— Researchers from around the world gather to discuss sustainability in island regions. —

【summary】
　Theme：Realizing GX (Green Transformation) Models in Island Regions
　Date：Thursday–Friday, March 26–27, 2026
　Location：Kume Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
　Format：Hybrid (on-site + online)
　　　　　 The official language of the meeting is English.
　　　　　 Simultaneous interpretation equipment (Japanese–English) will be available on site; however,
　　　　　 the number of devices is limited.

Objectives：
　●　Bring together academic researchers, representatives from international organizations, government,
　　 and industry to discuss and advance GX models addressing challenges such as energy, water, food,
and climate change (sustainability and decarbonization).
●　Promote collaboration among academia, policymakers, and practitioners, including implementation
in island regions.

　Organizer：Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University
　Participation Fee：Free
　Notes：Prominent academic and policy figures, including senior staff
　　　　 from the United Nations University, are scheduled as keynote speakers.
　　　　 Also, speakers from Fiji and 〇〇 other countries are scheduled to participate.
Registration：https://iasir2.wixsite.com/iasir

【Introduction of the Keynote Speaker】

Tshilidzi Marwala
Rector of the United Nations University; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

Reference Translation:

Tshilidzi Marwala is an artificial intelligence engineer from South Africa. Since March 2023, he has served as the Rector of the United Nations University and as a United Nations Under-Secretary-General, becoming the first African to assume this role.

His expertise spans the application of AI in engineering, medicine, and the social sciences, and he previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg. As of 2026, he continues to demonstrate international leadership in advancing sustainable development through science and technology, while actively working to bridge digital divides worldwide.

Tishka Hope Francis
Senior Programme Management Officer (SIDS Team Lead)
Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

Reference Translation:

Tishka Hope Francis is an international civil servant from The Bahamas and currently serves as the Senior Programme Management Officer leading the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Programme at the UN Office of the High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS (UN‑OHRLLS).

Prior to her current role, she served as Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the United Nations and worked as a Senior Economist at the Ministry of Finance of The Bahamas. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Western University in Canada and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University in the United States. Drawing on her expertise in economics and diplomacy, she is dedicated to supporting sustainable development for island nations facing challenges such as climate change and vulnerable economic structures.

Masayuki Takahashi
President, Japan Science Society (JSS)
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo

Reference Translation:

Masayuki Takahashi is a Japanese marine ecologist and currently serves as President of the Japan Science Society as well as Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo.
His academic expertise lies in biological oceanography, with a focus on photosynthesis and ecosystem dynamics in marine environments. Over the course of his career, he has made significant contributions to advancing science and technology in Japan and to fostering the development of young researchers.

He now leads the Japan Science Society, where he is dedicated to promoting science education, supporting the next generation of scientists through initiatives such as the Science Mentor Program, and strengthening academic exchange.

【contact】
Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University
Tel：0955-20-2190
Fax：0955-20-2191
E-mail: press@ioes.saga-u.ac.jp