On March 27, the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) held a public symposium at the UN University U Thant International Conference Hall to discuss sustainability initiatives with universities participating in the SDG University Platform (SDG-UP). Representing the SDG-UP Sustainability Subcommittee, Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi (in charge of Global Engagement) from our university took the stage.

The symposium opened with a video message from Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General. In the first part, a panel discussion titled "Introduction to Subcommittee Activities and University Sustainability Initiatives," Vice President Yokoi presented on the theme of "Student Activities for Achieving a Sustainable Campus." He introduced efforts by universities participating in the Sustainable Campus Subcommittee, including ours, across four areas: "Governance," "Education and Research," "Environment and Energy," and "Community." He also shared examples from his experience as a Visiting Scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Office of Sustainability (MITOS) on "AI and Data Science in Sustainable Management."

In the second part, "Student Initiatives for the SDGs," students from Osaka University, Kwansei Gakuin University, and Nara University of Education made presentations.

Our university will continue to deepen and develop inter-university collaboration through SDG-UP activities, strengthen intergenerational solidarity including the younger generation, and promote Japan's efforts to the world.

○ UN University SDG University Platform (SDG–UP) The "UN University SDG University Platform (SDG–UP)" was established in 2020 by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) as a platform for Japanese universities eager to actively engage in achieving the SDGs.

It aims to strengthen collaboration between the United Nations University, Japanese universities, and stakeholders in higher education regarding SDG initiatives, human resource development, and partnerships, contributing to sustainable development in Japan and globally.

SDG-UP activities encourage stakeholders in higher education to change their behavior towards achieving a more resilient society, supporting individuals to take action for a more sustainable future for all.