learned the Red Cross hospital's response just after the disaster and efforts by universities and municipalities for reconstruction and visited disaster-affected communities in Ishinomaki City and Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. On March 5 and 6, young leaders experimented the power of natural disasters in life safety learning center and experienced Japanese culture by visiting Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa. On March 7, the participants made presentations on their findings and the possibility of application to their respective countries what they learnt during this visit.
3. On March 2, the FEALAC young leaders paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Shunsuke Takei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. On March 6, the participants were given an audience with Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princes Akishino.