On 13 March 2026, UNU-IAS hosted a symposium to discuss sustainability initiatives of universities in Japan. Held at UNU headquarters in Tokyo and online, the event convened members of the SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP) to provide
an update on their recent activities, and discuss challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainability in higher education.
In opening remarks Tshilidzi Marwala (UNU Rector) highlighted the unique position universities play as centers of research, innovation and education, generating knowledge, nurturing future leaders, and catalyzing transformative change toward a sustainable future. He emphasized that the SDG–UP is a key collaborating pillar supporting these efforts in Japan.
Naoko Hirayama (Deputy Assistant Minister and Director, International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan) noted the progress in incorporating the SDGs in university operations and management. As the 2030 target year approaches, she encouraged students to leverage their SDG–UP experience to contribute to international discussions on the post-2030 agenda.
In the first session moderated by Yasushi Katsuma (Academic Programme Advisor, UNU-IAS), members of the SDG-UP working groups on Management, Sustainable Campus, AI and Higher Education, and SDG Curriculum introduced their recent initiatives. During his presentation on good practices and challenges in the use of AI in higher education, Jun-ichi Takada (Executive Vice President, Institute of Science Tokyo) emphasized the importance of building AI governance that aligns with international standards.
Shunichi Murata (SDG–UP Advisor; Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University; Former UNDP Representative in Japan) moderated the second session, which featured students from Kwansei Gakuin University, the University of Kitakyushu, Nara University of Education and Notre Dame Seishin University who completed the UN SDGs Introductory Course jointly developed by SDG–UP member universities. Students explained how the course positively influenced their behaviour by encouraging them to take small, practical actions in their daily lives to help achieve the SDGs.
In closing, Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, UNU-IAS; Chair, SDG–UP) highlighted that in the context of worsening climate change and an increasingly complex international situation, the role of higher education institutions is becoming ever more important in achieving the SDGs.
