August 2025 — In a renewed gesture of regional solidarity, the SAARC Secretariat and the Embassy of Japan have signed an updated agreement to expand the SAARC-Japan Special Fund, paving the way for the next phase of the JENESYS 2025 youth exchange initiative.
The signing ceremony, held in Kathmandu, was attended by SAARC Secretary-General Md Golam Sarwar and Japanese Ambassador MAEDA Toru. Japan has pledged ¥21.3 million to support the program, which will send nearly 50 young delegates from South Asia to Japan this fiscal year.
JENESYS, short for “Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths,” offers immersive experiences in Japanese culture, technology, and governance. The renewed memorandum ensures continued collaboration and cultural diplomacy between Japan and SAARC nations, with a focus on empowering future leaders through firsthand learning.
This latest addendum reflects a shared vision: nurturing mutual understanding and regional development through youth engagement.
Source: SAARC