Seven Keio University students participated in the “Youth Summit of the G8” in Saint Petersburg

Preceding the G8 Summit, to be held in Russia from July 15-17, a “Youth Summit of the G8” was organized by students in St. Petersburg between the 3rd and 9th of April. Of the 8 students representing Japan, 7 were from Keio University's Faculty of Policy Management and Graduate School of Media & Governance.

The Youth Summit was officially sponsored by all G8 member states, with top universities from each of the member states invited to participate. A team consisting of 8 members had to be compiled, with each member having chosen a role as either a minister or head of state, to take part in political debates and speeches during the event. The aim of the Summit was to raise the political, economical and social awareness of young people and to have them take responsibility to counteract the threats of today's world. There were especially fierce debates over war and peace, drug trafficking, and the energy and raw materials issue. A resolution, signed by all the Youth Summit member states, will be presented to the leaders of the G8 Summit this summer as a representative voice of the world's youth.

The participants of the Japanese student delegation felt that they succeeded in showing the Japanese stance toward the issues mentioned during the talks. This event also strengthened the newly established ties between Keio University and the University of St. Petersburg. Further events and cooperation can be expected in the near future.