I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims of the earthquake that struck southern Turkey on February 6. My heart goes out to the many people affected by the disaster, their family members, and everyone involved.
　I am deeply anguished by the massive damage in both the Republic of Turkey and the Syrian Arab Republic that is being reported in the news daily. Ritsumeikan, based on its educational philosophy of "Peace and Democracy," will provide appropriate support as an education and research institution, and we will work toward the recovery and reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas.
　I sincerely hope that those affected by the disaster will be able to recover from this tragedy and return to their normal lives as soon as possible.

　With the aim of providing immediate support to the affected areas and people, we will call for wide-ranging cooperation from the Academy's stakeholders with regard to making donations to relief organizations.
　As listed below, eligible organizations include those that support women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to disasters, as well as those that are involved in local relief and reconstruction activities.
　We kindly request your cooperation and support.

• Organizations for which we will solicit donations
• UNICEF Japan
  Uses donations to provide relief supplies to children and support the resumption of education.
  https://www.unicef.or.jp/
• Plan International Japan
  An international NGO whose relief activities are aimed primarily at women and girls.
  https://www.plan-international.jp/english/
• Japanese Red Cross Society
  Uses donations for relief and reconstruction activities.
  https://www.jrc.or.jp/english/
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  The UN Refugee Agency. Provides international protection for and assistance to refugees and displaced persons.
  https://www.unhcr.org/

　Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and the APU Alumni Association are also preparing to begin soliciting donations. Donations collected by APU and its Alumni Association are scheduled to be given to the Embassy of Turkey in Japan, alumni in need in southern Turkey, and alumni groups engaged in support activities.
　Once preparations are complete, APU and its Alumni Association will issue a call for donations.

3. Requesting cooperation for support activities undertaken by students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders

4. Implementation of initiatives appropriate for an institutions of academic research and education (e.g., workshops, research meetings, symposiums)