The UNU Global Seminar is an annual programme designed to enhance international awareness among the student population in Japan through active interaction with scholars and experts working in the UNU's global networks. Undergraduate students (junior year and above), those in postgraduate courses in Japanese universities, and recent graduates are invited to apply. Applicants must understand both English and Japanese languages.

Applications for the Okinawa Session must be submitted to the UNU Global Seminar Secretariat no later than 30 September 2000. Approximately 50 students will be selected from the applicants to participate in the four-day course. The participation fee of Japanese Yen 30,000, which includes seminar materials, meals, and three nights' accommodation, may be waived for students from developing countries.

Keynote speakers for the UNU Global Seminar - Second Okinawa Session will be Prof. Christine Chinkin (London School of Economics and Political Science) and Ms. Akiko Yamanaka (former Member of the Japan House of Representatives). Scheduled lecturers include Prof. Ruri Ito (Ochanomizu University), Prof. Kimio Ito (Osaka University), Mr. Haruki Murase (essayist), Ms. Michiko Ohshiro (lecturer, Meio University), Ms. Eiko Asato (writer) and Ms. Angela E. King (Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women). Ms. Mitsuko Ito of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs will conduct a guidance session for those interested in working in international organizations.

Individual sessions will focus on "Gender and Public Policy in Japan," "Gender and Men's Studies," "Gender and Public Policy in Ryukyu History" and "Gender and the United Nations." A preliminary programme is attached.

The UNU Global Seminar - Second Okinawa Session is being jointly organized by UNU and Okinawa Prefecture.

This Okinawa Session is one of a series of UNU Global Seminar sessions that are held throughout Japan each year. Other seminars this year are the Shimane Session ("Northeast Asia and the World in the 21st Century") and Hokkaido Session ("The State and Ethnic Groups in the 21st Century") in August, and the Kobe Session ("Humanity and Civilizations in the Globalizing World") and Shonan Session ("Challenges to the United Nations in the 21st Century") in September.