On July 17, the Okayama University student team “Copain”, from the School of Health Sciences, Medical School, advanced to the final round of the ILO Youth Congress Pitch Contest, held at the EXPO Hall “Shining Hat” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

This contest was conducted as part of the ILO Youth Congress, an international educational program organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Following preliminary training on the theme of the “right to work in health and safety,” teams of high school and university students delivered presentations in English proposing initiatives to promote occupational health, safety, and well-being.

Copain’s proposal, titled “Weaving Dignity and Health Through Learning: A New Private-Led Safety Net for the World,” focused on a project aimed at alleviating social isolation and employment difficulties. The proposal primarily targeted foreign workers living in Japan, people with disabilities, and individuals at risk of mental health disorders.

The venue was filled with supporters, including President NASU Yasutomo, Vice President for Global Engagement YOKOI Atsufumi, and approximately 30 Okayama University students, who gathered to cheer on Copain’s presentation.

The judges highly praised the proposal, noting: “The unique perspective of healthcare students was effectively utilized, resulting in a crucial proposal for addressing both physical and mental health in the workplace.” Another judge remarked: “In an era where human connections are becoming increasingly fragile, the idea of empowering workers by rebuilding interpersonal relationships was particularly impressive.”
Student attendees also shared their pride, with one saying, “It was a confident and dignified presentation that truly represented Okayama University,” and another adding, “Watching their performance gave me the energy and motivation to take on my own proactive challenges.”

Okayama University remains committed to supporting students in their international and practical endeavors, further expanding opportunities for proactive and independent learning.

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