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On Wednesday, July 23, from 11:00 a.m., Keio University held a ceremony to confer an honorary doctoral degree upon Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Making history as the first woman to hold the position, President von der Leyen has played a central role in leading policy innovation in the European Union by addressing a diverse range of international issues, including overseeing Europe's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing support to Ukraine, and promoting the Green Deal for a climate-neutral society. In honor of these achievements, Keio University decided to confer upon her the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa.

During the conferral ceremony, Dean of the Graduate School of Media and Governance Kazunori Takashio read the citation while Vice-President Motohiro Tsuchiya served as moderator. Keio University President Kohei Itoh then conferred the honorary degree upon President von der Leyen, delivered a formal address, and listened as President von der Leyen gave a speech expressing her gratitude.

In her commemorative speech, President von der Leyen referenced one of Fukuzawa Yukichi's works, "An Outline of a Theory of Civilization," and noted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of its publication. She also emphasized that the philosophy of "freedom and independence" advocated by Fukuzawa is a universal value that remains relevant today. In particular, she mentioned that "independence" is the ability to act on one's own judgment without being swayed by outside influences, a quality that is needed in times of instability.

She further underscored the significance of cooperation between Japan and the EU, saying, "The point is that we are all trying to forge our own strength and our independence. But it is only by working together that we can make strength and independence happen."

In addition, she touched on her experience as a physician and her further studies, where she subsequently earned a master's degree in public health, while reflecting on Europe's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She then addressed the Keio students in the audience directly, leaving with them the message that their actions reach far beyond their immediate circles, and how important it is to act responsibly in the spirit of Fukuzawa's teachings.

In concluding her speech, the president reminded them, "[You understand] that your research on climate change may protect coastal towns you will never visit. That a biomedical discovery can affect patients a continent away. That is what it means to be part of a global community." She continued, "Because when you take responsibility for others, others will take responsibility for you." This philosophy is rooted in the history between Europe and Japan, and is also the teaching that Fukuzawa Yukichi left to the world. In closing, President von der Leyen strongly encouraged students to follow their own paths with these teachings in mind.