Leadership Dialogue Held in New York
On June 5, 2026, the "Leadership Dialogue" was held at the Daikin U.S. office in New York, USA, co-hosted by Japan Society, Daikin U.S. Corporation, and the University of Tokyo (UTokyo). The event brought together leading figures from business, academia, and civil society in both Japan and the United States to deepen discussions on innovation and the future of global education.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Joshua W. Walker, President and CEO of Japan Society, and Mr. Yoshiyuki Uemura, President of Daikin U.S. Corporation, followed by Dr. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo. Each speaker shared their insights on the critical importance of international industry-academia collaboration in addressing global social issues, as well as the ideal form of leadership required for the upcoming era.
The first half of the subsequent panel discussion featured Panel 1: Changemakers of the 21st Century. Moderated by Prof. Merit E. Janow, Chair of Japan Society and Dean Emerita of Columbia University, the session featured President Fujii and Prof. Miles Pennington, Dean (Prospective) of the UTokyo College of Design, a new undergraduate college scheduled to open in the fall of 2027.
During the session, an animated dialogue took place on how effectively a design approach can address increasingly complex contemporary social challenges. The discussion also focused on how university education should nurture changemakers capable of creating new value beyond existing frameworks. Prof. Pennington shared his prospects for the practical educational programs envisioned for the new college, while President Fujii spoke on his university-wide vision for educational reform.
Prof. Merit E. Janow (left), President Teruo Fujii (center) and Prof. Miles Pennington (right) discussing in Panel 1
The second half, Panel 2, focused on the theme The Future of Global Education and the Workforce in the AI Era. The panel featured Mr. David Rockefeller, Jr. of Rockefeller Capital Management, Ms. Linda Kirkpatrick, President of the Americas at Mastercard, and President Fujii. Moderated by Dr. Walker, the participants engaged in a multifaceted discussion on the impact of rapidly advancing AI technologies on industry and higher education, as well as the cultivation of next-generation talent.
Dr. Joshua W. Walker (left), President Fujii (center-left), Ms. Linda Kirkpatrick (center-right) and Mr. David Rockefeller, Jr. (right) discussing in Panel 2
Following closing remarks by Dr. Walker, the attendees engaged in networking, further strengthening ties across organizations and national borders. As UTokyo accelerates its strategic activities in North America, this event served as a landmark opportunity for international exchange.
