Characteristics
The defining feature of KIP Discussion Forums is that participants approach social issues not as someone else’s problem, but as their own. Participants from diverse backgrounds, from working professionals, university and graduate students, to even high school students, engage in discussions with guest speakers from various industries. This is a unique opportunity for them to gain insights from people with different positions and experiences.
Because of the wide range of ages and social roles, participants bring varied viewpoints to the table, resulting in in-depth discussions. Moreover, since the forums are conducted in small, member-based groups, many “off-the-record” topics can be discussed — making these forums the core activity of KIP.
Themes
The forums cover a wide range of interdisciplinary themes that integrate the humanities and sciences, including politics, economics, science, art, and culture. Guest speakers include domestic and international experts as well as KIP alumni who are active professionals on the front lines of their respective fields. In addition, there are lectures and discussions conducted in English, providing opportunities to examine global issues from an international perspective. For details on past forum themes, please refer to the activity reports below.
Format and Frequency
Each session follows this structure:
a lecture by the guest speaker → Q&A session → group discussion with all participants → concluding remarks by the speaker.
Each session lasts about three hours and is held once a month. By participating continuously, members can strengthen their ability to think critically and discuss effectively. Regular participation also helps build stronger relationships among members, creating a comfortable and trusting environment for open exchange of ideas.