Symposium Spotlights Sustainability Efforts at Japanese Universities
On March 27, 2025, the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) hosted a significant symposium focused on sustainability initiatives at universities involved in the SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP). The event, held both at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo and virtually, brought together university leaders, faculty, students, and government representatives to discuss how Japanese universities are advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, and collaborative efforts.
Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of UNU, opened the symposium, emphasizing UNU’s role as co-chair of the UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) for 2024–2025 and the important contributions of SDG–UP in strengthening ties between Japanese universities and UNU.
Koji Kitayama, Deputy Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), underscored the Ministry’s partnership with UNU-IAS in supporting research and human resource development to foster SDG progress across Japan.
The first session featured a panel discussion moderated by Yasushi Katsuma, Academic Programme Advisor at UNU-IAS. Representatives from the SDG–UP Working Groups on Management, Sustainable Campus, University Evaluation, Accountability, and SDGs Curriculum shared their initiatives aimed at integrating sustainability into university practices.
In the second session, moderated by Shunichi Murata, Professor at Kwansei Gakuin University, students presented their sustainability efforts on campuses. Initiatives such as the Hazaithon Project at Osaka University, the KG SDGs Campus Supporter at Kwansei Gakuin University, and the UNESCO Club at Nara University of Education were highlighted, showcasing student-led contributions to sustainability.
In closing, Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi, Director of UNU-IAS and Chair of SDG–UP, acknowledged the progress made since the launch of SDG–UP in October 2020. She encouraged continued collaboration and persistence in building a sustainable future, urging students and universities to stay committed to their sustainability efforts.
The SDG–UP Symposium 2025 served as a key platform for advancing university partnerships and sharing effective sustainability strategies, demonstrating the vital role of higher education in achieving the SDGs.