2025 Kick-off Meeting

The Science and Technology Diplomatic Circle Kansai recently held its Annual Coordination Meeting, marking the beginning of the group's fourth year of operation since its founding in 2022. Representatives from various consulates gathered to plan activities for the coming year, with a special focus on aligning initiatives with Expo 2025 Osaka.

The meeting, hosted by Swiss Consul Dr. Felix Moesner at the Consulate of Switzerland, Swissnex in Japan, outlined an ambitious schedule of 10 visits to research institutions and innovative companies throughout the Kansai region. These visits aim to showcase cutting-edge technologies and foster connections between diplomatic representatives and Japan's research and business communities.

This year's activities take on added significance with the concurrent Expo 2025 Osaka, offering expanded opportunities for international engagement around themes of innovation and sustainability. The S&TDC Kansai continues to serve as a platform for open science diplomacy, creating valuable networking opportunities for participants while highlighting the Kansai region's technological strengths.

We thank Dr. Moesner for hosting this year's coordination meeting and look forward to another productive year of science diplomacy initiatives.