The UNU Global Seminar is an annual programme designed to enhance international awareness among college students and young professionals in Japan through active interaction with scholars and experts working in the UNU's global networks. Undergraduate students, students in postgraduate courses in Japanese universities, and recent graduates are invited to apply. Seminar participants must understand both English and Japanese languages.

Application forms for the Okinawa Session are available from the UNU (telephone: 03-3499-2811; e-mail: gsokinawa@hq.unu.edu). Applications must be submitted to the UNU Global Seminar Secretariat no later than 12 October 2001. Approximately 50 students will be selected from among the applicants to participate. The participation fee is Japanese yen 30,000, which includes seminar materials, meals, and three nights' accommodation; this fee may be waived for foreign students studying in Japan.

Keynote speakers for the 2001 UNU Global Seminar - Okinawa Session will be Dr. Yersu Kim, Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, and Prof. Kinhide Mushakoji, Director of The Chubu Institute for Advanced Studies.

Individual sessions will focus on "Island Culture: The Case of Okinawa," "The Role of Cultures in Asia," "Culture and Conflict" and "The Future of Cultures." Scheduled lecturers include Prof. Shuzen Hokama, President, Research Center for Okinawan Studies; Prof. Katsunori Yamazato, University of the Ryukyus; Prof. Kenichiro Hirano, Waseda University; Prof. Heita Kawakatsu, The International Research Center for Japanese Studies; Prof. Yuji Suzuki, Hosei University; and Dr. Jean-Marc Coicaud, Senior Academic Officer, UNU. Ms. Mitsuko Ito, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, will conduct a guidance session for those interested in working in international organizations.

The Opening Ceremony and Keynote Lectures on 20 December, which will be held at the Okinawa Women's Comprehensive Center "Tiruru," are open to the public. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend. A preliminary programme is attached.

The 2001 UNU Global Seminar - Okinawa Session is being jointly organized by the UNU and Okinawa Prefectural Government with support from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This Okinawa Session is one of a series of UNU Global Seminar sessions that are held throughout Japan each year. Other annual sessions are the Hokkaido Session, Kanazawa Session, Kobe Session, Shimane Session and Shonan Session.