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Forbes
10 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
U.S. - China Rare Earths Minerals Deal Can Be Upscaled Via G20
Samples of rare metals displayed in Sillamae, Estonia, where a company is building a new plant to ... More try and challenge China's grip on rare earth magnets, a vital component of electric vehicles. Photographer: Peter Kollanyi/Bloomberg The announcement of a deal between the United States and China on rare earth magnets for a range of technologies is a welcome reprieve for many technology companies and for the defense sector as well. Yet, this deal remains fragile in the context of capricious tariffs and a dysfunctional dispute resolution system within the World Trade Organization. What is now needed is to capitalize on the deal and use it as a confidence-building measure to establish a longer-term international agreement for managing critical minerals supply. In a recent paper, myself and a coalition of scholars from across a range of mineral producing and consuming countries have argued for a 'minerals trust' for the green transition. We also prepared an accompanying policy brief under the auspices of the United Nations University to provide specific policy recommendations ahead of the G7 meeting in Canada earlier this month. The G7 issued a communique on critical minerals on June 17th which was fairly broad in scope but most noteworthy was the fact that China was not singled out for constraining mineral supply. Furthermore, the communique explicitly mentioned the role of the more multilateral G20 organization in furthering aspirations for investment, particularly through the G20 Compact for Africa. China as well as Russia are of course members of the G20 along with other key mineral producers such as Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Brazil and South Africa. It would be opportune to now move the conversations on minerals diplomacy to the G20 which will incidentally be chaired by the United States of America in 2026. A key intermediary step will be the planned critical minerals conference this September in Chicago which has been announced already at the G7 meetings. At this conference, there needs to be consensus reached on what are realistic targets for 'near-shoring' and diversification based on thigh quality ore bodies and economically feasible technologies. Mineral extraction sites are geologically determined and any policies that set targets for domestic production need to be predicated in geoscience. The challenge at present is that there are more than 400 national policies on critical minerals in various forms worldwide according to the International Energy Agency's policy tracking tool. Most of these policies are not aligned with geoscience or economics of extraction. Furthermore, they often neglect the prospects for a circular economy as well for minerals. The rare earths deal between the United States and China should be expanded to have a systems level approach towards building a minerals trust, particularly for those metals needed for the Green Transition. The trust would also provide opportunities to have stockpiles and source metals from recycled sources. Currently, less than 5% of rare earth magnets are recycled but this may soon change based on recent technologies that have been developed by Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH). Yet much of the infrastructure from which these magnets would be recycled is also in China. Ultimately, even with diversification efforts, China's role in sourcing rare earths from both primary and secondary source cannot be discounted and pursuing a cooperative approach is both ecologically and economically prudent.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
O.P. Jindal Global University Strengthens India-Japan Academic Diplomacy at United Nations University (UNU) and University of Tokyo
OP Jindal University Tokyo [Japan], June 27: In a landmark demonstration of India's growing global academic engagement, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) led two high-level dialogues in Tokyo, hosted at the United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Tokyo. Focused on democracy, constitutionalism, and legal thought leadership, these back-to-back events marked a new chapter in India-Japan academic cooperation and reaffirmed JGU's pivotal role in fostering global discourse on governance and institutional integrity. The events were made possible through institutional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by JGU with both the United Nations University and the University of Tokyo. These agreements are aimed at deepening collaboration in research, faculty exchange, and international public dialogue. United Nations University Conversation Series: A Landmark Collaboration with the Singhvi Centre at JGU Earlier this week, the United Nations University in Tokyo hosted a special edition of its prestigious UNU Conversation Series, jointly organized for the first time with an Indian institution--JGU's Singhvi Centre for Constitutional, Parliamentary and Legal Studies. The event, titled 'India and the World: Democracy, Development and Justice,' featured: - Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University - Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) - Professor (Dr) Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and United Nations Under-Secretary-General The Singhvi Centre, established through a generous endowment by Dr. Singhvi in memory of his father, Dr. L.M. Singhvi, is dedicated to advancing scholarship and international engagement on constitutionalism, parliamentary processes, and democratic governance. The UNU event provided a unique platform to explore India's institutional strengths, democratic journey, legal innovations, and its expanding global role in an evolving multilateral order. Professor Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized the essential role of democracy, development, and justice in shaping a sustainable and inclusive global future. Reflecting on India's place in the international system, he noted: 'India is a vibrant democracy whose commitment to pluralism and institutional governance serves as a model for emerging nations. Justice--both social and economic--is not only critical for India's continued growth but also for the global community's shared future. We must foster international cooperation grounded in fairness, accountability, and democratic values.' Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar underscored the robustness of India's democratic institutions: 'India's democratic resilience is not an accident--it is a consequence of robust institutions, a dynamic judiciary, an active civil society, and the deep legitimacy of our Constitution. At a time of democratic backsliding worldwide, India offers lessons on institutional continuity and constitutional vision.' He also highlighted India's innovations in digital governance: 'India's digital public infrastructure--from Aadhaar and UPI to Digital India--has fundamentally transformed how governance is delivered, especially to the most marginalized. This is a remarkable fusion of constitutional principles and technological innovation.' Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi reflected on the global relevance of India's constitutional framework: 'The Indian Constitution is not only a national framework--it is a global exemplar of balancing rights with responsibilities, pluralism with unity, and liberty with progress. As India rises geopolitically, it must also lead normatively, by sharing its constitutional and institutional experience with the world.' On the role of academic institutions, he added: 'The Singhvi Centre at JGU was created to advance cutting-edge research and global conversations on law, justice, and democracy. Partnering with the United Nations University is an honour and a natural extension of that mission.' Academic Dialogue at the University of Tokyo: Legal Thought Across Borders Later, JGU and the University of Tokyo--Japan's foremost national university--co-hosted a focused academic dialogue on comparative constitutional law, legal reform, and the role of courts in democratic societies. The event brought together leading scholars, deans, and policy thinkers from both nations, grounded in a shared commitment to democratic values and institutional integrity. The dialogue underscored the growing importance of Asia-led academic cooperation in advancing legal reform, governance, and democratic resilience. Central themes included sustainable development, judicial independence, legislative accountability, and constitutionalism in an increasingly complex global environment. Held at Koshiba Hall, University of Tokyo, the India-Japan Sustainability Conclave served as a high-level forum for distinguished academics, legal experts, and policymakers to deliberate on global sustainability and development. Organized by O.P. Jindal Global University as part of its continued commitment to international academic collaboration and environmental leadership, the conclave drew wide participation from both countries. The event was inaugurated and chaired by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU. The keynote address was delivered by Justice Michael D. Wilson, former Supreme Court Judge of Hawai'i and Distinguished Professor at JGU, who spoke on the intersections of environmental law, judicial responsibility, and sustainability. Professor R. Padmanabha, Dean of Academic Governance, introduced the Sustainable Development Report 2025 (SDR 2025), highlighting contemporary sustainability metrics and global benchmarks. A special address by Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasized the importance of legal and policy frameworks in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel featured eminent Japanese scholars including Professor Shizuka Hashimoto, Professor Masahiro Sugiyama, Professor Atsushi Kato, and Professor Kensuke Fukushi from the University of Tokyo, along with Dr. Anupam Khajuria of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). Their insights addressed key areas such as climate resilience, science-policy integration, and the importance of cross-border academic collaboration. Reflecting on the significance of the India-Japan academic exchange, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar noted: 'India and Japan are both constitutional democracies with deep legal traditions. Our academic collaboration can create new frameworks of understanding that bridge the common challenges we face--whether it is the preservation of judicial independence, the protection of civil liberties, or the strengthening of democratic institutions.' Towards a New Era of India-Japan Academic Engagement The events in Tokyo represent a major milestone in India's academic diplomacy and underscore JGU's leadership in leveraging higher education as a platform for promoting global understanding, cooperation, and sustainable development. With formal MoUs now in place, these partnerships pave the way for sustained faculty exchange, joint research, and cross-border policy dialogues. Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi concluded with a call for Indian academia to play a more proactive role on the world stage: 'It is imperative that Indian institutions not only participate in global conversations but also shape them. These events in Tokyo represent India's rising intellectual confidence, its commitment to constitutional values, and the role of academia in nation-building and international engagement.' (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Japan Forward
29-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor Naruhito Welcomes World Leaders
In mid to late May, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito deepened international ties by meeting with foreign dignitaries visiting Japan to mark their countries' national days at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. On May 16, he visited the United Nations University in Shibuya, Tokyo, with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. There, they attended a seminar on water issues hosted by Swedish research institutes. Other visiting leaders included: Latvia's President Edgars Rinkēvičs (May 19) Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev (May 19) Hungary's President Tamás Sulyok (May 21) Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen (May 22) On May 22, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was welcomed to the Imperial Residence for a dinner with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Emperor Naruhito welcomes King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on May 22 at the Imperial Palace. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency) Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, visited Ishikawa Prefecture on May 18–19 to observe recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake. On May 18, she visited a temporary housing complex in Nanao City, where she observed elderly residents participating in exercises. She also spoke with student volunteers from Kanazawa University, asking questions such as, "What kind of system do you think would make volunteering easier?" Princess Aiko converses with students from Kanazawa University's volunteer circle, May 18, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. On May 19, Princess Aiko visited temporary shops in Shika Town and spoke with a female business owner working to rebuild her store on its original site. Princess Aiko speaking with shop owners at the temporary stores of the Togi Kaido roadside station on May 19 in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. Later that day, at the Togi Administrative Center, she listened to volunteer staff and support counselors explain their ongoing medium- and long-term support efforts, including regular check-ins with residents. Princess Aiko receives an explanation about the activities of the Shika Town Community Support Center on the afternoon of May 19 in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. Crown Prince Fumihito visited Aichi Prefecture on May 21–22 to attend the general meeting of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, where he serves as president. Prince Akishino addressing the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums' General Meeting on May 21 in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture. On the morning of May 22, Crown Princess Kiko attended the 150th anniversary ceremony of the Special Needs Education School for the Deaf, University of Tsukuba, in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. She delivered a speech in sign language. Princess Kiko using sign language at the 150th anniversary ceremony. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency.) Princess Hisako toured the Expo in Osaka from May 20 to 22, visiting several international pavilions, including those of South Korea and Kuwait. On May 21, she attended the Netherlands' National Day ceremony at the event. Princess Tsuguko, daughter of Princess Hisako, visited the Expo on May 19. She toured several attractions, including the Grand Ring, and attended a cultural event hosted by Paraguay's First Lady Leticia Ocampos. Princess Hisako visiting the Women's Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on May 21. (©Sankei by Koji Taito) Princess Hisako visiting the Kuwait Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on May 20. (©Sankei by Koji Taito) In preparation for her official visit to Brazil in June, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the Musashino Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Showa and the Musashino Higashi Mausoleum of Empress Kojun in Hachioji, Tokyo, on May 16. On May 20, she traveled to Gifu Prefecture and visited sites such as the Gifu Wood Education Center. The next day, she attended the commemorative ceremony for the National Urban Greenery Fair in Kani City. Princess Kako listens to an explanation about Japanese giant salamander conservation efforts at the World Freshwater Aquarium Aquatotto Gifu in Kakamigahara City on May 20. Princess Kako riding a road train at Gifu World Rose Garden on May 21 in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. (©Sankei by Takanobu Sawano) Princess Kako taking part in a commemorative tree planting at Gifu World Rose Garden on May 21. (©Sankei by Takanobu Sawano) Princess Hanako attended the Prince Hitachi Prize for Comparative Oncology award ceremony in Tokyo on May 20. The following day, she participated in a certification ceremony for the Japan Ikebana Art Exhibition, organized by the Japan Ikebana Art Association, where she serves as honorary president. Princess Nobuko, honorary president of the Japan Rose Society, visited Hiroshima Prefecture on May 18–19 to attend the World Rose Convention in Fukuyama. On May 17, Princess Akiko also attended the opening ceremony of the National Junior Tennis Championships in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
Japan's Emperor, Empress Host Dinner for King of Sweden
News from Japan Society May 15, 2025 23:12 (JST) Tokyo, May 15 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a dinner for King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at their residence in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday. The Emperor greeted the king at the front door of the residence and shook hands with him with a smile. The king visited the World Exposition in Osaka, western Japan, to attend his country's "national day" event Wednesday. The Emperor and the king are scheduled to attend a seminar on water issues at United Nations University in Tokyo on Friday. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Daily Maverick
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Ashley Saul's attempt at questioning foreign staff at universities shows a lack of understanding
Tshilidzi Marwala, the former vice-chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, is now the Rector of the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo and a UN under-secretary-general. In August 2023, he was appointed to the United Nations Scientific Advisory Council. A global scholar in the field of artificial intelligence, Marwala is among South Africa's most distinguished academic international appointment is not only a personal honour — it is a reminder that our country has long been both a contributor to, and a beneficiary of, global academic exchange. The question now raised by some populist voices is: Should he and others like him return home to make space for natives of the countries in which they work? That, essentially, is the dangerous logic behind the latest xenophobic campaign, dressed up as concern for South African jobs in month, a Patriotic Alliance (PA) Member of Parliament, Ashley Sauls, accused universities of prioritising foreign nationals over South African academics, citing a single contested case at the Central University of Technology (CUT) and extrapolating it into an alarming generalisation. Sauls' confidence is matched only by his lack of understanding. He has taken one grievance and distorted it into a narrative that undermines both institutional integrity and our country's international standing. Struggling Let's be clear: South African universities are not flooded with foreign staff. They are struggling — still — to become truly representative of our demographics, values, and developmental priorities. But foreign nationals are not the obstacle. The real crisis lies in our failure to invest in and grow a new generation of black South African to the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) Report on the Recruitment, Retention and Progression of Black South African Academics, South Africans make up 88.4% of the academic staff in our universities. Foreign nationals — who often bring scarce expertise or participate in global research collaborations — constitute only 11.2% of the total academic importantly, many of those international academics are black Africans, whose presence in South African lecture halls should be a source of solidarity, not suspicion. The MTT report identified the real barriers to transformation: A shrinking and unequal postgraduate pipeline, especially in Stem and health sciences. Exclusionary institutional cultures that marginalise black scholars, particularly women. Poor working conditions and heavy teaching loads, leaving little room for research or advancement. Fragmented policy and funding support for initiatives like nGAP, which are critical to building black academic excellence. These are the bottlenecks. Not fellow scholars from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana or fact, many senior South African academics and vice-chancellors have benefitted from international exposure, studying or working in the US, UK, Germany, China, Brazil and across the continent. Are we now to punish those whose careers were sharpened abroad? Or suggest that they have no right to shape the institutions they now lead?It is precisely through international engagement that we sharpen our intellectual tools. South Africa collaborated with global institutions to develop and trial Covid-19 vaccines that saved millions of lives — right here, led by African scientists and researchers. That is what international collaboration looks like: not replacement, but suggest otherwise is to play directly into xenophobic populism, with dangerous consequences. The last time this rhetoric escalated, lives were lost. Shops were burned. Migrants were hunted. South Africa's reputation took a beating on the global may be right to raise a grievance about an individual hiring case at a university — but to generalise it into an anti-foreigner campaign is reckless and disingenuous. It's not transformation. It's be honest: if transformation was truly the concern, Sauls would be championing postgraduate funding, fixing NSFAS bottlenecks, defending nGAP, and holding universities accountable for succession planning. Scapegoating and political posturing Instead, what we get is easy scapegoating and political we need is not louder voices, but better ones. Let's cherish the black academics we can attract, from both South Africa and the continent, and build a system that grows more like them, with rigorous support, mentorship, and public us fix the real problems: underfunding, institutional inertia, a lack of coherence in building academic careers. But let us not turn fellow scholars into enemies. In the battle for transformation, our best allies are those who believe in justice, equity, and the power of shared knowledge. We don't build a better academy by building walls. We build it by growing our own — while learning with, and from, the world. DM
