Kakegawa Michiyo

Interview

Please introduce yourself.

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. He has worked for the United Nations Development Programme, the Embassy of Japan in Laos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the JICA Vietnam Office, the Ministry of the Environment, etc., in order to support development aid in developing countries, particularly in improving environmental policies and training human resources, and has gained experience from the policy level to the field of projects. In his doctoral studies at the University of California (Santa Cruz), he analyzed the compliance with environmental and social safeguards in development projects in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, and researched the implementation process of development projects and the implementation of effective policies to ensure that the common people of these countries are protected and benefited.

Please tell us about your research.

I am researching ways to strengthen compliance with environmental policies in Mekong region countries (mainly Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam) and how climate change measures (mitigation and adaptation) should be integrated into development planning in the region.

What kind of contributions to society do you expect as your research progresses?

This will contribute to better environmental management in developing countries and the creation of sustainable societies, and in the long term, it is expected to contribute to strengthening environmental conservation and climate change measures on a global scale.

What can you learn in the seminar?

We aim to equip students with the knowledge and wisdom to consider what sustainable development is, consider the economic and social framework for it using approaches such as development economics and international development studies, and take action. Currently, the world is seeing a growing movement toward building a green economy and a recycling-oriented society in consideration of measures against global warming, and various efforts are being made by countries, organizations, and individuals on a global level to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will consider how these global issues, especially those in developing countries, are linked to Japan's economic activities and development assistance, discuss together, seek ways to resolve them, and develop practical skills. Ultimately, we aim to equip each student with the ability to achieve their goals.

Please say a few words to all the students.

In the coming age, in any field, work will not progress without cooperation and collaboration with other countries around the world. Therefore, I expect you to take an interest in global issues and constantly think about what kind of cooperative relationships you and Japan can build. In addition, in order to solve economic problems, I expect you to cultivate a broad perspective, knowledge, and wisdom so that you can consider solutions that take into account environmental issues, climate change issues, and social issues, rather than just looking at the economic side.