TC Activities 2025 Young Ambassador Program Kicked Off in Kyoto, Japan
2025-02-15
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The 2025 Young Ambassador Program (YAP) officially commenced at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, marking a significant milestone as the first-ever YAP to be held in Japan. Co-hosted by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and Ritsumeikan University, the program received invaluable support from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
Celebrating its 11th edition since its inception in 2013, YAP has become one of TCS’s flagship youth exchange initiatives, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among the youth of the three nations. This year’s program brought together 30 undergraduate and postgraduate students from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea for an engaging nine-day experience.
The Opening Ceremony featured welcoming remarks by TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-Sup and President of Ritsumeikan University YOSHIO Nakatani, both of whom highlighted the importance of youth engagement and trilateral cooperation in building a more interconnected and harmonious East Asia.
A highlight of the event was the Ambassador Dialogue, which followed the opening ceremony. Distinguished speakers included H.E. SHI Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Center, H.E. Fujisaki Ichiro, Former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, and H.E. Shin Bong-kil, Former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India. The esteemed ambassadors engaged in dynamic discussions with the young participants, offering insights and encouragement on fostering a more amicable and prosperous future for the region through innovation, collaboration, and mutual learning.
The 2025 YAP, held from February 14 to 22, features a diverse and comprehensive agenda, including six expert lectures delivered by eminent professionals such as Dr. Hirabayashi Kunihiko, Secretary-General of Japan-ASEAN Center, Lee Kyu Tak, Professor of Cultural Studies at George Mason University, Eun Ki Soo, Director of the Center for Transnational Migration and Social Inclusion, Yan Liang, Deputy Secretary-General of TCS, Hiroaki Watanabe, Professor at Ritsumeikan University, and Zhang Yun, Professor at Nanjing University. The program also includes two insightful career talks led by young diplomats and experts from various public and private organizations, as well as guided cultural exploration tours around Kyoto to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
The Young Ambassador Program continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering meaningful connections and cross-cultural understanding among future leaders from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. By embracing the values of innovation, cooperation, and mutual respect, the program aims to nurture a new generation dedicated to regional harmony and global progress.
▲Group Photo
▲Dialogue with the Ambassador’s Session
