【summary】

Kumejima、Okinawa — On March 26, 2026, a luncheon meeting was held on Kumejima Island, Okinawa Prefecture, to mark the opening of the 1st International Academic Summit on GX Models for Island Regions (IASIR). Hosted by President Koichi Node of Saga University, the luncheon was attended by Vice President for International Affairs Maiko Sakamoto, Director of Institute of Ocean Energy Yasuyuki Ikegami, and other university representatives. The hosts welcomed His Excellency Cedric Mr. Alexander Scott, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Mr. Masayuki Takahashi, President of the Japan Science Association; and Ms. Tishka Hope Francis, a Bahamian national serving in the United Nations system in charge of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN0OHRLLS). The gathering provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and the exchange of international perspectives.

Since the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The University of The Bahamas in 2023, Ambassador Scott has provided sustained support toward the realization of the summit. President Node expressed his deep appreciation for these efforts. Ambassador Scott, in turn, praised Director Ikegami for his continued engagement in The Bahamas and for leading the preparations for the summit.

Building on this strong relationship, President Node proposed expanding collaboration with the University of The Bahamas beyond the energy field to include Saga University’s strengths, particularly in agriculture. Ambassador Scott welcomed the proposal and spoke highly of the organizing team’s hospitality, expressing his confidence in the leadership of President Node, Vice President Sakamoto, and their team. President Node also extended his sincere thanks to Mr. Takahashi and Ms. Francis for accepting the invitations to deliver the keynote addresses.

The luncheon featured locally sourced dishes from Kumejima Island, including farm-fresh vegetables, locally caught fish, and shabu-shabu made with the island’s specialty Agu pork. Additional offerings such as beni-imo (purple sweet potato) rice and seasonal tempura highlighted the island’s rich culinary heritage, contributing to a warm and convivial atmosphere. The lunch meeting was held in a warm, convivial atmosphere throughout, serving as a wonderful kickoff that deepened the bonds between participants and underscored the shared confidence in the summit’s success.

Contact:
International planning Office　Saga University
Ms. YADA Hiromi
Tel: +81-952-28-8166
Email: kokusai@mail.admin.saga-u.ac.jp