On March 23, a Japan-Ukraine exchange event titled “Bridging Cultures, Building Careers – Thinking with Ukrainians about Multicultural Conviviality” was held.
summary
Date: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) 14:00~16:00
Place: International Conference Hall, 2F, JICA Ichigaya Bldg.
Organized by JICA
Background and Objectives
The number of Ukrainian refugees currently residing in Japan is 2,098 (as of March 20, 2024), and a survey conducted by JICA in 2023 for Ukrainian refugees indicated a need for employment support. Therefore, this event was held with the aim of helping displaced persons from Ukraine to think more concretely about working in Japan in the future.
Contents
The event was attended by nearly 50 people, including Ukrainians, Japanese, and students from other countries, and included a speech by Ambassador Korsunsky, an overview of JICA’s assistance to Ukraine, a panel lecture by a Ukrainian working in Japan, and discussions among the participants.
In his speech, Ambassador Korsunsky mentioned the results of the event on Ukraine’s reconstruction held by JICA in February this year, the possibility of future cooperation with Japan, and expectations for Ukrainian displaced persons staying in Japan.
Mr. Kobayakawa, Director of JICA’s Ukraine Support Office, took the podium to give an overview of JICA’s support to Ukraine, introducing JICA’s past efforts and future assistance to the country.
In the panel lecture by Ukrainians working in Japan, three speakers presented how they actually found employment in Japan, specific episodes of working in Japan, and their thoughts on their work.
In the latter part of the session, participants were divided into groups of about 5~7 people and had discussions based on the content of the lecture and their daily lives. They shared their experiences and thoughts on the differences in employment situations between Japan and Ukraine and how to work in a diverse society, and exchanged opinions.
Due to the protracted war, many of the displaced persons have no prospect of returning home. We will continue to actively support Ukraine with a multifaceted approach, keeping in mind not only the local Ukrainian population and neighboring countries, but also Ukrainian refugees in Japan.
Address by Ambassador Korsunsky, Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan
Explanation of JICA projects by Mr. Kobayakawa, Director of Ukraine Support Office
Panel lecture by Ukrainians working in Japan
Lively discussions
Participants presenting their opinions
group photo
speaker
Sergiy Korsunsky
Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan
Toru Kobayakawa
Japan International Cooperation Agency (Independent Administrative Institution)
Elizaveta Petrova
Yachiyo Engineering Co.
Polina Korsunina.
Outsourcing Inc.
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