18th SDG-UP Workshop Convenes Breakout Sessions, Highlights Sustainability Efforts of Hokkaido University

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  • 2022•09•09     Online

    On 29 July 2022, UNU-IAS organised the 18th workshop and the second working group session of the SDG–Universities Platform (SDG–UP). The online event engaged 52 participants from 23 universities across Japan, in discussions by four working groups that followed up on the previous session.

    Working Group on Management
    A researcher from Nomura Securities was invited to speak on the use of SDG financing by universities and the diversification of fundraising tools. He stressed the importance of leveraging the organisational credibility of universities to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, and promote strong internal and external engagement.

    Working Group on University Evaluation and Accountability
    Hokkaido University, ranked 10th in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2022, reported on the efforts to implement the university’s mission through emphasis on practical learning. The Sustainability Promotion Division of Sophia University shared a comparative analysis of the 2022 rankings.

    Working Group on SDGs Curriculum
    The group presented a progress report on the SDG-UP Academic Consortium established to effectively utilise the online teaching materials “Introduction to the UN SDGs”. New course contents and a certificate of completion were also discussed.

    Working Group on University Collaboration
    The group discussed consolidating and disseminating information on SDG-related efforts by universities through a website. Participants shared views on how to use visualisation to effectively present sustainability issues that each university was addressing.

    In closing, Shunichi Murata (SDG–UP Advisor; Professor, School of Policy Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University) commented on the efforts of each of the four working groups, noting that information sharing and discussions were progressing at a rapid pace. He expressed his hope for opportunities for faculty and students to meet in person to strengthen the network and further develop the platform.

    A detailed report on the event is available in Japanese.

    Participating Universities

    This workshop engaged 23 participating universities, which are listed below in alphabetical order.

    Hiroshima University
    Hokkaido University
    International Christian University
    International University of Japan
    Kanazawa University
    Keio Gijuku University
    Kwanseigakuin University
    Nara University of Education
    Notre Dame Seishin University
    Ochanomizu University
    Okayama University
    Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
    Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University
    Osaka Metropolitan University
    Osaka University
    Ryukoku University
    Soka University
    Sophia University
    Tokai University
    Tokyo City University
    Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Toyo University
    The University of Kitakyushu