On June 29, 2021, Mr. Mitsushiro Mitch Hirai, Project Lead (Japan) at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, visited the university and gave a guest lecture titled “All Lives Have Equal Value.”  Mr. Hirai outlined the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The central topic involved the advocacy efforts toward public and private sectors in Japan, supporting COVAX facility.  Mr. Hirai also shared his life stories and invited students to have a lively discussion. 

　“Imagine your ideal self, hypothesize how to get to that dream future, and take actions now.”  Based on his own experiences, Mr. Hirai explained: “Then, you can launch yourself.  Once we start making concrete efforts, such as studying abroad or doing internships, we will naturally deepen our knowledge and widen your perspectives.  We will find our mission on the way.”  Finally, he warmly encouraged: “You may encounter medical, financial, or family issues.  Trust your friends and support each other; together, we can change the environment.  I look ward to days when you make a big positive impact in society.”

Students wrote:

“It was interesting to learn how private firm cooperate and contribute their own part, however small, in distributing vaccines and combating the pandemic.  Small firms also can do something in helping to deal with such a large-scale challenge.”

“One of the memorable parts was the guest speaker's motivation to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their economic status.  It also made me realized how fortunate and grateful I am to be able to study in this university under financial assistance.”

　The lecture was part of a class “Special Studies in General Education A: SDGs and Global Citizenship” and conducted in English.  Mr. Hirai also delivered a talk in another class conducted in Japanese.  Additionally, Mr. Hirai participated in a dialogue session with interested students.