Theme

The theme of this year’s Student Forum is: “Japan-Canada Peace and Security Cooperation in the Asia/Indo-Pacific.” 

The Asia-Pacific, or Indo-Pacific, region has a growing role in the global economy and politics, but also faces complex traditional and nontraditional security problems: major power rivalries, pandemic, territorial disputes, natural catastrophes, conventional and nuclear armament, and more. Canada and Japan are good neighbors across the Pacific with long shared strong political and economic ties. The two countries are strong partners with shared interests and values, promoting the rules-based international order, and actively engaging in the multilateral system. Yet, there appears to be room for improvement or elevation of their relationship. During the forum, major regional political and security issues in the Asia/Indo-Pacific region will be discussed. After series of lectures, the students will identify an issue(s), provide background, and make policy recommendations to the governments of Japan and Canada. 

With mixed teams involving students from both Canadian and Japanese universities, the forum consists of the following:

• Lectures by experts
• Group work based on different subtopics
• Pre-assignment to prepare for group work
• Final presentation
• Final report

Questions to be addressed during the forum may include, but not limited to:

• What are issues of common concern and to be prioritized in Canada-Japan security relations? 
• What can Canada and Japan do to promote peace and stability in the Asia/Indo-Pacific region?
• What can Canada and Japan do to settle, or peacefully manage, specific conflicts in the region?  
• Are existing Canada-Japan cooperation frameworks working effectively? If not, how can they be improved?

Your presentation video will be shared with your universities and government representatives in Canada and Japan.

Place

The forum will be held on online platform.

Prize

The Winning group will receive $100 CAD per person (gift card).
All participating students will receive program certificates. 

Number of Participants

Japan – 12 students
Canada – 12 students
(As a rule, we recommend one participant and one alternate from each JACAC member institution.)

Schedule (Tentative)

Due to the time difference, synchronous meeting hours vary. 
Please click here for the detailed schedule.

Pre-recorded lectures will be available for students to watch a week before the major program will start.

Conditions for Selection of Participants

Undergraduate students or graduate students enrolled in the JACAC member institutions are eligible to apply, though the preference will be given to senior undergraduate students. Successful applicants should demonstrate a strong academic performance, interest, and experiences in extra-curricular activities, and be a good team-player.

They must fulfill all the following requirements:

• A Computer with camera and microphoe and stable internet connection are required. 
• Proficient enough in English to prepare materials, participate in discussions, and deliver presentations
• Highly motivated students who possess a strong interest in the applicable year’s forum theme. Prior to the forum, participants should prepare themselves for fruitful discussion by researching on a specific topic of their interest relevant to the main theme
• Be able to participate in all the planned activities of the forum
• No withdrawal will be allowed after participants are selected. Students must fully understand the requirements and the details of the program before submitting their applications.

Cost

Participation Fee is free

How to Apply

Canadian students

Application deadline: Please check your own university’s schedule
Canadian students should submit the following to their own universities:

• Complete application form
• Original copy of academic transcript(s)
• Statement of Intent; details include:
  • 500 words maximum
  • Please be sure to include the following points:
    • How will this program benefit you in your current academic program
    • Comment on any experience working in a team

Canadian Application Form (PDF)
Canadian Application Form (Word)

Japanese Students

Application Deadline: Please check your own university’s schedule (Application will start from the end of September)
Japanese Students should submit the following to their own universities

• Complete application form
• Original copy of academic transcript(s)

Japanese Application Form (PDF)
Japanese Application Form (Word)

Method of Selection

Review of documents by Japan-Canada Student Forum Committee

Note

We thank all applicants for their interests; however, only those individuals selected for participation in the Forum will be contacted. The winners will be announced in early December 2021 by the Prince Takamado Japan Centre, University of Alberta.