Professor Toni Erskine
Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, The Australian National University
I am very proud to be working with Ritsumeikan University (RU) on this important educational initiative.
Through this dual degree program, in partnership with RU, we are offering a model for how universities can innovate and cooperate in exciting ways. Students on this program will have the opportunity to study in both Australia and Japan, and receive two degrees – the Bachelor of Asia Pacific Affairs (ANU) and the Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts (RU).
We are living in a time of daunting global challenges including the spread of nuclear weapons, climate chaos, and the impact of emerging technologies. We need to work together to address these challenges, and build awareness, understanding and engagement between people and between political communities.
Our dual degree program will produce a new generation of global leaders with the training, expertise, and lived experience to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
This initiative reflects the close relationship between Australia and Japan, with the program creating even stronger international and interpersonal ties within and beyond the Asia-Pacific region.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the College of Global Liberal Arts at RU on this exciting new model for education in the 21st century.