JAPAN-YOKOHAMA: The Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo on Monday arrived in the Japanese seaside city of Yokohama where she joins other world leaders to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) that kicks off Tuesday at the Pacific Yokohama Convention Centre.
Alupo who is representing President Yoweri Museveni was received at Haneda International Airport by the Ambassador Tophace Kaahwa of Uganda to Japan, former Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Fukuzawa Hidemoto and other dignitaries.
The summit (TICAD 9) is being held under the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,” where Japan aims to explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing Africa by leveraging its cutting-edge technologies and expertise.
It is mutually beneficial to combine homegrown solutions developed in Africa with these solutions presented by Japan.
Starting Tuesday, the VP Alupo will hold several bilateral meetings with between Uganda and Japanese companies, Japanese Business Federation, the leadership of the Japanese Foundation and also address the Plenary session on the topic of ‘Economy’.
According to Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan his country would like to work with Africa to strengthen inclusive and responsible global governance that ensures peace and prosperity of the international community says
“Africa possesses abundant resources, a vibrant youthful population, and remarkable potential for innovation. At the same time, it faces significant challenges: poverty, conflict, unemployment, infectious diseases, and climate change. TICAD 9 will address these head-on by focusing on three key cross-cutting approaches covering peace and security, the Economy and Society,” Ishiba said.
The summit organized by diverse groups, including government, industry, academia, and civil society, will cover over 200 seminars and symposiums and approximately 300 booths and panel displays, all focused on specific themes.
To conclude, TICAD 9 is more than a conference; it’s a vibrant and living platform for forging deeper partnerships, generating innovative solutions, and building a shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa and the world; furthermore, the significance of the Japan-Africa partnership reaches far beyond its impact on Africa alone.
Initially incepted in 1993, TICAD remains a pioneering conference focused on African development for the last three decades, distinguished by its unique emphasis on “African Ownership” and “International Partnership.”
The Prime minister emphasizes that TICAD’s inclusiveness and openness to engage a wide range of stakeholders—such as international organizations, third countries, businesses, academia, and NGOs— highlight its unique strengths.
He stressed that by embracing this philosophy, Japan will remain a steadfast partner for Africa.
