JICE implemented the Study Visit Program to Japan for faculty members in science and engineering fields from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in Saudi Arabia, from June 13 to 20, 2026.

The Program was organized at the request of PNU as part of JICE’s new Women’s Empowerment Initiative in Saudi Arabia, launched this fiscal year under subsidy projects for oil-producing countries sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

PNU is one of the world’s largest women’s universities. The program aimed to contribute to the development of future Saudi female leaders and promote women’s participation by providing PNU faculty members with opportunities to learn about Japan’s advanced approaches to research and education, as well as industry-academia-government collaboration, and to apply the knowledge gained to their own teaching and research activities.

During the Program, the participants visited universities, research institutions, companies, and  smart cities, including the University of Tokyo, the University of Tsukuba, RIKEN, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Through these visits, they deepened their understanding of advanced practices in research, education, industry-academia-government collaboration, and the practical application of research and technology in society in STEM-related fields. The participants also engaged in active discussions and exchanges with researchers and professionals at each institution, providing opportunities to build new networks between stakeholders in Japan and Saudi Arabia.

On the final day of the Program, a luncheon reception hosted by H.E. Mr. Ghazi Faisal S. Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan, was held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tokyo. The reception was attended by the participants, Mr. Nobuo Totsuka, JICE Executive Director and Mr. Sho Inokuchi, Director, Natural Resources Policy for International Affairs, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, METI, among other stakeholders. Mr. Inokuchi has been involved in cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the field of energy conservation policy for many years, including serving as an advisor to the Saudi Minister of Energy. At the reception, Ambassador Binzagr highlighted the importance of investment in education and research and development, as well as international partnerships, in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He also emphasized the significance of the Program in strengthening cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia in the fields of education and research.

We hope that the knowledge gained and networks developed through the Program will contribute not only to improving the quality of education and research at women’s universities in Saudi Arabia, but also to the continued development of Japan-Saudi Arabia cooperation through joint research, academic exchange, and other initiatives.

JICE will continue to implement high-quality human resource development programs tailored to the needs of Saudi Arabia through its Women’s Empowerment Initiative and contribute to the further development of cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia.