On Tuesday 18 December 2018, Kobe University's Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence organised a Mini Symposium for students of Hyogo High School. The event, which was held at Sysmex Hall, Kobe University Kusunoki Auditorium, was attended by 127 students and consisted of two lectures.
　After the opening speech by Professor Masahiko YOSHII (Director of Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Kobe University), Professor Toshiro SHIRAKAWA (Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University) delivered a lecture entitled "Global Emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)". The lecture explained the classification of microbes, main medicines (penicillin, aminoglycosides) for treating infectious diseases and the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). WHO AMR action plan and the AMR action plan of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare were also outlined.
　The second lecture "Trade Relationship between Japan and the EU: its Past and Future" given by Professor Masahiko YOSHII (Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University) outlined the main developments in Japan-EU trade relationship and looked in detail at the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Prof. Yoshii also explained the main challenges faced by the EU and five possible scenarios for the future EU.
　The lecture kept the student audience engaged and during the Q&A session after each lecture, students addressed many relevant questions to both professors. Some students also came to ask questions individually at the end of the Mini Symposium.
　The event ended by a closing speech given by the High School Principal, Mr. Hiroaki TOMITA.