On 18 January 2024, UNU-IAS organized the 30th workshop and the 3rd working group session of the SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP). The online event engaged 48 participants from 21 universities across Japan and convened four working groups ahead of the public symposium to be held on 29 March 2024.
Working Group on SDGs Curriculum
The group discussed their presentation to be delivered during at the first session of the symposium "The University Changes with the Introduction of Sustainability".
Working Group on University Evaluation and Accountability
One of the topics to be discussed at the public symposium is first generation students, who are the first in their family to attend a higher education institution. The group discussed challenges in measuring the percentage of such students at Japanese universities.
Working Group on Sustainable Campus
Okayama University reported on an international case study on university governance.
Working Group on Management
Reflecting on its work over the past three years, the group analyzed top-down and bottom-up approaches, and agreed that in the future members will hold discussions on student involvement.
In closing, Shunichi Murata (SDG–UP Advisor; Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University) reviewed the working group discussions, noting that a behavioral change among faculty and students was noticeable since the establishment of SDG–UP in 2020. He concluded the session by stressing his hope that the participating universities will cooperate with each other to deepen discussions and make positive recommendations for the 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