IDFC2024 Main Conference
About the Main Conference
We at IDFC held the “2024 Main Conference” on February 25, 2024.
[Event Overview]
Eligible participants: University and high school students interested in Myanmar
Location: Osaka
Date and time: Thursday, February 25, 2024, 10:00–16:30
Capacity: 20 people
Details of the main conference program
In Part 1, we at IDFC gave a lecture to help participants understand Myanmar today. The lecture focused on five aspects of Myanmar: “History,” “Education,” “Health and Nutrition,” “Current Support,” and “Displaced Persons.”
Lecture details: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16N25ptr9SSBbZB3JbzqiruEJPp058X-ZuqebpQeytzo/edit?usp=sharing
Participants split into 2 groups, and each group used the lecture content to consider what students could do now. The groups discussed different approaches during the group work and talked so enthusiastically that they lost track of time.
In Part 2, we welcomed 根本敬, Professor Emeritus at Sophia University, as our speaker. In a lecture titled “Humanitarian Assistance for Myanmar,” the speaker discussed what is currently needed in Myanmar.
Profile of 根本敬
(2) Affiliated with the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, engaging in collaborative research and other work as a research assistant (October 1989–March 1995), associate professor (April 1995–March 2005), and professor (April 2005–March 2007).
(3) Affiliated with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, as a visiting research fellow (September 1993–March 1995), conducting historical source research in the British Library’s Oriental and India Office Collection (OIOC).
(4) Professor in the Asian Studies minor program, Faculty of Foreign Studies, Sophia University, from April 2007 to March 2014. Professor in the Faculty of Global Studies at the same university from April 2014 to 2023. Retired upon reaching retirement age in March 2023. Professor Emeritus at Sophia University since April of the same year (to the present).
In the lecture, the speaker discussed the current situation in Myanmar from a university student’s perspective and, using real examples, explained the following ways Japanese university students can help now:
(1) Research the current situation in Myanmar in detail, compile the findings, and present them. Organize lectures and other events.
(2) Interact with Myanmar people living in Japan, learn about their “feelings” and the “areas in which they need help,” and use that knowledge to devise and carry out ways to support them.
(3) Take the initiative in fundraising and make humanitarian donations through existing organizations supporting Myanmar.
(4) Contact existing nongovernmental organizations supporting Myanmar, ask their views on how IDFC can contribute, and work together with them.
After the lecture, Professor Nemoto also gave feedback on the group assignments each group had created in Part 1. Based on this, all participants worked together to create better group assignments.
Dinner with participants after the group work
After the group work, we went to a Myanmar restaurant with the participants. The photographs below are from that meal.
Summary
At the main conference, the organizers provided an environment that encouraged participants to take an interest in Myanmar by holding lectures. As organizers, we were surprised by the proposals to improve Myanmar that emerged from new perspectives gained through the participants’ group work. We hope to apply these insights to our activities at the next IDFC.
The professor also gave a lecture on the differences between humanitarian assistance and a human rights approach, and the feedback from the professor and participants was incisive. I feel that we were able to have a meaningful main conference.
IDFC plans to continue carrying out activities like these in the future.
We look forward to your continued support of IDFC.
IDFC Japan-Myanmar Curry-Making Exchange 🇲🇲
The IDFC Japan-Myanmar curry event held in Tokyo on November 5 brought together people interested in Myanmar and provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange.
At the event, we cooked delicious curry ourselves at a venue in Shinjuku Ward and experienced the wonderful cultures of Japan and Myanmar while meeting new friends.
You can view photos that capture the atmosphere of the event and show participants full of smiles.
Participants shared many comments about how delicious the curry was and how interesting cross-cultural exchange could be.
Our next event will also offer more opportunities to connect and enjoy new experiences. Please look forward to it! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us by direct message or through the link below.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers, collaborators, and participants who made this wonderful event possible.
Report on the Online Japan × Myanmar Exchange Event
Event details
Together with all the participants, we created travel guides for trips to Japan and Myanmar. The group working mainly in English discussed travel in Japan, while the group working mainly in Japanese made travel plans for Myanmar. We had an enjoyable time learning about attractive tourist destinations and the cultures of both Japan and Myanmar. We sincerely thank everyone who participated.
Travel Guide Project
The travel guides and project outputs created by participants here can be viewed here.
Participant Voices
You can view the comments and impressions we received from event participants here. We sincerely appreciate the warm comments from everyone who participated.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for enjoying this wonderful event with us. We will continue to value international exchange and look forward to new encounters.
Thank you for your support.
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or feedback about the event.
- Organizer: IDFC
- Email: idfc.myanmar@gmail.com
Travel Guide Output
Myanmar edition
Japan edition
Participant feedback
What could you learn through this event?
As to this event , if you think we have good points, please tell us.
Past application guidelines
View closed application guidelines
These application guidelines are kept for reference. Applications are closed.
Applications Open for New IDFC2025 Organizing Committee Members!
Watch our recruitment video for new committee members here ↓↓
Pre-register here
- Pre-registration form here
Google form : https://forms.gle/SRxGT22Tott3Y9v87
Recruiting Participants for the IDFC2024 Main Conference
—What Makes the Main Conference Special!—
1. Hear both the academic perspective from university professors and the practical perspective from organizations actively supporting Myanmar!
2. A chance to discuss social issues with people your age!
3. Learn about Myanmar, which is receiving less news coverage!
4. No prior knowledge needed!
We are recruiting participants for the IDFC2024 Main Conference!!!
(To apply → Add the LINE account below and answer the google form that is sent to you)
(Name)
IDFC Main Conference 2024
(Organizing body)
International Development Field Camp for Myanmar and Japan Youth Leaders 2024
(Date and time)
February 25, 2023, 10:00–16:00 (Osaka)
*Participated in person.
(Conference program)
• Cultural exchange with Myanmar
• Regarding relations between Japan and Myanmar in 2030
• Regarding refugee and immigration issues affecting Myanmar people
(Application period)
Friday, February 2–Friday, February 23
(Eligibility)
1) Must be a high school student, undergraduate, or graduate student (please consult us if you do not fall into the categories listed on the left, including people with a status equivalent to that of a student).
2) Be able to participate in person in Osaka on February 25, 2024 (except for Myanmar nationals living in Myanmar).
3) Ability to speak Japanese
(Participation fee)
Free
*Please cover your own transportation costs to the venue.
(Selection process)
Applications will be assessed based on the reasons for applying provided in the Google form.
* You may be asked to attend an interview.