Islamabad: A delegation of five Pakistani university students is set to embark on an academic and cultural exchange visit to Japan from December 16 to 23, under the Japanese Government’s flagship youth initiative, the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) program.
The students, invited by the Government of Japan, will join 35 other participants from SAARC nations in this year’s edition, which focuses on the theme “Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience.” The program aims to deepen regional understanding and promote knowledge-sharing among youth on pressing global issues.
To prepare the delegates, the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad held a pre-departure orientation session on earlier on 8th December. Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, met with the students to extend his best wishes and underscore the significance of their visit. He encouraged them to act as cultural ambassadors, fostering stronger bilateral ties through engagement and exchange.
“This is a unique opportunity to experience Japan’s culture, learn about its approaches to sustainability and resilience, and build lasting connections,” Ambassador Akamatsu remarked. He also highlighted the value of the homestay component, which offers immersive exposure to Japanese daily life and promotes deeper cross-cultural appreciation.
Since its establishment, the annual JENESYS program has worked to strengthen people-to-people ties, enhance mutual respect, and build capacity among youth across the Asia-Pacific region. Through lectures, site visits, and thematic workshops, participants gain insight into Japan’s society, economy, history, and international cooperation frameworks.
The Pakistani delegates are expected to return with enhanced perspectives on environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness, alongside cherished memories of cultural exchange and diplomacy in action.
BY: The Times Union
