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Minato Unesco Association

International Science and Culture Committee

The International Science and Culture Committee addresses a wide range of themes related to international understanding and organizes both international understanding lectures and symposia. Although global affairs are reported daily through television, newspapers, and online media, we believe it is highly meaningful to hear firsthand insights, expert explanations, and “live information” directly from our guest speakers. We hope that the clear and engaging presentations, offered by our lecturers, will inspire participants to take an interest in each topic. The committee currently has ten members, and we warmly welcome your participation.

International Understanding Lectures

We hold three International Understanding Lectures each year. Recent lectures have included:

  • “Discovering the Charms of Hungary: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Cuisine” by Ms. Krisztina Merényi, Counselor at the Embassy of Hungary
  • “What Every Japanese Should Know: An Education in Fish” by Dr. Issei Nagasaki, Lecturer at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
  • “Welcome to the World of Italian Opera” by Mr. Dai Watanabe, tenor and opera singer

These lectures cover a broad range of topics connected to international understanding and general cultural knowledge, delivered by specialists in their respective fields.

Symposium

Since 2019, we have held an annual symposium titled the “Thinking About Peace Series,” inspired by UNESCO’s mission of “constructing the defences of peace.” Most recently, we invited Ms. Miho Kobayashi of the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO and Mr. Taizan Shibata of the Jōdo-shū Comprehensive Research Institute to speak on the theme “What Can Be Done for Peace Through UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World’ Programme?” Following the lectures, a panel discussion was held, with students from the Tokyo Metropolitan Mita High School UNESCO Committee joining the conversation.

Co-Action Activities

The island of Mindanao in the Philippines has long suffered from internal conflicts, and many villagers in the mountainous regions live in extreme poverty. The Mindanao Children’s Library (MCL) is a local NGO established in 2003 by children’s book author Mr. Tomo Matsui. It provides support and living environments for children affected by conflicts and poverty.

In 2018, we hosted a lecture titled “A Talk by Director Tomo Matsui along with Songs and Dances by Youth from Mindanao.” This event created a lasting connection, and since then, MUA and their acquaintances have donated clothing and other items each year which were sent to the Mindanao Children’s Library. We intend to provide continued support to those who contribute to education—one of UNESCO’s core principles—through these ongoing efforts.