On February 20, 2019, a symposium was held at 50th Anniversary Hall, Okayama University, to promote deeper understanding regarding Target 5.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) upheld by the United Nations. (Hosted by Okayama University and sponsored by the Support and Promotion Council for G20 Okayama Health Ministers’ Meeting)

After the opening speech by Okayama University President Hirofumi Makino, Dr. Maria S. Floro, Professor of Economics at the College of Arts & Science, American University in the U.S. delivered a keynote speech titled “Care Economy and Sustainable Development.” The panel discussion was participated in by five panelists: Professor Ito Peng of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto in Canada; Professor Hee-Kang Kim of the College of Political Science & Economics, Korea University in South Korea; Ms. Akiko Taguchi, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Japan; Dr. Rintaro Mori, Regional Advisor on Population Ageing and Sustainable Development, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia-Pacific Office; and Professor Maria S. Floro of American University. The panelists vigorously exchanged opinions based on the theme, “Care-centered democracy, economic and social policies for sustainable development.” Lastly, Atsufumi Yokoi, Vice President for Global Engagement Strategy at Okayama University, gave a closing speech at the end of the symposium, which drew about 50 participants from inside and outside the university.

Before the symposium, four out of the five panelists paid a courtesy call on President Makino. They exchanged views with President Makino and other university members on sustainable development, which was the theme of the symposium. While President Makino explained the efforts made by Okayama University to achieve the SDGs, the panelists exhibited a keen interest in such endeavors.

Taking this symposium and visit by the panelists as a good opportunity, we hope that we will achieve a deeper understanding of the SDGs and further expand exchange with the universities and organizations to which the panelists belong.