Questioning the Roles of Local Government Officials and Civil Society in an "Era of Division"
Certified NPO EFA Japan will hold a 20th-anniversary symposium titled "International Cooperation Entrusted to the Future" on June 20, 2026. The event will explore the connection between international cooperation and local communities, redefining the roles of diverse public actors amidst growing social division.
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- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 22:00
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Certified NPO EFA Japan (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will hold the symposium "International Cooperation Entrusted to the Future - EFA Japan's 20-Year Trajectory and Questions for the Next 10 Years" on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Amid pointing out the spread of division and xenophobic discourse, the event will re-examine the roles that local government officials and civil society actors should fulfill.
Social Division and the Shaking of the "Public"
In recent years, values prioritizing self-interest and xenophobic narratives have spread, impacting the front lines of multicultural coexistence and civic activities.
On the other hand, challenges faced by local governments on the ground—such as disaster response, support for residents with foreign roots, and assistance for children and youth—are becoming increasingly complex and are linked to social issues that transcend regional boundaries.
Under these circumstances, the question of how diverse actors, including local governments, labor unions, and NPOs, can collaborate to take responsibility for the "public" is being asked.
Questioning the Next 10 Years from 20 Years of Practice
Since its establishment in 2004, EFA Japan has deployed educational support and community assistance for children in Asia.
In recent years, it has expanded its field of activity by tackling disaster relief and multicultural coexistence within Japan.
This symposium will reflect on those 20 years of practice and initiate discussions starting from the question: "Where do local communities and international cooperation intersect?"
Discussions based on the Reality of the Local Government Frontlines
In the keynote speech, Mr. Michio Ito, who has over 40 years of experience in the field of international cooperation, will take the stage.
In the cross-talk session, speakers with practical experience in local governments will share the reality of the frontlines, such as the limits of systems and the difficulties of collaboration.
Event Overview
Event Name: EFA Japan Symposium 2026 "International Cooperation Entrusted to the Future - EFA Japan's 20-Year Trajectory and Questions for the Next 10 Years"
Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 14:00-16:00
Venue: Jichiro Kaikan 6th Floor Large Conference Room (1 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Participation Fee: Free (Advance registration required)
Registration URL: https://forms.gle/jRezadkvjHNy9Q6X9
(On-demand streaming is planned for a later date, making participation from outside the Tokyo metropolitan area possible. Those who wish to view the stream should also apply via the URL above.)
Amid pointing out the spread of division and xenophobic discourse, the event will re-examine the roles that local government officials and civil society actors should fulfill.
Social Division and the Shaking of the "Public"
In recent years, values prioritizing self-interest and xenophobic narratives have spread, impacting the front lines of multicultural coexistence and civic activities.
On the other hand, challenges faced by local governments on the ground—such as disaster response, support for residents with foreign roots, and assistance for children and youth—are becoming increasingly complex and are linked to social issues that transcend regional boundaries.
Under these circumstances, the question of how diverse actors, including local governments, labor unions, and NPOs, can collaborate to take responsibility for the "public" is being asked.
Questioning the Next 10 Years from 20 Years of Practice
Since its establishment in 2004, EFA Japan has deployed educational support and community assistance for children in Asia.
In recent years, it has expanded its field of activity by tackling disaster relief and multicultural coexistence within Japan.
This symposium will reflect on those 20 years of practice and initiate discussions starting from the question: "Where do local communities and international cooperation intersect?"
Discussions based on the Reality of the Local Government Frontlines
In the keynote speech, Mr. Michio Ito, who has over 40 years of experience in the field of international cooperation, will take the stage.
In the cross-talk session, speakers with practical experience in local governments will share the reality of the frontlines, such as the limits of systems and the difficulties of collaboration.
Event Overview
Event Name: EFA Japan Symposium 2026 "International Cooperation Entrusted to the Future - EFA Japan's 20-Year Trajectory and Questions for the Next 10 Years"
Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 14:00-16:00
Venue: Jichiro Kaikan 6th Floor Large Conference Room (1 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Participation Fee: Free (Advance registration required)
Registration URL: https://forms.gle/jRezadkvjHNy9Q6X9
(On-demand streaming is planned for a later date, making participation from outside the Tokyo metropolitan area possible. Those who wish to view the stream should also apply via the URL above.)