On August 29, Okayama University co-hosted the international forum "Planetary Health and the Future of Education" with the Japanese Society of Education for Sustainable Development (JSESD) at the Okayama University Co-Education and Co-Creation Commons (OUX). A total of 183 people, including 22 participants from overseas, attended the forum to explore the future of education and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) from the perspective of “planetary health,” which views human health and the health of the planet as interconnected.

The forum was moderated by President of JSESD, Professor Tomonori Ichinose from Miyagi University of Education. The speakers were Mr. Kartikeya V. Sarabhai, Founder and Director of the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), India, and Professor Yasutomo Nasu, President of Okayama University.

For many years, Director Sarabhai has promoted practical and inclusive learning through international initiatives in environmental education and related fields. In his presentation, he discussed the role of ESD in building a sustainable and equitable future.

President Nasu highlighted four key themes: (1) the importance of planetary health, which considers human health and the health of the planet as interconnected; (2) the role of universities in putting sustainability into practice across education, research, healthcare, and university management; (3) the significance of community-based ESD developed over many years in Okayama; and (4) the importance of connecting learning and actions in our daily lives to transformation at the community and broader societal levels.

Following the two presentations, an Open Forum was held, generating lively discussion on a range of topics. These included the relationship between ESD and Indigenous Knowledge passed down through local communities; the need to continuously evolve ESD itself in response to changes in society and the global environment; ways to foster collaboration across communities and national borders on a global scale; and how ESD should be positioned as a priority within university agendas.

【Contact information】
Okayama University ESD Promotion Centre
Professor　Hiroki Fujii
E-mail：fujii-hi(a)okayama-u.ac.jp
Senior Assistant Professor　K.F. Aldi
E-mail：Aldi(a)okayama-u.ac.jp
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