UNU-IAS will host a symposium to discuss sustainability initiatives at universities participating in the UNU–SDG Universities Platform (SDG–UP). It will feature reports and discussions on the efforts of SDG–UP working groups and introduce student-led initiatives to examine the future of Japanese universities and their role in achieving the SDGs.
Participation & Registration
This event will be held online and in-person at the U Thant International Conference Hall at the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Please register by 26 March (13:00 JST) to attend in person or online.
Please note that participants in UNU events may appear in photography, screen captures, videos, and/or audio (see disclaimer).
Language
The event will be held in Japanese with English interpretation provided.
Programme
13:00 Opening Remarks
- Tshilidzi Marwala (UNU Rector and Under-Secretary-General of the UN)
- Koji Kitayama (Deputy Assistant Minister / Director, International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT))
13:15 Session 1: Introduction of University Sustainability Initiatives by Members of SDG-UP Working Groups
Facilitator: Yasushi Katsuma (Academic Programme Advisor, UNU-IAS)
Working Group on Management
- Okada Eiji (Vice-President, Keio University)
- Shizuo Nakazawa (Professor, Nara University of Education)
Working Group on Sustainable Campus
- Atsufumi Yokoi (Vice President, Okayama University)
Working Group on University Evaluation and Accountability
- Yoshiharu Aioi (Deputy Director, Sophia University)
Working Group on SDGs Curriculum
- Eiji Hamanishi (Professor, Notre Dame Seishin University)
- Kei Shiho (Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University)
- Makoto Demura (Special Advisor to President, Hokkaido University)
15:15 Break
15:40 Session 2: Introduction of Student Sustainability Initiatives at SDG-UP Member Universities
Facilitator: Shunichi Murata (Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University; Former UNDP Representative in Japan)
- Osaka University — Hazaithon Project
- Kwansei Gakuin University — KG SDGs Campus Supporter
- Nara University of Education — UNESCO Club
16:55 Closing Remarks
Background
UNU SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP) was established in 2020 with the aim of strengthening collaboration among Japanese universities and various stakeholders to promote research and educational activities advancing the SDGs, enhancing the presence of Japanese universities in the international community, and contributing to the sustainable development of Japan and the world.