On 18 October 2023, the UNU SDG Universities Platform (SDG-UP) held its 2023 Interim Report Meeting and the 28th workshop, engaging by 54 participants from 22 universities across Japan.
Opening the meeting, Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, UNU-IAS) reported on her participation in the 2023 UN SDG Summit. She noted the increasing interest in the role of higher education and emphasized that she will continue to actively publicize the discussions of SDG-UP at international conferences.
Working Group on Management
The group discussed what university management should aim for in order to achieve the SDGs. The three fundamental elements in university management are the formulation of the university's own SDG vision, the establishment of a promotion organization, and securing a budget. Case studies were presented by Hiroshima University, Sophia Gakuin University and Hokkaido University.
Working Group on SDGs Curriculum
The group introduced new teaching materials for the "Introduction to the UN SDGs" online course and discussed its implementation, as well as the use of JV Campus (Japan Virtual Campus) as a management server.
Working Group on University Evaluation and Accountability
The group presented the results of a questionnaire on the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings conducted among SDG-UP participating universities. Discussing current sustainability trends at universities around the world and in Japan, the group highlighted the use of AI technology for advanced data analysis.
Working Group on Sustainable Campus
Newly launched in 2023, this group will focus on activities on campus and in the local community to strengthen their efforts for sustainability. The group will work in four areas: governance, education and research, environment and energy, and local community collaboration. Case studies were presented by Ryukoku University and Osaka University.
Participating Universities
This workshop engaged 22 participating universities, which are listed below in alphabetical order.
Ehime University
Hiroshima University
Hokkaido University
International Christian University
International University of Japan
Kanagawa University
Keio Gijuku University
Kwansei gakuin University
Okayama University
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