4th Japan-North Africa University Summit Highlights Academic Collaboration

On July 10, 2024, the 4th Japan-North Africa University Summit, co-organized by the University of Tsukuba, University of Carthage, University of Tunis El Manar, and University of Sousse, was held at Hotel El Mouradi Gammarth, Tunisia, with support from Tunisia's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The summit gathered 80 participants, including representatives from eight Japanese universities, 13 North African universities, and representative from Nigeria. It focused on enhancing institutional research collaboration and academic exchanges between Japan and North Africa.

Opening remarks were delivered by University of Tsukuba President Prof. NAGATA Kyosuke and University of Carthage President Prof. Nadia Mzoughi. Japanese Ambassador to Tunisia, H.E. Mr. OSUGA Takeshi, and Tunisian Minister of Higher Education, H.E. Dr. Moncef Boukthir, shared their perspectives on academic exchange.

Sessions included:

? Session I: Ms. MIYATA Mayumi, Chief Representative of JICA Tunisia Office, introduced technical cooperation projects in Tunisia, followed by international research case reports.

? Session II: Mr. KATO Yuji, Manager in charge of JST SATREPS, provided an overview of SATREPS, followed by university presentations on joint research proposals.

? Session III: ARENA celebrated its 20th anniversary with presentations on its role and future projects.

The summit concluded with Vice President Moez Khnissi from University of Sousse expressing gratitude to participants, and Dr. Mohamed Moncef Harrabi, Advisor of University of Tsukuba's Tunis Office, reading the joint statement.

The summit aims to strengthen institutional cooperation to address regional and global challenges and sustain academic exchanges and joint research initiatives.