On July 29, the first meeting of the Ukraine-Japan Joint Commission on Cooperation in Education, Science, and Technology took place, following the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The event was attended by Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, and Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Masahito Moriyama.
The meeting began with formal greetings, during which Oksen Lisovyi thanked the Japanese government for its consistent support of Ukraine, condemnation of Russian aggression, and joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
The Joint Commission focused on the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine through education, science, and technology. During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to promote academic exchanges between Ukraine and Japan, joint scientific projects and research, and cooperation in vocational education. Notably, the discussion included the possibility of providing Ukraine with computer devices for distance education, establishing contacts with Japanese businesses to equip educational institutions with modern technology, and creating joint training centers.
"It is crucial to develop scientific research, technology, and innovation now more than ever. Ukraine is gaining unique experience in defense technologies, security, digital education, and the medical, agricultural, and energy sectors, which can provide a valuable foundation for research, development, and testing of new technologies. We propose working together on innovative solutions that will benefit not only Ukraine but other countries in overcoming similar challenges," said Oksen Lisovyi.
The Japanese side announced plans to translate and provide 25,000 books for preschool and elementary school children in Ukraine. Additionally, Minister Moriyama outlined opportunities for Ukrainian students and researchers to study and intern in Japan, inviting them to pursue education in Japanese language and culture, science, and technology.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers signed the General Outcomes of the first meeting of the Ukraine-Japan Joint Commission on Cooperation in Education, Science, and Technology.
The parties agreed to prepare a list of projects in education, science, and technology for approval and further implementation at the next meeting of the Joint Commission.