Romania Office Opening address
Hello everyone!
Dragi tuturor, Bun? ziua!
Under a crisp autumn sky, we are delighted to host our Satellite Office in Romania Inaugural Symposium at the prestigious Bucharest University of Economic Studies.
Today's symposium is graced by His Excellency Mr. Takashi Katae, Ambassador of Japan to Romania, Mr. Ovidiu Dranga, former Ambassador of Romania to Japan, Prof. Nicolae Istudor, Rector of Bucharest University of Economic Studies, and many other distinguished guests. We express our deepest gratitude to you all.
With a history of nearly 100 years, the University of Hyogo is now one of the leading public universities in Japan, with six faculties, nine graduate schools, and five research institutes. The number of students currently enrolled in the University is approximately 6,800.
The University is promoting creative, interdisciplinary education and research activities based on the concepts of 'well-being' and 'leave no one behind,' as stated in the SDGs. We provide education that enables students to acquire critical and creative thinking, to become professionals of 'knowledge' with an entrepreneurial spirit who can lead us into a peaceful and prosperous society and build bridges rather than walls between people.
I would like to take a moment to mention a few trends in today's society. We are facing a great crisis in an age of uncertainty and unpredictability. Digital transformation and the flood of misinformation affect all facets of our lives. Wars and terrorism cause enormous casualties and lead to displacement. Climate change poses a threat to our planet and biodiversity. These crises and disasters are caused by humans. Therefore, we can and must do everything possible to master these challenges.
Nothing can be taken for granted. Our liberties are not given. Neither is peace nor prosperity. Changes for a better world are possible if we tackle them together. Walls that hem us in will crumble. Dictatorships will disappear. Global warming can be halted. Poverty can be eradicated.
So, Let us have the courage to step forward and carve our path toward a borderless society and a harmonious future!
With these thoughts in mind, we aimed to open our Satellite Office in Romania. And now, we were able to get off the ground thanks to the warm and generous support of many people and organisations involved, including the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Romanian Ministry of Education.
This permanent office will serve as a hub for enhancing friendly relations and mutual respect between Romania and Japan through academic and cultural exchanges. We will also work to deepen partnerships with the academia of the EU and other European countries.
Our journey has just begun. I would like to conclude my speech by asking for your continued interest in and support of our Satellite Office.
Thank you very much again for your time today.
Mul?umesc foarte mult!
Makoto KOSAKA
President, University of Hyogo
November 1th, 2024