The UNU Global Seminar programme is a series of annual sessions held at locations throughout Japan, as well as in the Republic of Korea and Hawaii, to enhance awareness among university students and young professionals about issues of concern to the United Nations, its peoples and member states. Undergraduate and postgraduate students and recent graduates who can understand both English and Japanese are invited to apply; 50 applicants will be selected to participate in the Okinawa Session. A fee of JPY30,000 covers lodging, meals and seminar materials; this fee may be waived for foreign students in Japan who are not receiving a full scholarship and can demonstrate financial need.

The UNU Global Seminar - Okinawa Session will open at 1:00 PM on Thursday, 16 December, with keynote lectures by Prof. Emorn Wasantwisut, Director of the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, and Ms. Asako Kishi, a journalist specializing in "food culture". Simultaneous Japanese-English interpretation will be provided. These keynote lectures, which will be presented at the Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan City, are open to the public; media representatives are cordially invited to attend (Welcome Reception and lectures will be held at Culture Resort Festone).

On 17 and 18 December, seminar participants will attend lecture sessions on "Fighting Hunger: Towards Global Food Security", "Food, Lifestyles, and Choices", and "Trading Food". Group discussions and a guidance session for those interested in seeking employment in the UN system will also be held. The Okinawa Session will conclude on Sunday, 19 December, with group presentations, a plenary discussion, and a closing ceremony and farewell lunch.

A full programme is available online. Additional information and application forms can be obtained online (http://archive.unu.edu/globseminar/) or by contacting UNU (telephone: 03-3499-2811; fax: 03-3499-2828; e-mail: gsokinawa@hq.unu.edu). The deadline for applications is 22 October.