Greetings

Supporting and Developing Professionals for the Frontlines of International Cooperation

Located in a multicultural and international city, Kobe University has evolved into a world-class institution over its 120-year history. As one of Japan’s leading research institutions, Kobe University has played a pivotal role in addressing both domestic and global challenges. Building on our university’s extensive research collaborations with academic institutions, companies, and international organizations, this project aims to develop professionals who, by thriving on a campus where world-class experts and researchers regularly gather, will be well-equipped to take on new challenges from key positions.
The Global Network Program for Joint Education and Research to Nurture Highly Skilled Professionals Toward Value Co-Creation in International Cooperation (GNP), promoted by the Graduate Schools of International Cooperation Studies and Intercultural Studies, focuses on team-based education and research guidance through collaboration with overseas universities, international organizations, and government organizations. Given the crucial role of internationalization and globalization at Kobe university, GNP stands as a core initiative, enabling aspiring students to broaden their horizons across diverse fields and develop into professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the international community.

Professor, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies
Keiichi Ogawa, Program Committee Chair

The Global Network Program is a project funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) aimed at training researchers, international civil servants, and senior government officials in developing countries to take on leading roles in international cooperation. This goal will be achieved through team-based joint education and research guidance in collaboration with overseas universities, international organizations, and government organizations in developing countries.
Another key feature of this program is the opportunity for internships at international aid organizations, such as the World Bank and UNICEF, as well as government institutions in developing countries. For students aspiring to careers in research institutions, international aid organizations, or government agencies, this program provides a valuable chance to acquire world-class research expertise, professional skills, and policy-making capabilities.
We warmly invite students to join this program and develop the skills needed to thrive in the international community.

Professor, Graduate School of Intercultural Studies
Hirotaka Inoue, Program Committee Vice Chair

In collaboration with the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, I am pleased, as a representative of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, to introduce the Global Network Program for Joint Education and Research to Nurture Highly Skilled Professionals Toward Value Co-Creation in International Cooperation.
At the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, our education and research focus primarily on fostering deep intercultural understandings and communication skills. Our courses are specifically designed to strengthen knowledge of international cooperation, equipping students with the ability to identify opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, even in the face of intercultural conflicts.
We warmly welcome all students eager to seize this opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges.