- Japanese high school students shared experiences of the 2024 New Year’s Day earthquake at an OECD meeting in France.
- Students emphasized the need for tourism and community revitalization, beyond just rebuilding infrastructure.
- The OECD welcomed the students’ proactive engagement in shaping the future and addressing broader societal challenges.

A: Hey Hana, did you hear about some Noto Peninsula students?

B: No, what’s up, Kenji?

A: They went to France! To a big meeting with the OECD.

B: Wow, really? What for?

A: They talked about the earthquake that hit their area last year. It was really bad, remember?

B: Oh yeah, January 1st! Terrible. So, the students shared their experiences?

A: Exactly! One student, Okubo Yu, helps older people exercise. They set up a “mobile gym” because lots of parks are now used for temporary homes.

B: That's really clever! So practical.

A: Yeah! And others talked about how to bring tourists back. They said just rebuilding isn’t enough.

B: Makes sense. The towns need more than just new buildings.

A: Right? Nishi Kotono, another student, said these problems aren't just Japan's problem. She hopes their voices can help.

B: That’s so important, to share with other countries.

A: The head of the OECD, Andreas Schleicher, was really impressed. He said it's great to see young people wanting to *make* things better, not just deal with problems.

B: Amazing! They're showing the world what's important.