Institute of Global Concern

Institute of Global Concern

Abbreviation	IGC
Established	1977
Purpose	Awareness, assistance
Director	Masatsugu Shimokawa
Publications	Symposia proceedings Research reports
Parent organization	Sophia University, Tokyo
Affiliations	Jesuit, Catholic
Website	Sophia

Institute of Global Concern (IGC) traces its origin to 1977 and the Indochina refugee crisis. A part of Jesuit Sophia University, Tokyo, it now works, among the university community and society at large, to raise awareness of the impact of globalization especially on the poor, .

Vision

IGC strives to foster a sense of the dignity and solidarity of all the world's peoples by sponsoring research, symposia, and other activities leading to greater understanding and action.^[1]

Programs

IGC sponsors surveys and research into global problems of poverty and violence, along with events such as lectures and seminars. It works in solidarity with the needy, and forms networks within and outside the University.^[2]

Symposia

Recently published Sophia symposia proceedings include the following:

• The Role of the University in the Age of Globalization: Can Education Bring About Social Renewal? 31st International Symposium. Tokyo: GYOSEI, 2013. ISBN 9784324096260.
• Counter-movements to Globalization and the Possibility of an Alternative World. 29th International Symposium. Tokyo: Gendaikikakushitsu, 2010. ISBN 9784773810172.
• Globalization, Poverty and Social Exclusion in Developed Countries: First-hand Perspectives on the Homeless, “Freeters,” and Migrant Workers. 27th International Symposium. São Paulo. ISBN 9784805626160.

Evidence of coverage in the media is abundant on the web, mostly in Japanese.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8]}

Special activities

Since 1977 Sophia Relief Service (SRS) has held an annual charity bazaar for the benefit of Southeast Asian refugees. Another IGC work, Giving a Hand to the World’s Poor, raises consciousness and promotes research on behalf of the impoverished worldwide. Surveys and studies are published in “Sophia Relief Service”, a twice-yearly report.^[9]

References

1. Purpose. Accessed 9 April 2016.
2. Sol Nascente on NGO workshop. Accessed 26 May 2016.
3. Listing of symposia. Accessed 9 April 2016.
4. Takeuchi covers symposium. Accessed 26 May 2016.
5. AYUS international Buddhist cooperation network covers Sophia Global Concern Institute symposium. Accessed 26 May 2016.
6. Peace Boat reports on volunteerism after the earthquake, a symposium sponsored by the Institute. Accessed 26 may 2016.
7. Report of co-sponsored international symposium, on the Japan Association of International Relations website. Accessed 26 May 2016.
8. Democracy Now symposium. Accessed 29 September 2016.
9. Activities. Accessed 9 April 2016.

Coordinates: 35°40′59.45″N 139°43′55.42″E / 35.6831806°N 139.7320611°E