JICE jointly implemented the Summer Program of the UAE Youth Ambassadors Program Japan (YAP 2.0 Japan) with the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures in August 2026 for UAE students currently studying at universities in Japan.

The Summer Program served as a core component of a broader ten-month initiative comprising multiple activities from May 2026. Through these activities, the program seeks to deepen participants' understanding of Japanese society and culture and support their development as future leaders who can serve as bridges between the UAE and Japan.

Fourteen selected UAE students studying at universities in Japan participated in the program. Through site visits and discussions with stakeholders across Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures, they explored themes including recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, disaster risk reduction, advanced science and technology, and regional revitalization.Officials from the UAE Presidential Court also accompanied the participants during the program and joined selected visits and meetings with local stakeholders.

In Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures, participants learned about recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake through lectures, discussions, and site visits. They gained a deeper understanding of the progress made in reconstruction as well as initiatives aimed at regional revitalization. The program also provided an opportunity to examine challenges facing regional communities in Japan and efforts to build a more sustainable society, encouraging participants to consider community development from multiple perspectives.

In Fukushima City, participants paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Yuki Baba and exchanged views on post-disaster recovery, the city's vision for the future, and the importance of international exchange. Reflecting on becoming the youngest mayor of a prefectural capital city in Japan and his own career journey,, Mayor Baba emphasized the value of youth, noting that while young people may have less experience, they also have more opportunities to learn, take on challenges, and shape the future.

Participants also visited the Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI) in Namie Town, where they learned about research and development initiatives supporting regional recovery, as well as advanced efforts in the fields of robotics and energy. Active discussions with researchers provided valuable insights into Japan's science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.

In addition, through interactions with local residents and university students, as well as cultural experiences, participants further enhanced their understanding of Japanese culture and local communities.

Going forward, JICE will continue to promote human resource development through collaboration with diverse partners, fostering mutual understanding and stronger ties between Japan and countries around the world.

Mizuho KOMATSU

International Cooperation Division

International Training Department