Director of the Center for Global Initiatives

TANAKA Manabu

As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, the global community is increasingly seeking opportunities to cooperate and reconnect between borders. Osaka University is hopeful of enhancing collaboration with its international partners and looks forward to making new memories in the coming years.

In April 2021, the Center for Global Initiatives was restructured to enhance its organizational function for policy-making. This has allowed us to more effectively promote and implement three high-priority projects: Global Knowledge Partners, the ASEAN Campus Project, and the acceptance of outstanding exchange students. Our Center, together with the Global Engagement Board, will lead the integrated and organized globalization of Osaka University by directly promoting its projects as well as strengthening the network for cooperation with relevant organizations of the university.

While the pace of globalization across the world is increasing, global challenges such as infectious diseases, climate change, and biodiversity conservation continue to grow more serious. To surmount these threats, it has become more important to seek mutual understanding between countries and establish new ways of international collaboration.

The divisions of the Center will continue to work as one and make the most of its strengths to promote global collaboration while cooperating with all departments and offices of the university. By doing so, we hope to make our activities known not only within Osaka University but also outside of the university.

April 2023
TANAKA Manabu
Director of the Center for Global Initiatives