UNU Global Seminars are a series of annual seminars held at seven locations throughout Japan as well as in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and Honolulu, Hawaii; more information about the individual seminars can be found online at http://archive.unu.edu/globseminar/index.htm. The 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 Shonan Session; approximately 100 applicants will be selected to participate. Participants must understand both English and Japanese. A fee of JPY40,000 covers accommodation, meals, and seminar documentation (but not travel expenses to and from the seminar site). Foreign students not receiving a scholarship for their study in Japan may apply for a participation waiver.

The UNU Global Seminar - Shonan Session will open on Monday, 6 September, with keynote lectures by literary critic Shuichi Kato and Dr. Mike Featherstone (professor, Nottingham Trent University). On 7 and 8 September, participants will attend lecture sessions on "Globalization, Culture and the United Nations," "Cultural Awareness in Asia," "Cultural Policies" and "Technology and Culture," and on 9 September there will be group presentations, a guidance session for those interested in working in international organizations and a Kanagawa Session on "Local Communities and International Cooperation." The UNU Global Seminar - 20th Shonan Session will conclude with a closing ceremony on Friday, 10 September. A copy of the programme is attached.

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2004. Those interested in participating can obtain more information and an application form online (http://archive.unu.edu/globseminar/) or by contacting the Shonan Global Seminar Secretariat (telephone: 03-3499-2811; fax: 03-3499-2828; e-mail: shonan2004@hq.unu.edu).