The 6^th JDS Pre-return Program (hereinafter referred to as “Program”) was held from February 24 to March 4, 2022, and 339 JDS Fellows from 18 countries gathered online. 2 years in a row the Program was held online in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Through the Program, JDS Fellows reaffirmed their missions and leadership role in the advancement of their respective countries and shared aspirations in leading their countries towards a better future after returning home.

Dr. TANIGUCHI Tomohiko, Professor of Keio University and former Special Adviser to Prime Minister ABE Shinzo Cabinet, delivered the special lecture titled “Five Challenges that Haunt Japan: Where to from Here” to explain in detail the current issues that Japan faces. With the points raised by Dr. Taniguchi, the lecture provided JDS Fellows, who are mainly public servants, a precious opportunity to perceive their knowledge and experiences acquired in Japan and many clues on how to contribute to their own country.

Mr. YOSHINO Kenya, Professor from GLOBIS University, gave the interactive lecture about Japanese leadership style by arousing the participants to discuss the topics related to leadership.

In addition to the above sessions, the Panel Discussion by Active Alumni, titled “Leadership –Bringing changes to the organization-” has been held for the first time. Having moderated by a JDS PhD Fellow 3 JDS alumni panelists who play leading roles in their respective countries, such as the First Deputy Minister or Deputy Director, actively exchanged their views on leadership. The panelists’ discussion based on their actual experiences fascinated and motivated the Fellows to deepen their thoughts on what role JDS Fellows should play as a leader upon their return.

In the latter half of the Program, JDS Fellows worked in groups, sharing ideas with peers in the same batch from different countries and universities to build and strengthen their JDS network. Through various other sessions, such as an action plan-making session for SDGs, a self-reviewing session, and an alumni activity session, they stimulated each other and gained a mutual understanding that raised their spirits as JDS Fellows.

Here are some comments from JDS Fellows:

“It was a great opportunity to interact with the senior JDS Fellows to hear their experience and idea. As a member of the first batch of the Kenya JDS Fellows, I will try to help design the JDS network in the future from here” (Kenya)
“Through the networking session with the other JDS Fellows, I reflected on actions to achieve the goals for myself and country in the future.” (Cambodia)

JICE will continue to support JDS Fellows, not only for their academic achievement and daily life in Japan but also for their post-JDS activities to challenge and change the world for good.

TAKEUCHI Shunpei
International Student Programs Division
International Student Programs Department Ⅰ