Okayama University appointed its alumnus, Mr. Sota Matsumoto, currently working at the Ukraine Office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as an Okayama University UNESCO Chair Youth Ambassador effective April 1, 2026. Mr. Matsumoto is the third UNESCO Chair Youth Ambassador appointed by the University and the second Japanese national to assume the role.

The appointment ceremony was held on April 27 during Mr. Matsumoto’s temporary return to Japan. President Yasutomo Nasu presented him with the letter of appointment in the presence of Vice-President Atsufumi Yokoi (Global Engagement), who also serves as the UNESCO Chairholder of the Okayama University UNESCO Chair.

Since his time as a student at Okayama University, Mr. Matsumoto has been actively engaged in international cooperation and SDGs-related initiatives, contributing to efforts to address various global challenges. In 2019, he was selected as an official representative of Okayama University to attend “One Young World,” one of the world’s largest global summits for young leaders, held in London, United Kingdom. He is currently involved in local support and international cooperation activities at the JICA Ukraine Office.

During his courtesy visit to President Nasu, Mr. Matsumoto shared insights on the current situation in Ukraine and his activities on the ground. As a newly appointed Youth Ambassador, he also expressed his aspirations to organize lectures and seminars for Okayama University students in the future, providing opportunities to learn about international cooperation, peacebuilding, and global career development.

Through the efforts and activities of the Okayama University UNESCO Chair, which contributes to the Earth from the local community, will work with a wide range of stakeholders to promote planetary well-being.