Two sessions left in the Australia Japan Forum
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General Peter Cosgrove was one of the speakers at Session 2 of the Australia Japan Forum, speaking on Peace Keeping and Peace Building. |
As part of the 2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange, Macquarie University has joined forces with the Japan Foundation Sydney to present a series of forums examining the regional contributions of the two countries.
The Japan Australia Forum, which was launched in May, provides a unique opportunity for intellectual exchange. Each forum introduces two high profile speakers, and has already featured General Peter Cosgrove and Justice Marcus Einfeld.
"We have invited speakers from both countries who have had direct involvement with economic, medical and humanitarian aid," says Forum organiser and Director of Macquarie Japanese Studies Centre, Dr Misuzu Chow. "These people can highlight the major issues facing our region today and how the two nations can make a difference."
Background
Chow, who has lectured at Macquarie for more than 30 years, decided to organise the forum to focus on the good work being done by Australian and Japanese government and non-government organisations.
Japan is one of the largest contributors of Official Development Assistance in the world and has always placed priority on regional assistance. Australia has an outstanding regional track record in humanitarian aid initiatives, particularly in the fields of medicine and health care. Both countries have established reputations for their quick and effective response in emergency situations like the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
"The full extent of regional contributions made by Japan and Australia is not very well known," explains Chow. "In both countries the general public does not grasp the remarkable extent of their nation's work in the region. With better understanding of the current situation, the public will have the opportunity to seriously consider the nature of their contribution and the role that their country should play within the region."
Session 3 - Medical and Humanitarian Aid
The third forum in the series will focus on Medical and Humanitarian Aid. Dr Tetsu Nakamura, a physician with an extensive aid network in Afghanistan will represent Japan. Dr Nakamura has established a hospital and five clinics in Afghanistan. It is estimated that he and his team treat around 200,000 people annually, all free of charge.
Alan March, AusAID's Humanitarian Coordinator will represent Australia. He is responsible for humanitarian and disaster planning, coordination and response. He headed up the Indian Ocean Tsunami Taskforce and oversaw Australia's $68 million aid in immediate humanitarian assistance for Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other affected countries.
The forum will be held on Monday 11 September at the Japan Foundation Gallery, Level 1 Chifley Plaza, Sydney from 6 - 9pm.
Session 4 - Responsibility of Media Reporting
The fourth forum will focus on the responsibility of the media. "We decided to look at the media because due to the globalisation of the world, the role of the media is huge," says Chow.
While the Australian speaker is yet to be confirmed, Kiyofuku Chuma the former Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the Asahi newspaper will represent Japan.
The forum will be held on Monday 6 November at the Japan Foundation Gallery, Level 1 Chifley Plaza, Sydney from 6 - 9 pm.
For further information on the Japan Australia Forum 2006 or to book your place visit: www.asianlang.mq.edu.au/japanese/jaf or email Sumiyo Mimori: sumiyo.mimori@mq.edu.au