Ambassador Keiichi Ono Inaugurates Fifth India-Japan Intellectual Conclave in Assam

'Kizuna' Conclave: Exploring Technology, Education, and Logistics for Change

On February 6th and 7th, 2025, the Fifth India-Japan Intellectual Conclave, aptly titled 'Kizuna,' unfolded in Guwahati, Assam. This prestigious event brought together a diverse array of thought leaders, including Ms Miki Yamada, fa ormer member of the House of Representatives of Japan and former State Minister of Environment of Japan, and Mr Itsu Adachi, Executive Director of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, among other eminent officials.

The Kizuna seminar, organized by Asian Confluence in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in India and the Ministry of External Affairs of India, focused on promoting socio-economic development in Northeast India and the Bengal region through international collaboration between industry, government, and academia. The foundation has been a co-organizer since the fourth seminar the previous year. The seminar, themed "Co-Creating Ecosystems for Change: Technology, Education, Logistics," was attended by over 140 participants from India, Bangladesh, and Japan, including politicians, government officials, and private sector representatives. The event was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan to India, and featured keynote speeches from Mr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, and Mr Konrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya.

As part of the program, participants visited a plantation where local farmers grow bamboo for bioethanol production. They also toured a proposed site for a semiconductor processing plant by Tata Group, with plans for the area to be developed into a smart city. The first day included a panel on industrial value chain co-creation and logistics connectivity. On the second day, sessions covered topics such as technical trainees, the care economy, promoting semiconductor and high-tech industries in Northeast India, and collaboration between Indian engineering talent and Japanese industry. To promote political engagement and further the seminar's objectives, a political session was organized to facilitate an exchange between politicians from Japan and Northeast India.

Ms. Miki Yamada, a former Japanese House of Representatives member, discussed Japanese diplomatic exchanges, environmental challenges, and the need for green transformation. She also highlighted industry-university collaborations between Gifu University and the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. Additionally, a doctoral student from Gifu University, studying at IIT Guwahati under the Joint Degree Program, shared his research. Two Northeast Indian politicians, part of the 2023 Japan invitation program, discussed strengthening the 'Kizuna' ties. Moreover, photographs from the Northeast India Audiovisual Archive showcased the region's scenic beauty and cultural diversity.

The organization's activities focused on promoting peace and stability in Northeast Indian societies while strengthening ties between Japan and the region. Through its role as a co-organizer of the Kizuna seminar, it was committed to continuing efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and Northeast India. The Fifth India-Japan Intellectual Conclave 'Kizuna' highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations, aiming for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Editor's Note:

The Fifth India-Japan Intellectual Conclave, 'Kizuna,' co-organized by Asian Confluence, the Embassy of Japan in India, and the Ministry of External Affairs of India, took place in Guwahati, Assam, and brought together esteemed dignitaries, thought leaders, and industry experts. The event emphasized the importance of fostering socio-economic development in Northeast India and the Bengal region through international collaboration. Through insightful discussions and initiatives, the conclave highlighted how technology, education, and logistics are pivotal in driving sustainable change.

Skoobuzz highlights the shared vision of innovation and development between India and Japan, making this conclave a significant milestone in their enduring partnership, which continues to inspire future collaborations for a prosperous and sustainable future.