Meeting Co-organised with the STS forum (NPO) (Monday, 7 April 2025)
2025/4/15
On 7 April 2025, we, in cooperation with the NPO STS forum, hosted a meeting at the Ambassador’s residence, bringing together stakeholders from the government, academia, and industry of both Japan and the Netherlands.
The meeting began with remarks by Ambassador Hiroshi Minami, who highlighted the significance of the STS forum, which has served for over 20 years as a unique platform connecting government, academia, and industry. He also expressed his hope for further strengthening the cooperative ties between Japan and the Netherlands.
Amb. Sadayuki Tsuchiya, Executive Director of the STS forum, then provided an overview of the forum’s objectives, history, and current activities, expressing hope that participants in the meeting would also attend the upcoming Annual Meeting to be held in Kyoto this October.
A guest speech was delivered by Dr. Robbert Dijkgraaf, former Minister of Education, Culture and Science (incoming President of the International Science Council, STS forum Council Member, and Professor at the University of Amsterdam). Reflecting on today’s global challenges—including geopolitical tensions and the spread of disinformation—he highlighted the growing importance of sustained dialogue between science and society. He noted that science inherently possesses both "light and shadow," and stressed the need for the international community to play an active role in guiding science toward the "light." Dr. Dijkgraaf also commended the STS forum’s visionary efforts over the past two decades, emphasising its continued relevance and value in fostering global collaboration and ethical reflection in science and technology.
Mr. Yukihiko Kazao, Secretary-General of the STS forum, provided an overview of the STS forum. He explained that the forum features a wide range of sessions designed to share the latest insights across various fields and to offer ample opportunities for networking. Many Nobel Laureates participate in the forum, making it a valuable occasion for young researchers to engage directly with distinguished scientists. The venue in Kyoto was also highlighted as a setting well-suited for fostering dialogue and interaction.
The meeting served as an important opportunity to build momentum toward the upcoming the STS forum Annual Meeting in October and foster active networking and exchange of views among a diverse group of Japanese and Dutch participants.
[About the STS forum]
The Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum is an international conference held annually in Kyoto, Japan, organised by the NPO STS forum. It provides a platform for global leaders—including ministers, scientists, policymakers, business executives, and journalists—to discuss the role of science and technology in shaping the future of humanity. The conference is by invitation only.
In 2024, the forum welcomed around 1,400 participants from approximately 80 countries and regions. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered a video message, and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ms. Toshiko Abe, participated in person on behalf of the Japanese government.
The 2025 Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place from Sunday, 5 October to Tuesday, 7 October.
The meeting began with remarks by Ambassador Hiroshi Minami, who highlighted the significance of the STS forum, which has served for over 20 years as a unique platform connecting government, academia, and industry. He also expressed his hope for further strengthening the cooperative ties between Japan and the Netherlands.
Amb. Sadayuki Tsuchiya, Executive Director of the STS forum, then provided an overview of the forum’s objectives, history, and current activities, expressing hope that participants in the meeting would also attend the upcoming Annual Meeting to be held in Kyoto this October.
A guest speech was delivered by Dr. Robbert Dijkgraaf, former Minister of Education, Culture and Science (incoming President of the International Science Council, STS forum Council Member, and Professor at the University of Amsterdam). Reflecting on today’s global challenges—including geopolitical tensions and the spread of disinformation—he highlighted the growing importance of sustained dialogue between science and society. He noted that science inherently possesses both "light and shadow," and stressed the need for the international community to play an active role in guiding science toward the "light." Dr. Dijkgraaf also commended the STS forum’s visionary efforts over the past two decades, emphasising its continued relevance and value in fostering global collaboration and ethical reflection in science and technology.
Mr. Yukihiko Kazao, Secretary-General of the STS forum, provided an overview of the STS forum. He explained that the forum features a wide range of sessions designed to share the latest insights across various fields and to offer ample opportunities for networking. Many Nobel Laureates participate in the forum, making it a valuable occasion for young researchers to engage directly with distinguished scientists. The venue in Kyoto was also highlighted as a setting well-suited for fostering dialogue and interaction.
The meeting served as an important opportunity to build momentum toward the upcoming the STS forum Annual Meeting in October and foster active networking and exchange of views among a diverse group of Japanese and Dutch participants.
[About the STS forum]
The Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum is an international conference held annually in Kyoto, Japan, organised by the NPO STS forum. It provides a platform for global leaders—including ministers, scientists, policymakers, business executives, and journalists—to discuss the role of science and technology in shaping the future of humanity. The conference is by invitation only.
In 2024, the forum welcomed around 1,400 participants from approximately 80 countries and regions. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered a video message, and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ms. Toshiko Abe, participated in person on behalf of the Japanese government.
The 2025 Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place from Sunday, 5 October to Tuesday, 7 October.
