On 31 July 2024, the United Nations University and Naha City, Japan signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on expanding partnerships to support sustainable development.
The new MoU aligns mutual strengths of Naha City and UNU to develop joint educational and research activities ranging from capacity-building opportunities, knowledge-exchange engagements (such as seminars, workshops and guest lectures), collaboration on academic programmes and other related initiatives.
Speaking at the signing, UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala remarked: "The MoU we are signing today is just the beginning of a fruitful partnership. We plan to work together on joint policy-related research and educational activities focusing on the entire scope of the Sustainable Development Goals, bringing together the unique strengths of UNU and Naha City to push forward the attainment of the SDGs."
Welcoming the new agreement, Naha City Mayor Satoru Chinen emphasized: "Through our partnership with UNU, we plan to further push forward cooperation and collaboration with stakeholders both within and outside of Japan, towards realizing an inclusive Naha City where citizens can live with peace of mind and diversity is recognized under the principle of a society in which no one is left behind."
