On 27 September 2023, UNU-IAS organized the 27th workshop of the UNU SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP). The online event engaged 48 participants from 21 universities across Japan. The working groups sessions were held under the four themes prepared for the Interim Report Meeting scheduled for 18 October 2023.
Working Group on SDGs Curriculum
The group discussed the three items to be presented at the Interim Report Meeting: additional contents of the "Introduction to the UN SDGs" course; a progress report on the course implementation; and the use of the JV Campus (Japan Virtual Campus) as the management server.
Working Group on University Evaluation and Accountability
UNU-IAS Director Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi discussed her participation in a side event at a UN conference. At the Interim Report Meeting the group will provide an overview of the Japanese universities trends as shown in the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, as well as a survey of participating universities.
Working Group on Sustainable Campus
In preparation for the Interim Report Meeting, the group discussed target sustainability activities on campus, and efforts to engage the local community in governance; education and research; environment and energy; and collaboration.
Working Group on Management
At the Interim Report Meeting, the working group will present the outcomes of its activities over the past two years with a focus on how university management can apply leadership to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
In closing, Shunichi Murata (SDG–UP Advisor; Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University) reflected on the working group discussions, noting that he was very pleased to see activities in a variety of fields. He concluded the session by stressing that, as a university faculty member, his ultimate mission was to empower students to make the kind of behavioral changes needed to build a more sustainable future.
Participating Universities
This workshop engaged 21 participating universities, which are listed below in alphabetical order.
Ehime University
Hiroshima University
Hokkaido University
International Christian University
International University of Japan
Keio Gijuku University
Kwansei gakuin University
Nara University of Education
Notre Dame Seishin University
Okayama 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
Toyo University
The University of Kitakyushu
University of Tsukuba