On 16 September 2022 UNU-IAS organised the 19th workshop and the midterm reporting session of the SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP). The online event engaged 80 participants including university administrators; officials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT); and private companies. The platform’s four working groups discussed their recent activities and further promotion of sustainability initiatives.
Working Group on SDGs Curriculum
The group reported on the development of the online teaching materials "Introduction to the UN SDGs", and announced that two universities had been using the materials since April 2022.
Working Group on University Evaluation and Accountability
After presenting a detailed analysis of the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, the group discussed the results of a survey of member universities.
Working Group on University Collaboration
The group has begun gathering information to expand inter-university collaboration by compiling SDG-related efforts of Japanese universities and disseminating them internationally on its website.
Working Group on Management
Highlighting the importance of engagement, the group discussed organisational self-awareness to strengthen involvement and foster a sense of unity and empathy in university administration.
In closing, Shunichi Murata (SDG–UP Advisor; Professor, School of Policy Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University) thanked the participants and emphasised the need for further discussion to guide the outcomes of each working group.
A detailed report on the event is available in Japanese.
Participating Universities
This workshop engaged 27 participating universities, which are listed below in alphabetical order.
Ehime University
Hiroshima University
Hokkaido University
International Christian University
International University of Japan
Kanagawa University
Kanazawa University
Keio Gijuku University
Kwanseigakuin University
Kyushu Sangyo University
Nara University of Education
Notre Dame Seishin University
Ochanomizu University
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Osaka Metropolitan University
Osaka University
Ryukoku University
Showa University of Music
Soka University
Sophia University
Tokai University
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo University of Science
Toyo University
The University of Kitakyushu
University of Tsukuba