UNU Global Seminars are a series of annual seminars held at seven locations in Japan as well as in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and Honolulu, Hawaii. These seminars are designed to enhance awareness among university students and young professionals about global issues of concern to the United Nations, its peoples and member states. Undergraduate students (junior year and above), postgraduate students and recent graduates are invited to apply for the Shimane Session; approximately 50 applicants will be selected to participate. Participants must understand both English and Japanese. A fee of JPY30,000 covers accommodation, meals, seminar documentation, and the excursion (but not travel expenses to and from the seminar site). The participation fee may be waived for foreign students studying in Japan who can demonstrate financial need.

The UNU Global Seminar - Shimane Session will open at 2:00 PM on Monday, 2 August, with keynote lectures by Prof. Heita Kawakatsu of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies and Dr. Patricio Bernal, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. The keynote lectures are open to the public; media representatives are cordially invited to attend. Simultaneous Japanese-English interpretation will be provided.

On 3 and 4 August, participants will attend lecture sessions and small group discussions on "Globalization and Maritime Asia," "Maritime Resources and the Environment" and "Ocean Governance." An excursion to a nearby coastal area and a guidance session for those interested in seeking employment in the UN system are also planned. The Shimane Session will conclude on Thursday, 5 August, with group presentations, a closing ceremony and a farewell lunch. A copy of the programme is attached.

Additional information about the UNU Global Seminars and application forms are available online (http://archive.unu.edu/globseminar/index.htm) or can be obtained by contacting the UNU Global Seminar - Shimane Session secretariat (telephone: 03-3499-2811; fax: 03-3499-2828; e-mail: gsshimane@hq.unu.edu). The deadline for applications is 24 May 2004. For further information, or to reserve media space at the keynote lectures, please contact the UNU Communications Department.