Thoughts on Participating in the 18th Research Conference of the Japan Association of Global Governance

B4　Haruka YOKOI

The 18th Research Conference of the Japan Association of Global Governance, held on May 10-11, 2025, at Hakuo University, had a profound impact on my academic experience. Alongside my seminar members, Miyu Suzuki and Hitomi Hanatsuka, I presented a poster at the poster session. The poster presentation was our first opportunity to organize our research into a cohesive format and present it to an audience.

We researched and created a poster titled "Challenges Surrounding Humanitarian Relief and Development: Through the Dilemmas of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)". In recent years, as conflicts and humanitarian crises have become increasingly protracted, there has been growing recognition that traditional short-term assistance alone is insufficient to address the root causes of such crises. Against this backdrop, the international community has proposed the concept of the "HDP Nexus" — the integration of Humanitarian Relief, Development, and Peacebuilding. This approach emphasizes the need for these three pillars to work in coordination with one another.

Focusing on the relationship between humanitarian aid and development within this framework, we formulated the following research question: How does the ICRC collaborate with development actors while upholding humanitarian principles?

Poster and participating members

We divided our analysis into two periods: before and after the introduction of the HDP Nexus. Reviewing previous research, we developed an analytical framework based on existing studies. One key issue we identified is the potential risk that the legitimacy of humanitarian aid may be compromised as the boundaries between humanitarian and development sectors become increasingly blurred. Following this, we conducted a case study to examine how the ICRC has been implementing the HDP Nexus in practice.

On the day of the presentation, I left feeling regretful about what I could have done more, but I was able to enjoy the presentation. After the presentation, three professors each asked us questions. It was really difficult to answer, and we struggled particularly with the last one, which was very critical. Although I was left with some frustration, I was truly glad to receive positive feedback on our topic and presentation from audience members and students from other universities. Listening to other students' presentations was also stimulating for me. Since many of them addressed topics I was not familiar with, I found their presentations made their talks and arguments all the more engaging. I am grateful to Professor Fujii for his guidance and to all the seminar members for their advice and frank questions during our research. I would like to thank them. 

Scenes from the poster discussion

My Internship at NGO PLAS

This March, I started my internship at NGO・PLAS, and I would like to share some of my activities with you. I was assigned to the Public Relations and Event Management team as an intern. The mission of PLAS is to create a society where orphans and children from families living below the poverty line in Africa who are left behind can lead a positive life. To achieve this mission, our team mainly focuses on promoting PLAS's activities, organizing events in collaboration with other NGOs, and hosting various charity events.

On April 24, 2025, an online event was held to share our activities. The theme of this event focused on our activities in Kenya and Uganda in Africa, emphasizing the importance of "creating" sustainable support rather than simply "giving" it. Before the event, I created a page to raise awareness and actively carried out public relations activities using multiple media platforms.

Photo by PLAS

I participated in the session as a moderator, aiming to guide the conversation smoothly. The participants ranged in age from teenagers to working adults. Many of them were interested in the mission of PLAS and asked questions related to the event's theme. In particular, most participants were interested in the "Livelihood Improvement Approach" and the "Life Planning Programme," both key initiatives of PLAS. These programs support single mothers by providing financial skills, initial investment for starting businesses, and educational assistance. They also offer psychological support to families through activities that encourage children to think about their future and help parents understand child development and education. Although I served as a moderator for the first time and felt a little nervous, I'm delighted I had the opportunity to convey PLAS's vision to the participants.

It has been two months since I began my internship, and I have already gained a great deal of knowledge through various experiences. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to see the real, local situation or interact with people on the ground, I am very excited about the possibility of experiencing that as I continue my internship.

Milestones in My Student Journey

M2 Reona FUKUHARA

I have completed my eight-year student journey under the guidance of my supervisor, Professor Fujii. In this essay, I would like to introduce some memories from my student life briefly.

Academic Activities 

During my master's program, I had a valuable opportunity to work as a researcher at the Mission of Japan to the African Union (AU) in Ethiopia for two years (Please see: https://www.fujiih.com/post/2-year-experience-in-ethiopia). Upon returning to Japan, I was fortunate to present my research about the AU at various conferences, including those by the Japan Associate of Global Governance and The Japan Society For International Development (JASID). At the Japan Associate of Global Governance, with supports from other students, I analyzed an impact of the AU's transitional policy, using the case of northern conflict in Ethiopia. Additionally, at the 26th JASID, my research team examined that the AU is becoming a strong negotiator in international relations by creating new rules and norms as a voice of the African continent. This research encouraged us to reconsider the Japan-Africa relationship.  "I was able to apply my field experience to my research, which ultimately led to policy recommendations. In this sense, through my research activities, not only was I able to refine my investigative skills, but I also became more conscious of how to present my work in a way that would attract the interest of a larger audience, which was a significant growth of me compared to a couple years ago.

(Photo 1: Poster presentation at The Japan Society For International Development)

In addition to the research activities mentioned above, I had the opportunity to participate as a speaker at various career seminars. For instance, I have shared my experience in Ethiopia on the occasion of the 25th JASID plenary session "Realizing International Cooperation and Interactive Co-creation in Local Context Global and Glocal Human Resource Development". I was also invited to speak at a career seminar on International Peace and Coexistance organized by Hiroshima University. Thanks to these experiences, I gained the confidence to find myself standing as a speaker at a career seminar—something I never imagined when I was in my bachelor's degree and searching for a role model to shape my career.

(Photo 2: Photo of the plenary session)

Field Activities

As a summary of my student life, I had the privilege of participating in the Jean-Pictet Competition in Turkey, followed by a visit to the Netherlands, where I had the opportunity to visit the Japanese Embassy in the Netherlands and the International Criminal Court. The Jean-Pictet Competition is one of the most renowned and distinctive competitions in the field of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), attracting both humanitarian professionals and students aspiring to build careers in IHL (For more information, see here). Participating in this prestigious competition not only allowed me to enhance my ability to analyze complex legal scenarios under high pressure but also provided communities and the broader humanitarian field.

(Photo 3: With participants of the Jean-Pictet Competition)

Following the competition, my team visited the Netherlands and met Professor Fujii, who is working at the ICC as an Associate Analyst in the Country Analysis Unit-Registry. With the generous support of Professor Fujii, my team visited the ICC and the Japan Embassy in the Netherlands. In particular, we had the valuable opportunity to exchange views with the ICC staff on the vision and challenges in the field of international criminal justice and their thoughts on supporting the victims of conflict. Those experiences significantly broadened my understanding of the ICC's operations. They deepened my knowledge of Japan's policy towards the Court, offering me an enriched perspective on the intersection of international law and humanitarian work.

(Photo 4: In front of the ICC)

For the Next Journey

As I stand at the threshold of a new chapter in my life, I look toward my future career at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with great anticipation and a sense of responsibility. One of the key reasons I am excited about joining JICA is the agency's emphasis on human-centered development. Through its projects, JICA works to enhance the capabilities of local communities and governments, helping them to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability. By working with JICA, I hope to be part of initiatives that create lasting positive change in the lives of individuals and communities.

Moreover, my participation in competitions such as the Jean-Pictet Competition has given me invaluable insights into the importance of collaboration and communication. These experiences taught me how to articulate complex ideas, engage with stakeholders from different backgrounds, and adapt to various cultural contexts—all of which are essential competencies when working in international development. I am also aware that working in international cooperation means encountering obstacles such as political and economic instability, limited resources, and sometimes conflicting priorities among stakeholders. However, I am confident that the lessons I have learned will serve me well in solving these challenges.

In conclusion, I believe that joining JICA marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I have gained to help build a more equitable and sustainable world.

* I am deeply grateful to Professor Fujii for his guidance and all the seminar members' valuable advice and thoughtful questions throughout my activities. I sincerely thank them.

Valuable Experience and Knowledge Through the IHL Role-Playing Competition: Reflections on My Second Challenge

B3 Miyu SUZUKI

On December 7, 2024, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Role-Play Competition was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo. In this competition, participants assumed roles such as ICRC staff, diplomats, and government officials. They applied their knowledge of IHL in response to pre-shared facts and scenarios presented on the event day. In this essay, I would like to share how I prepared for the competition and my experience on the day and reflect on the lessons I learned compared to my previous participation.

Preparation for the competition began in the summer. The initial step was to carefully analyze the facts and create plausible scenarios based on the roles we could assume. These preparations required research into legal theories, political contexts, and previous cases, as well as an understanding of emerging topics such as space law and autonomous weapons, so as a team, we needed to understand the latest interpretations of IHL. Together with senior members of the Fujii Seminar, we worked on what we assumed would be a debate-style discussion. Our goal was to research and document new issues, conversations, and advice and to be able to respond to the same content scenario smoothly. In addition, we organized study sessions to deepen our understanding of ICRC itself, such as principles, humanitarian diplomacy, and ways of humanitarian assistance in specific situations. Our focus shifted to preparing for the interview-based simulations one month before the competition. For example, topics related to detention facilities required a detailed understanding of the legal distinctions between Prisoners of War (POWs) and internees. Members of the seminar acted as interviewers and provided constructive feedback. Lastly, under the guidance of Professor Fujii, we refined our communication skills, learning essential techniques for role-play and gaining the confidence to handle challenging scenarios effectively.

On the day of the competition, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of tension and excitement, similar to what I experienced last year. The competition featured three simulations. In the first simulation, teams discussed the implementation of military operations for the future, addressing topics such as cyber-attacks, autonomous weapons, space law, and fundamental principles of IHL. Participants explored humanitarian assistance and ICRC interventions in the second simulation, engaging with government military leaders and a rebel group. To complete the final simulation, it was necessary to visit a detention facility, conduct interviews, and report the findings to facility representatives. While the settings were similar to those I had prepared for, the actual simulations carried an intensity and realism that highlighted the challenges faced by ICRC staff in conflict zones.

Although the result of the competition did not meet my expectations, I believe that the experience was invaluable. I gained new insights into international law and realized the difficulty of effectively applying legal principles under pressure. I felt more confident and better prepared this time than my participation in last year’s IHL moot court competition. However, I also realized that there are areas where I need to improve my language skills, critical thinking, and adaptability in unfamiliar situations. These challenges have motivated me to continue making efforts for future competitions and further develop my abilities.

In conclusion, the IHL Role-Play Competition was a meaningful experience that enabled me to see my growth and identify areas for further improvement. I am deeply grateful to Professor Fujii, my seminar peers, and everyone who supported me. Moving forward, I would like to build on this experience as I continue to study international humanitarian law and challenge myself with new opportunities.