UNU-IAS will organize a symposium to discuss sustainability initiatives at member universities of the UNU SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP). Engaging faculty, staff and students, these initiatives have led to transformational changes towards sustainability. The event will feature panel discussions on student-led activities and their role in achieving the SDGs. The event will be held with the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
Participation
The symposium will take place online and in the U Thant International Conference Hall at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Please register in advance to attend in-person or online.
Please note that participants in UNU events may appear in photography, screen captures, videos, and/or audio (see disclaimer).
Language
Please note that this event will be held in Japanese, with no interpretation provided.
Programme
13:00 Opening Remarks
Tshilidzi Marwala (Rector, UNU)
Koji Kitayama (Director for International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat, MEXT)
Report on the Presidents Roundtable
Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, UNU-IAS; SDG-UP Chair)
13:30 Session 1
Panel Discussion on the Frontiers of University Sustainability Activities
Facilitator: Yasushi Katsuma (Academic Programme Advisor, UNU-IAS)
Panelists:
Miki Sugimura (Professor, Sophia University)
Ninomiya-Lim Sachi (Professor, Tokai University)
Atsufumi Yokoi (Vice President, Okayama University)
Atsushi Yokota (Director, Hokkaido University)
Shunichi Murata (Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University; Former UNDP Representative in Japan)
15:10 Break
15:30 Session 2
Introduction of Sustainability Initiatives by Students from Participating Universities
Facilitator: Takatsugu Kitajima (TBC)
Speakers:
Osaka University
Keio University
Ryukoku University
Commentators:
Yumi Otsuka (Chief Sustainability Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation)
Nobuyasu Kitamura (Deputy Head of Sustainability Management Promotion Department, Suntory Holdings Co., Ltd.)
16:50 Closing Remarks
Background
UNU SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP) was established in October 2020 with the aim of strengthening collaboration among Japanese universities and various stakeholders to promote research and educational activities advancing the SDGs, enhancing the presence of Japanese universities in the international community, and contributing to the sustainable development of Japan and the world.
