On March 15, Okayama University held the Top Global University Project (SGU) Project Summary Symposium titled "Co-Creating the Desired Future of Regions and the Earth - Pioneering a Well-Being Global Society with Youth" at the 50th Anniversary Hall (Kanemitsu Hall), with simultaneous online streaming. Approximately 170 people, including representatives from other universities, corporate partners, faculty and staff members, Okayama University students, and high school students, participated in the event.

In the first part of the symposium, Mr. KOBAYASHI Yosuke, Deputy Director-General for International Affairs of the Higher Education Bureau at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), delivered a congratulatory address. He acknowledged Okayama University's significant contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its participation in international networks and emphasized the role of SGU-admitted universities in promoting internationalization and university reform at the national level.

Subsequently, President NASU Yasutomo reported on the achievements of Okayama University's SGU project (PRIME Program). He emphasized the keywords "Regions and the Earth" and "Youth" included in the symposium's title, stating the university's commitment to incorporating the results of SGU over the past decade into its long-term vision for 2050, aiming to co-create the future of regions and the Earth and to create an environment for mutual learning between Japanese and international students, as well as promoting the settlement of international students in the region.

The keynote speech was delivered by Professor BENTON Caroline Fern from the Institute of Business Sciences at the University of Tsukuba and a member of the External Evaluation Committee for Okayama University's Top Global University Project. Her speech titled "The Role of Universities towards Internationalization in the Post-COVID Era" discussed the necessity of global collaboration in response to rapidly changing social conditions and the transformative competencies required of future youth, as well as expectations for the future of education.

In the second part of the symposium, a panel discussion on "Co-Creating the Desired Future of Regions and the Earth - Pioneering a Well-Being Global Society with Youth" was conducted. Vice President for Global Engagement YOKOI Atsufumi served as the facilitator, and panelists included NUNO Koko, a third-year student of the Discovery Program for Global Learners, TANAI Airi, a sixth-year student of the Dental School, ICHIKAWA Taichi, CEO of World Road Co., Ltd. (One Young World Ambassador), and Professor BENTON Caroline Fern. Vice President Yokoi explained the difference between a global society and an Earth society, emphasizing the necessity, in the era of the Earth society, to "work not for youth, but with youth" and to "co-create the future" rather than predicting it. Subsequently, a lively discussion among the panelists took place, with Ms.Nuno stating, "Through opportunities such as overseas training and exposure to social issues, including during high school, I have gained a sense that the world may change a little by my actions."

In the closing address, SUGA Seiji, Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Senior Vice President, summarized the symposium by highlighting "the spirit of challenge" and "resilience" as the keywords of the day. He expressed the intention to carefully consider how such education would be implemented in the future.

While the SGU project will conclude this fiscal year, Okayama University, together with students and faculty members, will continue to work towards internationalization and university reform, leveraging the various achievements accumulated over the past decade to truly embody the distinctive characteristics of Okayama University.

Archived videos of the event and presentation materials will be available for later viewing.

[Reference]
Okayama University Top Global University Project Website