On September 11, 2026, Forum2050 held a hybrid session (on-site and online), “Building a Better World, Starting Close to Home,” as part of JICA Education Cooperation Week at JICA Headquarters.
This was our third time taking part in the Education Cooperation Week.
From everyday “discomfort” to insights for the future
The theme of the session was to find, in the small things that feel “not quite right” in the world close to us, insights for co-creating the future.
Even the big challenges of faraway countries may begin with a small “Hmm?” that we notice in our daily lives. When we put that feeling into words and share it with others, insights for building the future together begin to emerge.
Led by three university student members
The session was led by three of Forum2050’s university student members: Hana Miyoshi (MC), Akari Itaya, and Chihiro Uemura.
The three spoke frankly about how hard it can be, in everyday life, to see peace as something that concerns us personally.
As MC, Hana Miyoshi shared personal thoughts on how Japanese society cares for children with foreign roots.
In particular, Miyoshi raised a question: could things that Japanese people do with good intentions actually be making it harder to build connections across nationalities?
What do you notice around you?
Dialogue across countries and backgrounds
Participants from many countries, including Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Italy, joined us. In table discussions, people exchanged views across countries and generations.
Looking ahead
What matters is how we put these insights to use. Our practice from here on is what will be tested.
With that mindset, we want to keep walking together with young people.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who took part, and to JICA.
Forum2050 (Specified Nonprofit Corporation)
TODA Takao, President
Event overview
- Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
- Venue: JICA Headquarters + online (hybrid)
- Framework: JICA Education Cooperation Week
- Session: Building a Better World, Starting Close to Home
- Organizer: Forum2050
- Facilitators: Forum2050 university student members Hana Miyoshi (MC), Akari Itaya, Chihiro Uemura
