Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Japan joining the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), the OECD Student Ambassador Program has been organized in November and December of 2013.
8 Universities were selected throughout Japan in January that began its activities to promote the OECD. From Chuo University, 5 members and 1 assistant member represent the OECD. Their activities will extend throughout the year and various events are planned to be held every month.
The first event on 4/17
The first OECD event was held on April 17, 2014. Beginning with a speech by Stephen Hesse, associate director of Chuo International Center and Professor of Law, the OECD student ambassadors introduced themselves and gave an introduction to the purpose and background of the OECD. The members then gave a presentation of the OECD Tohoku School, which was started up to support the disaster-stricken areas of Tohoku to develop the future generation. Lastly, they explained the OECD iLibrary which is an open online tool offered to all Chuo students.
In the end, Mr. Ogawa from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) gave a presentation on what it means to work at international organizations, and what kind of skills are required to work there.
The next event on 5/28
The next event is scheduled for May 28, 2014, from 13:20 ~ 14:50 at G Square, Tama Campus.
Please join us for a presentation session (topic: OECD trade liberation policy and TPP) and trading game!
The OECD Student Ambassadors
Here are the members!
Takuya Nakamura, 3rd year, Department of Law, Faculty of Law
I had a strong interest in world history since I was in high school, and studied about OECD and its history. I immediately raised my hand to join the OECD Student Ambassador Project. Through this project, I wish to promote OECD through various activities with a global perspective.
Yusuke Maeda, 3rd year, Department of Law, Faculty of Law
I was born in Yokohama, and my hobbies include traveling and photography. Since I have an interest in world economy, I joined the Asian Business Law Seminar and now studying international law and international businesses.
Kanako Okubo, 3rd year, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Commerce
I went on a short-term study abroad in the U.S. during my sophomore year in high school. I also studied in Germany after taking German as a foreign language in university. I love to take on new challenges.
Mitsuko Watanabe, 2nd year, Department of Policy Sciences, Faculty of Policy Studies
I have a deep attachment to solving problems of poverty and developing countries after my encounter with many street children in Vietnam and Brazil. After I wrote a paper on child labor in high school, I have been expanding my studies to the development of developing countries.
Makiko Matsubashi, 2nd year, Department of Banking and Corporate Finance, Faculty of Commerce
My interest in overseas countries has grown after my short stay in the U.K. in my sophomore year in high school. Since I like to travel, I have visited Vietnam and Taiwan. I belong to a student group that operates an international internship program, where I have been introducing Japanese culture to non-Japanese students.
Yamazaki, 3rd year, Department of Law, Faculty of Law (assistant member)
Since I became interested in international cooperation after being influenced by a particular movie, I joined a seminar in my second year that focuses on international cooperation. Here I learned about international development theory and the Japanese refugees. Being a member of the OECD student ambassador, I am happy to spread the knowledge about our activities and wish to spend a fulfilling year so more people will understand the OECD.