Thirteen selected young people from the Western Balkans will spend the next 7 days in Japan, as part of the MIRAI Program 2024/2025 – implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).
From 3rd to 9th December, participants will have the opportunity to visit Tokyo and Hiroshima and exchange experiences through different activities and interactive lectures on global issues with experts and students. Participants will have the chance to visit Sofia University, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Senso-ji Temple, Miyajima and other insightful landmarks during their stay.
Selected young people and Head of LBO North Macedonia, Vladimir Gjorgjevski, who will be guiding them in the name of RYCO, are excited to engage in this cultural and intellectual exchange in Japan like no other.
Since its start in 2018, the MIRAI Program has been fostering understanding and collaboration between Japan and the Western Balkans, and now for the 5th time, the program continues to serve as a bridge between diverse cultures and perspectives. The MOFA started the program to support socio-economic reforms and facilitate reconciliation and cooperation in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. MIRAI stands for Mutual understanding, Intellectual Relations and Academic exchange Initiative.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.