The Center for International Strategy conducted a Europe Study Program from March 3 to March 14 as part of its Global Women’s Leadership Development Program. A total of 14 students from Nara Women’s University and Nara University of Education, both members of the Nara National University Corporation, participated in the program.

As part of the program, students visited the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), both headquartered in Paris, on March 5 and 6, as well as the European Commission (EU) in Brussels. Through these visits, students had valuable opportunities to learn about the roles of international organizations and women’s career development, deepening their understanding.

At the European Commission, the students met with Ms. Sandra Gallina, Director-General for Health and Food Safety. They received a briefing on the progress of European integration following the COVID-19 pandemic and the future of Japan–EU relations. Students commented that “they gained a clear understanding of the importance of the Japan–EU partnership” and “they felt encouraged by the expectations placed on Japanese women striving to succeed in a global society.”