Delivered by Mr Luke Sheehy, Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer

*CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*

Welcome everyone to this special networking event where we bring together senior leaders from universities across both Australia and Japan.  

Thank you all for joining us.  

It is an honour to be hosting this event alongside His Excellency, Mr SUZUKI Kazuhiro, and with the Embassy of Japan.   

Tonight, we are meeting on the lands of the Ngunnawal [NUH-NAH-WOL] people. I pay my respects to their elders past present and emerging. 

I’d like to acknowledge a few people with us tonight:  

• Ms MIYANO Michiko, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission 

• Ms Karen Sandercock, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Education 

• Mr Brendan Smyth, Commissioner for International Engagement, ACT Government.  

At today’s forum there’s been much discussion on our bilateral education and research relationship.  

Tonight, we gather to celebrate the strong ties between our nations and to explore and deepen the many opportunities for collaboration. 

Our partnership with Japan is built on a foundation of shared values – respect for knowledge, a commitment to excellence and an enduring belief in the power of collaboration.  

Through these shared principles, we grow as partners and friends, advancing knowledge for the benefit of our societies and the world. 

You heard today about the incredible potential that comes from collaboration between our two countries – how, as partners, we’ve had breakthroughs in renewable energy – such as solar panels and hydrogen fuel solutions.  

These innovations may not have been possible without the unique combination of Australia’s world-class research capabilities and Japanese leadership in technological development.   

Universities Australia is proud to partner with the Japan Association of National Universities because our collaboration with Japan is not just a priority – it is a privilege.  

We work together to unite senior university leaders from both countries, fostering research collaboration and strategic cooperation between like-minded partners. 

Our members have the potential to unlock even more transformative outcomes that will have a lasting impact.  

Universities Australia is looking forward to working with JANU to plan a reciprocal visit to Japan, in July next year, to coincide with the World Expo in Osaka – an opportunity to continue to drive innovation and provide for the future prosperity of both our countries. 

It’s now my privilege to introduce His Excellency, Mr SUZUKI Kazuhiro, Ambassador of Japan.  

Domo arigato gozaimasu