Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya on Friday delivered a compelling lecture at Ateneo de Manila University as part of its “EmbLEM: Embassy Lectures, Encounters, and Masterclasses” series, reinforcing the strong and evolving bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines.
The event, attended by university leaders and students alike, showcased the importance of people-to-people exchange in diplomacy. Ambassador Endo highlighted ongoing collaborations in economic development, security, cultural exchange, and education. He emphasized the essential role of young people in nurturing and advancing international relations, encouraging student engagement in cross-cultural dialogue and global cooperation.
The EmbLEM series, spearheaded by Ateneo Global, is designed to expose students to global perspectives by bringing in senior diplomats for direct dialogue. With participation from key academic figures such as Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño and Dr. Czarina Saloma – Akpedonu, the program illustrates how academic institutions can serve as vital platforms for international understanding.
The lecture concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, giving students a deeper grasp of regional diplomacy and the value of sustained international partnerships.