USJC President and CEO Suzanne Basalla has been hosting conversations with members from targeted and diverse groups. These small group discussions provide a space for members to introduce themselves and share their interests and suggested programming at USJC. As a part of this series, over 30 members who are active in the areas of climate and environment met on June 23 to discuss what the Council can do to make a difference on climate issues in the context of U.S.-Japan relations.
USJC members shared their backgrounds and urged USJC to continue to be a neutral platform for members to share information and resources, exchange perspectives, facilitate collaboration, ask for ideas and advice, build relationships and share projects and networks. Many showed interest in joint projects between the U.S. and Japan, and innovative ways to partner with the government and private sector to learn about leading practices to combat climate change. The group was eager to meet again for future events and benkyokais.