SPF World News: Supporting Social Enterprises in the Philippines ft. the President and CEO of Bayan Family of Foundations | China’s Expanding Footprint in the Pacific Islands｜Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs through Mentorship: The Gender-Inclusive Mentor Development Program IMNEt

Check out our latest selection of articles and videos.

Event report: Taiwan’s Community-Driven Response to Information Threats
On July 11, the Strategy and Deterrence Program, in collaboration with Taiwan's Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET) and the Safer Internet Association / Japan Fact-Check Center (SIA/JFC), co-hosted a symposium on countering disinformation in democratic societies. The event featured experts from Taiwan and Japan, who discussed evolving challenges and emerging strategies in the fight against foreign information manipulation.
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Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs through Mentorship
In 2024, SPF launched the Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt)—a mentor training program conducted in Khmer—to support and empower rural micro women entrepreneurs. The program aims to strengthen their role as economic participants and amplify their positive impact on their communities.
This article highlights the closing ceremony of the program’s pilot phase in Battambang and Siem Reap, which brought together mentors, mentees, and key stakeholders to celebrate achievements, share insights, and explore future opportunities.

The Gender-Inclusive Mentor Development Program IMNEt ~Battambang
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The Gender-Inclusive Mentor Development Program IMNEt Vol.1~Siem Reap
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DPD RI Delegation Visit to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation
On July 7, SPF had the privilege of hosting a distinguished delegation from the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) at its headquarters in Tokyo. Held under the theme “Enhancing Japan–Indonesia Bilateral Cooperation for Regional Stability and Development,” the visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening strategic ties between Japan and Indonesia, particularly in the areas of regional diplomacy, inclusive development, and peacebuilding.
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Celebrating World Oceans Day 2025 webinar: India-Japan Regional Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation: Blue Economy, Digital Transformation & Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the Indian Ocean
On June 8, the Maritime Research Center (MRC), in collaboration with the Ocean Policy Research Institute and Nirdhwani Technology Pvt. Ltd., hosted a webinar titled “India–Japan Regional Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation: Blue Economy, Digital Transformation & Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the Indian Ocean.”
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Courtesy visit by UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare
On July 3, Mr. Atul Khare, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, paid a courtesy visit to SPF Executive Director Nobukatsu Kanehara ahead of an event at the foundation commemorating the 10th anniversary of the UN Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP). 
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SPF World Views: Prof. Carlo Sagun, President and CEO of Bayan Family of Foundations
Supporting Social Enterprises in the Philippines
In this conversation, we take a deep dive into what exactly it means to add the word “social” to “enterprise," "entrepreneur," and "entrepreneurship.” We also discuss how these social enterprises — or what he calls a heart with a business — can support sustainable development in the Philippines, and the potential to use the lessons learned across the region.
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【Podcast Audio】Changing International Order and American Foreign Policy
In this episode, Hal Brands, the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and Tsuneo Watanabe, a Senior Fellow at SPF, discussed the evolving international order and American foreign policy.
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China's Rare Earth Export Restrictions and Other Countries' Responses: Strategies for the Main Battleground of Economic Security
Yuki Kobayashi (Senior Research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation)
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Contours of Influence: China’s Expanding Footprint in the Pacific Islands
Fabrizio Bozzato (Senior Research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation)
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The Role of Mediation Diplomacy and Media in the Middle East
On June 24, 2025, the Strategic Dialogue and Exchange Program hosted a public seminar, welcoming Research Manager Dr. Ezzeddine Abdulmoula and Mr. Haoues Taguia - Head of Gulf and International Research, from the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies.
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