G8 Science Advisors’ Conference, from Slovenia

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After leaving Okinawa on 14th I arrived to Paris airport on 15th in the morning. I joined Mr. Tsugita of cabinet office who arrived in Paris one day earlier; and we went to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia.  We got into a car and came to Bled, the place which is 30 minutes away from the airport.  It is a very beautiful place with green landscapes and is somewhat similar to Hakone in Japan.  We checked into the Hotel ‘Vila Bled’ near a lake known as “Lake Bled.”  I hear that President Tito stayed at this hotel in the time when Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia.  This hotel is pretty good.

I think many people remember Slovenia as a place of Yugoslavia strife along with Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia etc.  Fortunately, Slovenian troubles related to the separation from Federal Republic of Yugoslavia ended within a short period of 10 days and with a small sacrifice, it became independent in 1991.  The population is about 2 million.  Population of capital city Ljubljana is 300 thousand out of which 50 thousand are students, so it is the city of young people.  The town is calm and beautiful.

Photos1-4: Scenery of Vila Bled and Lake

I came here to participate in the G8 Science Advisors’ Conference (alias, “Carnegie conference”). This conference was started 15 years ago under the initiative of Carnegie foundation and is held twice every year.  Though the name of Carnegie still remains, now it operates independently.  Originally it was G7 conference but it became G8 as Russia has joined due to the breakup of the Soviet Union. EU is also a part of it.  From England, America, Canada and Japan Science Advisors of government leaders attend this conference; where as from EU the cabinet ministers taking care of scientific policies participate. So from some countries in EU, Ministers of education are attending.

This time, the host is Minister (Commissioner) in charge of science of EU and since Dr. Janez Potocnik from Slovenia is the Commissioner of Science and Technology of EU, this conference is held here. I heard that he has specialized in Economics. He is a young, well-organized and brilliant person. It is no wonder that he is working as the commissioner of EU for 3 years.


Photo5: Dr. John Marburger, Advisor to President Bush and Annette Schavan, Minister of Education of Germany.


Photo6: with Dr. Marburger


Photo7: with Dr. Andrei Fursenko of Russia and Dr. Schavan, Minister of Education


Photo8: Fabio Mussi, Education Minister of Italy (in the center)


Photo9: with Sir King of England


Photo10: with Sir King and staff of Dr.Potocnik


Photo11: with Dr. Potocnik


Photo12: with Dr. Arthur Carty of Canada

(Dr. Valerie Pecresse, newly appointed Minister of Higher education and Science of France have also participated but unfortunately, I could not get an opportunity to take a photograph since she returned on the same day.)

At the G8 summit in Germany (Heilgendamm summit), as was expected, it turned out that the discussion between EU headed by Dr. Merkel, Prime minister of Germany and United states regarding the issue of emission of carbodioxide did not get to agreement (so it seemed and I heard the same observation directly from officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister) and the matter seemed to have settled to current status of common target “50% in the Year 2050” proposed by Prime Minister Abe after the break.  This agreement was appreciated by American and British scientific advisors.  Since the political situation in Japan is too loaded with problems, it seems that the mass media did not cover much about what happened here (I haven’t checked the reports in Japan either since I was at overseas during G8 Summit).

Thanks to my Sherpa who lead the way and Mr. Tsugita from Cabinet Office of Japan who accompanied me.

Next G8 Science Advisors’ Conference will be held in England in December and the one after next will take place in Japan before the G8 Summit (Japan) in April next year.

 

From Pacific Science Association (PSA), Okinawa

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Pacific Science Association(PSA) is an association established in 1920 having 80 years of history.  It is an association involving various scientific fields in the geographically wide area of Pacific.  Congress is held once in 4 years and InterCongress Conference is also held during that period.  It is an assembly including not only the natural science experts but also many from social science.

The Congress was held in Okinawa during 13th June～18th June.  Last time it was in Bangkok and there I was elected as chairman of the next Okinawa congress.  Therefore, I have the background of helping them during these 4 years.  However, it was not possible without the support of various people like President Morita of Ryukyu University, Dean Tsuchiya of the Science department, members of Okinawa university union, and Science Council of Japan, that we finally reached to the point of opening this gathering.  Thanks to their assistance we could also organize a 3 days joint meeting with Asia Science Council which was very good.  This Congress is growing to a fantastic meeting as His Royal Highness Akishino no Miya delivered a lecture and the chairperson of IPCC, Dr. Pachauri who is recently known world wide for his work on the climate change participated in the meeting.  I met Dr. Pachauri at various places and he has been invited for about 3 times in these few years for the meetings related to Science Council of Japan.

Her Royal Highness, Takamado no Miya also participated in the 3 days PSA congress where she addressed an opening ceremony with fluent ‘British English’ (She is a graduate of Cambridge university) (Photo1).  Her Royal Highness is also an honorary president of BirdLife International and has deep knowledge on wide fields. I heard that her Keynote Lecture at the Biodiversity session held on 15th was very impressive. Unfortunately, the lecture was given after I had left Okinawa, so I could not attend it in person.  At reception after the opening ceremony, this openhearted person was surrounded by many participants to talk about vast fields related to nature and life (Photo2).

Psa3_2Photo1: Her Royal Highness, Takamado no Miya addressing an opening ceremony. Dr. Doi, vice chairman of Science Council of Japan at my right.

Psa7Photo2: At reception of opening ceremony. From right, Her Royal Highness, Dr Shigeru Omi, Director of West Pacific Bureau of WHO, myself, Prof. Calestous Juma of Harvard university.

Board meeting of PSA and council meeting was held on 12th.  New directors were decided peacefully and next InterCongress Conference, 2009 was scheduled to be held in March at Tahiti of French Polynesia.  The Minister of Education of French Polynesia was also present at InterCongress Conference (Photo3). I had reunions with many friends and also participated in ‘Science Policy’ panel co-cosponsored by United Nations Institute of Advanced Studies (Photo4).

Vancouverpsaslovenia007Photo3: French Polynesia, Minister of Education and its group. 3rd from left is Minister of education, 1st is Mr. Burke Burnett of PSA Bureau, On my right is Ms. Nancy Lewis, Director of PSA Bureau.

Vancouverpsaslovenia009_2Photo4: Me just before leaving from Okinawa and my friends. From left, Mr. Rao of Science and Technology Department, India, Mr. Hassan, Director of Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), Mr. Zakri, Director of United Nations Institute of Advanced Studies, myself, Prof. Juma of Kennedy School of Harvard university and Dr. Cassim, President of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

Regretfully, I left the meeting in between on 14th afternoon and took flight from Okinawa to attend G8 science advisor meeting to be held at Slovenia.

How were the editorials of “Innovation 25”?

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There was a meeting with the editorial writers of Japanese newspapers on the 24th and some immediate reactions about “Innovation 25” appeared in the op-ed. 

On Sunday May 27th’s edition of Yomiuri Newspaper (3rd page of the morning edition) it was titled “Japan’s future is up to innovation” and the content was as follows. 

●In order to invigorate Japan’s future, we must substantiate Innovation steadily. 

●The government issued a long term strategic guideline “Innovation 25” for creating an affluent country with hope for people. “Innovation” means technical and/or social reform. “25” stands for 2025 which is the goal year to achieve its objectives. 

●As its name shows, this guideline points out specific goals to achieve in the field of high technology development by 2025.

●At the same time, they are suggesting policy issues such as educational reform, reconsideration of regulatory system and financial support so as to stimulate technology development and its diffusion.

●With the total population declining and the aging population growing at a tremendous speed, we can not avoid significant drop in productivity if we leave the situation unaddressed. Fast growing China will eventually exceed Japan’s GDP. India also has that potential. 

●This strategic guideline has an extremely important role as a road map to fully utilize Japan’s science and technology competence to maintain its national power. 

●Some technological goals include sharp decrease in the number of dementia patients by the progress of Alzheimer disease research. There are also other various goals in the list such as decreasing household chores and childcare workload by the utilization of advanced robots etc. 

●If the number of dementia patients decline and the elderly are in good condition, working style and social security system will be pressed for a drastic reform. Individual’s leisure time will expand and scope of activities will be broadened, which may lead to a change in people’s lifestyle. 

●If technological innovation and social reform match, Japan’s vitality will increase. Its global competitiveness will be also maintained. However, the premise of that is to secure good human resources. 

●The strategic guideline emphasizes reforms of universities, the core institution for education and research, as issues which should be tackled in the coming 3 years. One example of the reform is the policy to increase research grants for young researchers whose thinking is still flexible. 

●The guidelines also support acceptance of talented people from overseas to university as professors and advises to aim at doubling their recruiting ratio. Unless education / research institutions open their doors, conducting world class research is no longer possible. 

●The guidelines also encourage eliminating the classification of arts and sciences upon recruiting students, promote liberal arts education and also to offer more lectures given in English language. These are important perspective for developing world class human resources. 

●United States and European countries also have been sending out policies that bears the word “Innovation” for several years now. Apparently we share common perspective of the problems. If Japan fails to act quickly, the country may dwindle down. 

●We must not be outdone in securing human resources or in competition of development of new techniques. 

In Sankei Newspaper (2nd page of the morning edition) of Monday May 28th , an article titled 【Opinion】 “Innovation 25 ? passion to bring out the nails that stik out” follows like this.   

● “Innovation” is a frequently used word among industrialized countries. In simple terms, it means technical reform, but it is not only about invention, but rather creating new values and social changes, a drastic reform from the inside. 

●The final report of “Innovation 25” is now finalized.  It is a long term strategic guidelines prepared through the discussions and study by the government strategic board. Innovation 25 is one of the important policies of Prime Minister Abe’s administration which bears the role of offering a long term strategic guidelines foreseeing 2025. 

●Japan does not have choice but to face the future decline of population and increase in aging population. On the other hand, the speed of information technology and globalization is overwhelming. Also, besides global warming, issues are countless such as food and energy. The guidelines indicate goals and action plans on how to tackle these challenging issues by innovation. 

●The goals set by the guidelines are high. In order to achieve those goals, it takes not only technology but also reforms in social system and a spirit of challenge. We highly evaluate the guidelines for setting such goals for true innovation.   

●By conquering current issues, they hope that Japan will promote economy and contribute to the world. This report fully and strongly manifests such spirit.   

●The guideline is proposing a swift social system reform to set the ground for innovation. They also list issues that should be addressed in the coming 3 years.

●The highlight of the above  is “expansion of investment to the next generation” and “university reform”. They are proposing to increase research grants for young researchers. We strongly support the proposal.

●The guidelines are also having reform of immigration control in their view for the enhancement of attraction of foreign talents to Japanese universities, institutions, etc. 

●To open the gates of Japanese universities to the world, promote credit transfers between Japan and overseas universities.  By eliminating the classification of arts and sciences for entrance examination, merge the fields of academic study and nurture new types of human resources. 

●They also showed a unique policy of “nurturing human resources” by bringing out the “nails that stick out” This is also something to look forward to. 

●There are criticism that Innovation 25 is something-for-everyone. Reform accompanies pain. Let us start by asking people for their understanding. 

There were articles in other newspapers as well but for my part I think what is important is the future PR strategy.   

“Innovation 25” final report

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On May 25th, the last meeting of “Innovation 25” was held at the Prime Minister’s office. At last we have finally come this far. There is still yet to go for the administrative staffs though, lobbying related parties and the ruling party since cabinet approval is scheduled at the beginning of June. Obviously it is beyond one’s imagination that a word like “a nail that sticks out” is included in the official document for cabinet approval. We have also included some drastic contents such as the suggestion of “elimination of the classification of arts and sciences” upon admission of students to universities. The full text is available for your reference at the homepage of “Innovation 25”.

In the homepage, a letter to Minister Takaichi which I addressed as the chairperson, “Upon drafting the final report of Innovation 25” is uploaded also (in Japanese only).  For the past 2 weeks, our staffs have worked almost around the clock seven days a week. Since “getting approval from the cabinet” was our goal, we needed to get the consensus of each office and ministry, and this process obviously has “watered-down” the report.  As you all may be aware, this problem is one of the gravest problems that must be addressed in Japanese policy planning and government decision making process.

After Minister Takaichi finished the press conference, the Minister and the committee members were invited for dinner at the Prime Minister’s residence. The Prime Minister himself acknowledged our work.

Then, I took Shinkansen for Hamamatsu to attend the general meeting of Japanese Society of Nephrology celebrating its 50th anniversary where I was given an honor to deliver special lecture in the morning of the 26th.

Sending out “Innovation 25” interim report

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I have been reading the comments in media and blog etc. about “Innovation 25” interim report which I mentioned in my column on February 28th. A discussion at Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy presented something similar to my thoughts which I expressed in my blog on March 12th. Finally university reform seems to be aiming at the same direction. However, expecting universities to carry out reforms spontaneously is difficult and it is not surprisingly so when you come to think about the history of their establishment. If you look at Mr.Deguchi’s DND , you will find lively discussions going on about this also. I appreciate it.

I am also sending out more messages. It is important to do so because it gives me an opportunity to listen to your thoughts and opinions. In the March 2007 edition of “JST News” I am talking about the “keyword” of innovation under the title of “A society that nurtures out of box talents, heterogeneity and nails that stick out”. It was broadcasted on cable television as part of government’s PR activities. I received calls saying “I saw you on TV”, but unfortunately I missed it because I am not a cable TV user.

In the column “economics classroom” of Nikkei newspaper March 27th edition, I touch upon the essence of innovation under the title “Social system reform is the essence”. The top headline is “Overcome environment and disparities; don’t fall behind in policy competition”, sub headlines are “A flat world that can not be turned back”, “Conquer the logic of suppliers and collaborate” and “Social entrepreneurs gaining importance”.

The executive summary of “Innovation 25”　English version is now posted on the web site of Prime Minster of Japan and His Cabinet. A bit late, but isn’t it something unique for a Japanese policy? British Ambassador Sir Fry whom I met at a certain gathering gave me an immediate response to this and told me that he has read the report. I think it is important to send out this kind of messages and to get feedbacks.

Anyway, Japan is not so visible from the outside. Government, private sectors and academic societies do not even think of sending messages out to the public. What are they to do in this world of flat and global era with such a stance, I wonder.  Every now and then I write and say “open your eyes, heart and think”. The world is indeed broad.

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs and Millennium Village

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In the year 2000, Millennium Development Goals（MDG） was announced by the United Nations and “MDG Report” was published in 2005 under the initiative of Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University. It is pointing out the goals for each country towards 2025.   Very challenging goals, but I am sure that they are great steps towards the future of the world. I  feel that the leadership of Prof. Sachs who managed this is truely amazing.
Dr. Sachs and I have been working together for a year. As you see in my postings of 2006/2/5 and 2006/1/28 ; we have been friends since our first encounter in Davos forum in 2005.   Just taking a look at his HP is enough to convince you how extraordinarily a brilliant person he is. At the age of 29 he became a professor at Harvard University and is a worldwide famous economist who has contributed tremendously in working out plans for the restoration of economy of Latin America and Russia. Last year he published a book by the title of “The End of Poverty” which was also highly appreciated throughout the world.  Japanese version is also available.  Magnitude of his activities is just incredible.

He is always smiling and has a relaxed attitude, not a trace of arrogance. Even now he acts as an advisor to many countries and especially travels to various African countries as  Advisor to the Government.  In addition, he is taking up the honor of BBC “Reith Lecture” this year. From what I have heard, it has been already recorded once.

Dr. Sachs came to Tokyo from March 4th to 6th   from North Europe and Berlin. After Tokyo he will be visiting Seoul and Beijing. He requested me to arrange for various meetings in the available timeframe, which naturally summed up to a bulk of work for us. The purpose of the visit was to thank for the contribution of Japan and ask for further support for Africa. Do you know why? Because, he has started Millennium Village Project (MVP) to help achieve this difficult goal as much as possible through his own effort.   First, he started with a village in Ethiopia and Kenya.  The New York Academy of Sciences covers this story in a moving article "It Takes A Village" .

His wife is Dr. Sonia Ehrlich Sachs, a great granddaughter of Dr. Paul Ehrlich. As you know, Dr. Paul Ehrlich was the mentor of Sahachiro Hata.  Together, they discovered the first chemical compound Salvarsan (a specific remedy that works against spirochete causing syphilis) which is effective on infectious disease. He received a Nobel Prize in 1908. Dr. Sonia is a pediatrician but she has completed MPH (Master of Public Health) and is now working as superintendent of MVP.  Truely amazing! 

At the Millennium Summit of the United Nations held in September 2005, only Japanese government has offered to support MVP in 8 other places (Prime Minister Mr. Koizumi was there to participate). It’s a wonderful international contribution but the news was not much told in Japanese newspapers. Just before the general meeting of United Nations, I received an e-mail from the associates of Prof. Sachs saying "Really wonderful job and we are very much impressed”. Since then, I am telling about “MVP and contributions of Japan” in every occasion; domestic and international.

With the help of Japan, funds were raized for MVP of Prof. Sachs and currently 12 MVPs are conducted in Africa.

Though the stay of Prof. Sachs was short, we managed to have him visit Minister of Finance, Minister of Health, Vice-minister of Health(Mr. Takemi), Dr. Sadako Ogata, chairman of JICA, and foreign affairs dignitaries. I also arranged several interviews including  an interview with Mr. Yonekura, director of Sumitomo chemicals (covered in Nikkei, a major newspaper among the Japanese business establishment) which I served as a host. Dr. Sachs was very happy with those schedules of 3 days. Many thanks to all the people concerned for their great support. I think you will be finding  articles on this at various places. The photograph is of Prof. Sachs, NPO colleague Dr. James Kondo and me.

Through this, I am aiming to spread the wonderful contribution of Japan, especially in Africa, to all the citizens of the nation and to the world with Prof.Sachs.

By the way, Sumitomo Chemicals is a worldwide successful company, producing 10 million mosquito nets called “Bed Net (Olyset Nets)” per year. This innovative net, which prevents malaria, is supplied to Africa. It is also being used in MVPs. It reduces malaria and keep children healthy thereby improving their productivity. Education and food production is also increasing. Moreover, there are 2 manufacturing factories in Africa and 1 each in Vietnam and China. Employments are provided to these countries and the employees are also doing their work with pride of contributing this product to Africa. This story is introduced in the interview with Prof. Sachs which I will post soon. Please look forward to it.

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Photo：Prof. Sachs at the center

From Davos (1)

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I have returned to Davos, Switzerland again this year.  I arrived on the evening of January 23, after climbing into a plane around noon in London to fly out to Zurich.  It’s my seventh year in a row to attend the annual conference in Davos officially known as the World Economic Forum.   I have posted on this blog what took place at past conferences in 2003, 2004 and 2006.  The scenery on the way looked a lot less wintery than in previous years, with only some patches of snow on the roads and mountains.  Other cities I’ve visited since the beginning of the year like Washington DC, Geneva and London have also been warm.

Right after arriving I completed my conference registration and checked into my hotel room.  It’s always difficult to choose which session to attend with so many interesting workshops and panels on the program.  I decided to rest and skip the evening reception held by the conference chairman, Dr. Klaus Schwab, to prepare myself for a full day tomorrow.

On January 24, I started out going around conference halls, doing the routine of shaking hands and saying, “Hey, what’s up?” as I bumped into friends and acquaintances like Dr. Lester Brown.  I met so many other people too. 

At 10 AM I attended a session under the inspiring title “Make Green Pay.” (I think the naming is very clever.)  The debate hosted by CNBC was being recorded for broadcast.  A panel debated whether a free market solution is the right way for energy and other policies amid climate change, or if there should be greater government intervention.  Members of the panel were split into Pros vs Cons.  Each person was given 5 minutes to argue over one question, then one minute to drill an opponent, and finally opened up the floor to questions.

Q1. Nuclear energy and clean coal are the only viable alternatives to oil: Yes or No
Q2. Markets are superior to regulation in leading corporations towards “greener” operations: Yes or No
Q3. A global carbon tax will do more harm than good?

Very interesting questions, and so were the panelists.  They include Dr. Daniel Esty, Director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, and Sir Nicholas Stern who is author of the “Stern Report.”  I sent an email later to Sir Nicholas whom I was supposed to see in London.  The green debate seemed to signal how the issue of climate change and global warming will be high on the agenda for world business leaders this year.  Did anyone catch the program?  It was apparently aired in Europe, North America and Asia some time between January 26 and 28. 

I met many other people during the lunch buffet too.  Dr. Heizo Takenaka says he will be at the conference this year for 4 or 5 days. It was encouraging to hear that. Also on this day, Dr. Yoko Ishikura who is my co-author of the book “Sekai-kyu no kyaria no tsukurikata (How to Build a World Class Career)” and Dr. James Kondo who is a colleague of mine at the Health Policy Institute, Japan served as moderators of panels.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend either one due to schedule conflict. 

In my next posting on this blog, I intend to put up some images from the conference.  I would like to start off here with a photo from a session with former Iranian president, Mohammad Khatami.  On his left is Princess Lolwah Al Faisal.  The person on the far left is three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman who is a NY Times columnist known for books like “The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century (2005)” and “The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization (1999).” 

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Happy new year 2005

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A happy new year to you all. I wanted to update my blog more frequently last year, but too bad that I couldn’t due to quite a busy year.

Well, The Science Council of Japan will be transferred to the Cabinet Office as of April 1st and the new organization will kick off as of October 1st.  This year’s theme is “annis mirabilis” (for those of you who are not familiar with what this means, please look it up on the internet) and a lot of event will take place all over the world to commemorate Einstein as the “International Year of Physics”.

1901 was a year of physics which dramatically changed the 20th century and that’s when Dr.Rontgen won the first Nobel Prize in Physics. The X-ray contributed very much to the physical and biological research throughout the century. Japan also produced many scientists who contributed in the filed of physics with world class works. Nobel Prize winners include Dr. Hideki Yukawa, Dr. Shinichiro Tominaga, Dr. Leona Esaki, Dr. Masatoshi Koshiba. It was Dr. Kenjiro Yamakawa, the 6th President of Tokyo Imperial University that started up Japan’s physics in the Meiji era. Dr. Aikitsu Tanakadate and Dr. Hantaro Nagaoka who built the foundation of Japan’s physical research were Dr. Yamakawa’s first students.

2004 was Dr. Yamakawa’s 150th anniversary. He was originally from Aizu and joined the Byakotai (White Tiger Corps) at the age of 14 (but couldn’t be a regular member since he was physically weak). He survived the Tsurugajo and with the recommendation from Seiki Kuroda, he earned a chance to study in America at Yale University at the age of 17. He studied physics and returned to Japan when he was 22. He first became a teacher at the Kaisei School which was the predecessor of University of Tokyo, then a professor at the University of Tokyo and finally the President. He was a man of conviction and devoted his life to science education. In 1905, he resigned from the Presidency of University of Tokyo taking the blame for the Tomizu case after the Japanese-Russo war. Then, he was appointed as the President of Meiji Senmon Gakko (currently the Kyushu Institute of Technology) in Hakata as well as the President of Kyushu Imperial University which was newly established. He later became the President of Tokyo Imperial University, President of Kyoto Imperial University and Principal of Musashi High school (he is the 2nd principal, but virtually the first). He was indeed a great educator, a rebel spirited man with belief who have fully dedicated his life to education.

This is the kind of person we need for our country now. A book “A biography of Kenjiro Yamakawa” by Ryoichi Hoshi is published from Heibonsha.  I urge you to read it.  Sutematsu Oyama, who went to the U.S. with Umeko Tsuda as a member of Iwakura Mission, is the younger sister of Dr.Yamakawa who returned to Japan after graduating from Vassar College. She was the second wife to General Oyama, who flourished in the Rokumeikan society and was a supporter of Umeko Tsuda. Dr. Yamakawa’s elder brother was the chief retainer of Aizu who became a military officer after many hardships after the Meiji Restoration. In 1887 (Meiji 19), at the request of Arinori Mori, Minister of Education of the time, he resigned from the position of Army Colonel and became the Principal of Teacher’s College (currently the University of Tsukuba) where he educated numerous talents.

It would be a good idea to organize an event to introduce the achievements of Dr. Kenjiro Yamakawa as part of the “International Year of Physics”.  I wish someone would think about something like this.

By the way, I hear that a photo exhibition of Einstein’s visit to Japan in 1922 is being held at the Swiss Embassy in Azabu, Tokyo until mid January.