Global Classmates Summit

Cultivating the Next Generation of Global Leaders

The Global Classmates Summit brings together exceptional students from Kizuna Across Cultures’ virtual Global Classmates exchange program. Relationships cultivated online blossom as these students meet one another in person to discover, dialogue, and collaborate.

The Global Classmates Summit, now in its ninth year, was held in Washington D.C. from its inaugural year in 2017 until its third session. However, since the pandemic began in 2020, it has been held online. This year, thanks to many sponsors, including the Mineta Ambassadors Program, the summit will be held in person in Washington D.C. for the first time in six years.

From approximately 2,200 participants in KAC’s virtual exchange program conducted last year, a total of 14 high school students (seven from Japan and seven from the U.S.) were selected.

During the 10-day summit from late July to early August, the students will live together in a university dormitory. Each day, they’ll participate in a variety of activities, including team building exercises, meetings with leaders in U.S.-Japan relations, and workshops led by internationally active specialists. Through these experiences, they’ll broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding, and enhance their collaboration skills with participants from diverse backgrounds on important themes such as cross-cultural understanding, U.S.-Japan relations, and the importance of citizen diplomacy.

At the program’s conclusion, the students will reflect on what they’ve learned during the summit and, as young leaders, present their ideas for building a brighter future for U.S.-Japan relations and the broader international community. This will culminate in a final presentation at the Old Residence of the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S.

Prior to their arrival in Washington D.C., students from Japan will gather in Tokyo to participate in pre-departure activities.