The Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah brought together global experts from the UAE, Japan, and Switzerland to emphasize the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and communication in addressing complex global challenges. The first session, 'UAE & Japan: Cross-Cultural Education in a Globalised World,' looked at diplomacy, culture, and education. Diplomats and educational leaders from Japan and Sharjah gathered to discuss how they improved their collaborative educational efforts. Japan, renowned for its education system and its emphasis on human capital, opened its doors to Emirati students while fostering cultural exchange between the two nations. Akio Isomato, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, noted that his country has already accepted over 700 UAE students into its colleges and universities. This initiative, known as J-MENA (Study in Japan Global Network Project in Middle East & North Africa), seeks to support students from the Middle East and Africa, with a significant focus on Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Japanese colleges and universities have also expanded their English-language programmes, making education in Japan more accessible to international students. The educational exchange programme extends beyond higher education. High school students from both nations have participated in exchange programmes, fostering cultural understanding and exposing them to new ideas and perspectives. One exciting theme of this exchange is Shokuiku, or food education, which teaches the importance of food culture in Japan. Emirati students are learning about Japanese culture and language in their home schools, and some continue their education in Japan. "Education and human capital are the foundations upon which nations are built," said Akio Isomato, Japan's Ambassador to the UAE. Japan and Sharjah collaborate on internship programs for Emirati students in Japanese companies. This initiative aims to provide Emirati students with valuable job skills and opportunities in Japanese companies.
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Government Relations, stated that education is central to the UAE's mission. He emphasized the UAE's history of rapid literacy growth over the last 50 years. "Education and outreach are at the heart of our work," he said, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in education. Japan has taught us a lot, and we want to expand educational opportunities for our youth. Both countries' leaders are also keen for our children to learn each other's languages, Arabic and Japanese, in order to increase collaboration and appreciation of the other's culture and ethos."
The Sharjah Private Education Authority's Chairperson, Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, emphasized Sharjah's transformative approach to improving the efficiency and inclusivity of education, saying, "Our education model combines international best practices with a local touch, offering a diverse choice for parents and focusing on the holistic development of students." The second session, titled 'Scarcity in the midst of Abundance: Deciphering the Water Security Paradox,' addressed the global water crisis and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing water-related challenges. Switzerland, known as "The Water Tower of Europe" due to its abundant water resources, shared insights into climate change challenges, emphasizing the importance of early action and international cooperation.
According to Arthur Mattli, Switzerland's Ambassador to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain, despite its abundant water resources, the country is already feeling the effects of climate change. With warmer temperatures leading to less winter snowfall, Switzerland anticipates a 30 to 40% reduction in summer water availability in the coming years. This shift presents difficulties. The second session, titled 'Scarcity in the midst of Abundance: Deciphering the Water Security Paradox,' addressed the global water crisis and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing water-related challenges. Switzerland, known as "The Water Tower of Europe" due to its abundant water resources, shared insights into climate change challenges, emphasizing the importance of early action and international cooperation.
According to Arthur Mattli, Switzerland's Ambassador to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain, despite its abundant water resources, the country is already feeling the effects of climate change. With warmer temperatures leading to less winter snowfall, Switzerland anticipates a 30 to 40% reduction in summer water availability in the coming years. This shift presents difficulties.
