University of Tsukuba Hosts the 7th Japan-Mexico Rectors' Summit

The main sessions of the 7th Japan-Mexico Rectors' Summit were held at University of Tsukuba on September 28 and 29. The Summit brought together 128 participants—63 from Japan and 65 from Mexico—including leaders of universities and higher education institutions, as well as representatives of government agencies and partner organizations from both countries. Participants discussed ways to deepen cooperation in higher education and research and the role of universities in addressing global challenges.

The Summit was held with the support of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and in cooperation with Mexico's Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES), Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (SECIHTI), and the Embassy of Mexico in Japan.

Ahead of the main Summit sessions, a reception was held at the Embassy of Mexico in Japan on September 27, providing participants with an opportunity to strengthen ties and build relationships ahead of the discussions.

Under the theme "Solving Global Challenges and Creating New Future Perspectives through Co-Creation and Advanced Science & Technology and Glocal Society," the Summit featured four sessions: (1) "AI, IoT, and Robotics for Solving Social Challenges and Advancing Global Collaboration"; (2) "Strengthening Social Infrastructure through Resource Circulation, Renewable Energy, and Technology"; (3) "Industry-Academia Collaboration and Talent Development to Strengthen Global Supply Chains"; and (4) "University Social Responsibility through Inclusive International Exchange." The sessions provided opportunities for active discussion on future collaboration between Japan and Mexico.

As an outcome of the Summit, participants adopted a Joint Declaration, affirming their commitment to promoting academic cooperation and student exchange, strengthening research and educational partnerships toward a sustainable and inclusive society, and advancing human resource development. The Declaration also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening academic exchange and friendship, building on the longstanding relationships of trust between universities in Japan and Mexico.

At the closing ceremony, Universidad de Guadalajara was announced as the host institution for the next Summit.

On the afternoon of September 29, a dialogue session was also held between Mexican universities and member institutions of the preparatory council for the Tsukuba Institutes' Alliance for Research, Education, Culture, Sports and Society (tentative name), an initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration among universities and research institutions in Tsukuba Science City. Following an introduction to the research fields of participating Mexican institutions by the Embassy of Mexico in Japan and presentations by council member institutions, participants exchanged information at institution-specific booths and explored opportunities for future collaboration in research and education.

The excursion on September 30 included a visit to CYBERDYNE Studio, followed by a tea ceremony experience and a soy sauce factory tour in Hitachinaka City, as well as a visit to Oarai Isosaki Shrine, with support from Ibaraki Prefecture.

Building on the networks and outcomes of the Summit, University of Tsukuba will continue to contribute to the advancement of higher education and academic cooperation between Japan and Mexico while promoting international collaboration to address global challenges and create a sustainable future.