From Island Partnerships to European Innovation — A Season of Trust, Learning, and Renewal
August and September 2025 saw President Keisuke Shimoyamada travel across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. From planting trees for JCI’s 110th year to renewing a historic global business partnership, his journey strengthened bonds with governments, chambers, and local organizations while elevating youth leadership, senator engagement, and sustainable development.
Grounded in Community — Official Visit to Jamaica
In Kingston, St. Andrew and Montego Bay, President Keisuke met mayors, the Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, spoke on national radio, and visited a special needs school, the Orchard Sports Complex, and LifePak Medical Center. The JCI 110th Anniversary tree-planting at Mona Heights Primary School highlighted climate action, while senator installations and member dialogues showcased Jamaica’s organizational vitality and community commitment.
Building Bridges in Mexico
From Mexico City to Chiapas, he engaged JCI Mexico leaders and government authorities on shaping the next generation of leaders. RISE program activities in San Cristóbal and cultural exchanges in the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán reaffirmed JCI’s role in respecting diversity while developing local impact.
Public–Private Trust in Switzerland
In Geneva, an urban infrastructure visit highlighted Swiss excellence in clean water, sanitation, and sustainable cities. In Villars-sur-Ollon, the Swiss JCI golf tradition convened over 100 members and senators—joined by Swiss Vice President Guy Parmelin—underscoring strong ties between civic leadership and public institutions. Encounters at the watchmaking museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds and JCI Porrentruy’s vineyard-side 50th anniversary celebration honored continuity, innovation, and fellowship.
A Historic Renewal in Australia
At the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne, President Keisuke joined the JCI in Business (JIB) international networking session and witnessed the renewal of the JCI × ICC Memorandum of Understanding—uniting the world’s largest youth leadership movement with the most extensive global business network. In Canberra, JCI Australia’s National Convention featured a keynote at the National Press Club, public speaking and leadership training, the SGM and debates, and a gala marking JCI’s 110 years.
Rejuvenating Growth in Canada
At JCI Canada’s National Convention in the Okanagan, he addressed the general assembly on quality education and celebrated the approval of JCI Prince George as Canada’s 10th LOM. Health-promoting “JCI Games,” a podcast discussion on responsible consumption and production, senator re-engagement roundtables, and a keynote to 100 participants signaled organizational renewal rooted in community wellbeing and sustainable urban development.
Generations in Dialogue — Czech Republic
In Prague, meetings with leaders and senators traced the nation’s history and future, culminating in a Gen Z workshop that spotlighted youth creativity and infrastructure innovation—reaffirming JCI’s mission to cultivate the next wave of responsible leaders.
Rise Up — Germany
At JCI Germany’s National Convention in Chemnitz, President Keisuke joined the National Board Meeting, local president dialogues, and the “ICM: Energy meets Innovation” experience, before addressing the general assembly under the banner “Rise Up.” The senator reception, gala with new senator inductions, and cultural immersion at Munich’s Oktoberfest strengthened international camaraderie and purpose.
Tradition and Renewal — Poland
Visits to newly launched JCI Poznań and historic JCI Kraków contrasted entrepreneurial freshness with institutional legacy. A tour of ASTOR’s robotics/AI facility and participation in a Global Youth Dialogue underscored how business–civic collaboration can generate shared value. Senator exchanges in Warsaw rounded out a program that linked innovation with continuity.
A Season of Shared Purpose
Across eight countries, August–September amplified JCI’s distinctive value: Ccommunity-anchored leadership, intergenerational learning, and partnerships that turn common vision into measurable impact. From island nations to Alpine valleys and Central European hubs, the message was consistent: trust, training, and twinning with enterprise are the levers that move communities—and the world—forward.
