The UNU Global Seminar series is an annual programme designed to enhance awareness about global issues among university students and young professionals in Japan by providing an opportunity for active interaction with international scholars and experts. Undergraduate students (junior year and above), postgraduate students and recent graduates are invited to apply; approximately 50 applicants will be selected to participate in the Hokkaido Session. Participants must understand both English and Japanese. The participation fee of Japanese yen 30,000, which includes seminar materials, meals and lodging, may be waived for foreign students studying in Japan who can demonstrate financial need.

Additional information and application forms are available from the UNU Global Seminar Secretariat (telephone: 03-3499-2811; fax: 03-3499-2828; e-mail: gshokkaido@hq.unu.edu). Applications must be submitted to the Secretariat no later than 26 June 2002.

Keynote lecturers for the UNU Global Seminar - Hokkaido Session 2002 will be Hatsuhisa Takashima, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Tokyo, and Prof. Yoshiharu Tsuboi of Waseda University. These keynote speeches are open to the public, with simultaneous Japanese-English interpretation provided. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend.

There will be six additional lectures and a panel discussion under the themes of "Information, Media and the Human Society," "Globalization and Pluralization," "Media and International Politics," and "The Role of Media in the Age of Globalization," as well as group discussions and a guidance session for those interested in seeking employment in international organizations. A copy of the programme is attached.

There are seven UNU Global Seminar sessions held annually throughout Japan. The Hokkaido Session is organized by UNU with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan; the Hokkaido Government; and the City of Sapporo. Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University of Education, Otaru University of Commerce, Hokkai Gakuen University and Hokusei Gakuen University are collaborating in the organization of the seminar.

A press conference to introduce the UNU Global Seminar - Hokkaido Session 2002 will be held on Monday, 13 May 2002, at 11 a.m. at the Press Club of the Hokkaido Municipal Government.