The Preparatory Meeting of the World Women University Presidents Forum at the University of Hawaii at Hilo was held on September 22, 2008. Chancellor Noriko Mizuta participated as the Asia representative (except for China).

The Lanai Theater of the University of Hawaii at Hilo served as the forum for “A Global Dialogue - Women in Higher Education.” 200 people participated. These included local residents, students, and persons from local governments. University Chancellor Rose Tseng brought furniture from her own home to set the stage. This provided a relaxed atmosphere for a spirited dialogue on topics such as the following: What issues do educated women encounter when they aim to be active in society, what the panelists—all leaders in their field—have done to personally overcome those obstacles, and what the best way is to solve those issues.

Perhaps due to the fact that the atmosphere was very harmonious and the comments of the university presidents were easy to understand and left a strong impression on the audience, many students asked questions afterward.

Participating Panelists

Rose Tseng	Chancellor of University of Hawaii at Hilo
Noriko Mizuta	Chancellor of Josai University Educational Corporation, President of Josai International University
Chen Naifang	Former President of Beijing Foreign Studies University
Chen Weijia	Chair of University Council, Communication University of China
Josefina Castillo Baltodano	President of Marian University
Mary Jossy Nakandha Okwakol	Vice Chancellor of Busitema University
Sandra Harding	Vice-Chancellor and President of James Cook University
Virginia Hinshaw	Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa
(Moderator) Luoluo Hong	Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, University of Hawaii at Hilo