Events
Events
Success Story
In 2026, four students completed the Global Network Program (GNP). All four completed the GNP while pursuing their research in their respective doctoral programs. The GNP provides doctoral students with a wide range of opportunities, including overseas internships, overseas research, joint educational and research supervision with overseas universities and institutions, and the development of international academic networks. These experiences not only enhance students’ expertise and international perspectives but also contribute to broadening their career opportunities after graduation. After earning their doctoral degrees, the four graduates have pursued careers that build on their respective areas of expertise at international organizations, research institutions, and universities, where they are actively contributing in Japan and abroad.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
A new interdisciplinary curriculum has been established that brings together the global perspective, a strength of the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, with the regional, individual, and technological perspectives, strengths of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, with the aim of addressing global challenges and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.
Intensive Lectures by Partner Faculty Members and Experts
GNP invite experts from overseas universities, international organizations, and government organizations to deliver intensive lectures for doctoral students. During these lectures, each expert introduced the latest, cutting-edge research in their field, while also imparting practical knowledge essential for future career development. The program also offered a platform for students to develop their global networks, by providing opportunities for students and professors to interact, both before and after the lectures. We conducted 3 intensive lectures in the FY2024, 9 in the FY2025, and 11 (including planned lectures) as of October 2026.
FY2025 Global Network Program Symposium
On February 27, 2026, Kobe University hosted a symposium for the Global Network Program (GNP). The symposium featured reports on the progress and outcomes of past program, as well as research presentations from doctoral students who had participated in the program. Attendees included Kobe University's Executive Vice President, Professor, Dr. Hisashi Tamaki, faculty members and students from the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies and the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, experts from overseas universities such as Columbia University, international organizations such as the World Bank and UNESCO, and government organizations including Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, together totaling 90 participants. Participants discussed the program's impact and its achievements to date, reflected on the challenges facing doctoral students, and potential avenues for further international cooperation toward sustainable development. In the symposium, a certificate award ceremony was held for graduates of the GNP. At the ceremony, the first two GNP graduates received their certificates from Kobe University's Executive Vice President, Professor, Dr. Tamaki.
GNP Seminars
We invited experts from overseas universities, international organizations, and government agencies to deliver a series of seminars. The seminars featured active discussions on global issues and career development in the international arena. We conducted 10 seminars in the FY2024, 16 in the FY2025, and 25 (including planned seminars) as of October 2026.
FY2024 GNP Kick-Off Symposium in Kobe University
On March 3, 2025, the Global Network Program (GNP) Kick-Off Symposium was held at Kobe University. The symposium introduced the newly launched project, GNP, and focused on strengthening Japanese higher education by promoting collaboration between academic institutions, international organizations, and governments. University of Dhaka and other overseas universities, international organizations such as World Bank and UNESCO, and government institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Cambodia were invited. In the session, participants from all countries shared their perspectives of GNP's impact, discussed how it will meet the needs of doctoral students, and mentioned the opportunities for collaboration that the program will provide towards achieving sustainable development.
