On February 14th (Tue), UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova visited Tohoku University and gave a speech on the theme “Solidarity Post-Disaster: UNESCO`s Humanist Message” at Sakura Hall (Tohoku University Katahira Campus) with the participation of approximately 110 faculty members and the general public.

The Director-General expressed her sympathy over The Great East Japan Earthquake and explained that Tohoku University and Sendai hold special significance for UNESCO, since it was here where non-governmental UNESCO activities in Japan (1947) started. In addition, while introducing disaster management and mitigation measures - promoted by UNESCO in cooperation with related organizations - and measures related to education, science and culture, the significance of solidarity and the role of science were pointed out. After the event, a lively exchange of opinions was held between spellers and visitors.

Director-General Bokova came to Japan to attend the awarding ceremony of the world heritage site certificate at the town of Hiraizumi in Iwate prefecture on February 13th (Mon). Prior she had been received by Vice President Kitamura at Tohoku University. At the reception, Mr. Murata the Head of Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Yaguchi the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and CEO of National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan, and from Tohoku University, Executive Vice President Ueki, Professor Shoji (Department of Engineering and panel member of UNESCO Science Technology Development), Special Project Professor Iwamoto (WPI and former Director of the Division of Social Sciences, Research and Policy (UNESCO)), Special Project Professor Uchiyama and Mr. Hirata Head of International Exchange Division were present.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova visiting Tohoku University (center)

Director-General Irina Bokova giving a speech at Sakura Hall

 

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