On 27–31 August 2025, UNU-IAS co-organized workshop sessions at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, as part of the Junior SDGs Camp. Aimed at elementary, middle and high school students, the five-day event engaged Expo visitors in learning about pressing global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution. Each day focused on a particular region and theme, drawing upon local and Indigenous knowledge, as well as the research and networks of UNU-IAS and the Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCEs).
The first session, led by Sayako Koyama (Research Associate, UNU-IAS), explored the rich biodiversity of Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, and the impacts of the 2024 Noto Earthquake and torrential rains. Students from Yanagida Elementary School in Noto Town shared their observations on post-disaster ecosystem changes, the resilience of wildlife, and how environmental shifts impact food chains. The marine biologist and popular science communicator Sakana-kun joined the session remotely from Tokyo. He discussed the challenges facing marine life due to disasters and climate change, and delighted the audience with deft sketches of sea creatures.
On the second day, participants learned about disaster prevention and recovery efforts on the Noto Peninsula. Ms. Koyama introduced the concepts of satoyama and satoumi — traditional Japanese landscapes where people and nature coexist in harmony, highlighting the importance of local knowledge for more sustainable and resilient communities. Students from Nanao High School in Ishikawa Prefecture discussed their personal experiences in the aftermath of the Noto Earthquake and heavy rains. Having lived for nearly five months without access to clean water, the students emphasized the need for disaster awareness and preparedness.
Climate action and youth empowerment in Kenya were the focus of the third day. Participants explored the science behind climate impacts with the help of innovative technology and role-play activities led by Nafissa Insebayeva (Consultant, UNU-IAS) and Kozue Tatsuhara (Programme Associate, UNU-IAS). Yoshiyuki Inaba (Content Creator, Earth Literacy Program) and Shinichi Takemura (Professor, Kyoto University of Art and Design; Director, Earth Literacy Program) discussed efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, citing examples of industry-led action. Focusing on youth-led tree-planting projects in Kenya, Evance Ouya (RCE South Rift) highlighted the disproportionate effects of climate change on low-emission countries. Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, UNU-IAS) closed the session by encouraging reflection on individual contributions to global climate action.
Moderated by Giselle Lugo Miole (JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellow, UNU-IAS), the fourth-day sessions spotlighted the role of the Indigenous peoples of Malaysia as guardians of biodiversity, encouraging participants to embrace lessons from traditional wisdom alongside modern scientific insights. Prof. Takemura examined global biodiversity challenges such as deforestation and forest fires, explaining how Indigenous knowledge helps to address them. Zainal Abidin Sanusi (Professor, International Islamic University Malaysia) discussed Indigenous lifestyles and youth in Malaysia, and Ahmad Ali Bin A Karim (Youth Coordinator, RCE Greater Gombak) facilitated an interactive card game exploring connections between Indigenous culture and nature.
The final day’s theme addressed the urgent challenge of plastic waste and the circular economy. Led by Anupam Khajuria (Research Fellow and Academic Associate, UNU-IAS), the sessions focused on community-led initiatives in the Philippines and innovative practices from Japan. Jessica Wenceslao (Former Principal of Cabancalan Elementary School; RCE Cebu) highlighted the importance of transforming waste into resources and the role of youth and educators in driving change. Discussing global trends in plastic waste, Atsumu Takanashi (Earth Literacy Program) called attention to the Pacific Garbage Patch and its overlap with bluefin tuna migration routes. Participants learned about the global scale of marine pollution and explored practical solutions such as eco-bricks and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.
Connecting Japanese youth with global sustainability practitioners, the workshops raised awareness of environmental issues, encouraged reflection on everyday practices, and empowered participants to act for people and the planet.
The sessions were co-organized with the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOEJ).
