Okayama University cooperated in the “Japan-ASEAN Online Program toward SDGs 2025,” hosted by Niigata University and co-organized by the ASEAN University Network (AUN) and The Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan, which was held online over four days from December 8 to 11. A total of 37 students participated in the program, including 24 students from AUN member universities and 13 students from the six national universities (Chiba University, Niigata University, Kanazawa University, Okayama University, Nagasaki University, and Kumamoto University).

Under the theme “The Nexus Analysis of Sustainability Issues,” the program provided students with hands-on experience in nexus analysis of sustainability challenges and highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strong level of interest in the theme was evident, with 478 applications received—far exceeding the program’s capacity of 50 participants.

At the opening ceremony, Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Secretary-General of the ASEAN University Network, delivered a message to the participating students. Vice President SUZUKI Takayoshi (International Affairs and Alumni Relations) of Okayama University, who also serves as Director of the Organization for International Collaboration of The Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan, offered words of encouragement in his opening remarks.

During the program, Professor TOYODA Mitsuyo of the Sado Island Center for Ecological Sustainability, Niigata University, delivered an introductory lecture and facilitated group work sessions. Students were divided into groups and, while deepening their understanding of each other’s cultural backgrounds, discussed concrete strategies to address issues such as reducing food loss, decreasing plastic use, securing water resources and strengthening disaster resilience, and developing smart environmental monitoring systems. From Okayama University, Associate Professor INAMORI Takeo and Associate Professor KHALMIRZAEVA Saida of the Faculty of General and Global Studies Division participated as supporting faculty members and assisted the students’ group work.

On the final day, each group presented an action plan for addressing their selected challenges, sharing a wide range of innovative ideas. At the closing ceremony, Vice President TSUBOI Nozomu (International Affairs) of Niigata University praised the students for their active discussions and creative proposals, encouraging them to apply what they had learned to future activities and to continue striving toward the realization of a sustainable and inclusive society.

Since signing a partnership agreement in 2013, the ASEAN University Network and The Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan have maintained active exchanges, including student exchanges through summer programs. Further development of academic and research collaboration among member universities is anticipated in the years ahead.

〇About Nexus Analysis
Nexus analysis is a conceptual framework developed by the United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), one of the research institutes of the United Nations University in Germany. It is an approach that seeks solutions to global challenges by considering the interconnections among them. The term “nexus” derives from Latin, meaning “connection.”

〇Student Comment
Ms. Asuka KANZAWA, a third-year student in the School of Agriculture at Okayama University, commented:
I decided to participate in this program because I was interested in learning about “nexus analysis,” as introduced in the program flyer.

Most SDGs-related issues cannot be solved by a single country; international cooperation is essential. For example, there are trade-off relationships among various challenges. In this program, we shared perspectives from countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines and worked together to develop solutions.

My group focused on the issue of food loss. Interestingly, three out of the seven groups, including ours, selected the same topic, which showed how globally significant this issue is. My major is animal nutrition, and I hope to pursue a career related to food in the future. Hearing diverse perspectives was both inspiring and motivating.

In addition to the discussions, interacting with students from other countries was very enjoyable. During an ice-breaking session, we read famous lines from Japanese anime together, which sparked lively conversations about anime and left a strong impression on me. I would like to continue participating actively in events related to the SDGs and international exchange in the future.



○The Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan
The Consortium was established in March 2013 for the purpose of further strengthening functions of education, academic research, social contribution, etc., and promoting human resource development and upgrading academic research to lead global society through cooperation among the six national universities, while respecting their independence and self-reliance.

○Six National Universities International Education, Research System (SixERS)
An organization established within the Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan to promote international collaboration and cooperation among the six national universities. Okayama University Vice President SUZUKI Takayoshi International Affairs and Alumni) serves as the director of the organization.

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