On March 13, the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) held a public symposium at the Elizabeth Rose International Conference Hall at the United Nations University. The symposium brought together universities participating in the SDG Universities Platform (SDG-UP) to discuss sustainability initiatives. Representing the Sustainable Campus Subcommittee of SDG-UP, Okayama University presented the outcomes of the subcommittee’s activities.

The symposium opened with remarks by Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General, followed by an address from Ms. Naoko Hirayama, Director of the International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

In Part I, titled “Subcommittee Activities and University Sustainability Initiatives,” Okayama University introduced a draft of the “Sustainable Campus Charter,” which summarizes the achievements of the Sustainable Campus Subcommittee since FY2023. Representing the subcommittee, Okayama University outlined key elements of the charter, including “Network Collaboration,” “Meaningful Youth Engagement & Belonging,” and “Transparency & Accountability,” which reflect distinctive aspects of the SDG-UP framework. The charter is intended to be widely utilized by university stakeholders and will continue to be refined through ongoing subcommittee activities.

Part II, titled “Presentations by Participants of the Introduction to UN SDGs Course,” featured presentations by students from The University of Kitakyushu, Notre Dame Seishin University, Kwansei Gakuin University, and Nara University of Education.

Through continued participation in SDG-UP activities, Okayama University aims to further deepen inter-university collaboration, strengthen multi-generational engagement including youth participation, and disseminate Japan’s sustainability initiatives to the global community.

◯ About the SDG Universities Platform (SDG-UP)
The SDG Universities Platform (SDG-UP) was established in 2020 by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) as a collaborative framework for Japanese universities committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The platform aims to strengthen collaboration between UNU and Japanese universities, enhance SDG-related initiatives in higher education, promote human resource development, and build partnerships with diverse stakeholders, thereby contributing to sustainable development in Japan and globally.

Through its activities, SDG-UP promotes behavioral change among stakeholders in higher education and supports individual actions toward achieving a more resilient and sustainable society for all.