On December 12th and 13th, Prof. YOKOI Atsufumi, Vice President (Global Engagement) and UNESCO Chairholder, was invited to the German Rectors’ Conference, which was held at the Warburg-Haus in Hamburg, Germany, with the cooperation of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

 

This conference, primarily aimed at university presidents in Germany, seeks to enhance cross-disciplinary cooperation by analyzing how education systems contribute to societal challenges through expert presentations on climate change and pedagogy, followed by philosophical reflections and discussions. It also aims to explore equitable solutions and gain valuable insights and tools for strengthening the practice of sustainable education. This year’s theme was “Education for Sustainable Development Beyond Nature // Culture.”

 

During discussions with participants, Vice President Prof. Yokoi explained Okayama University’s initiatives as Asia’s first UNESCO Chair for promoting ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) and how we are transforming university management to address social issues related to sustainability and well-being and promoting interdisciplinary education and research. Vice President Prof. Yokoi also introduced our direct collaboration with the UN and international organizations and multi-stakeholder cooperation involving regions and youth. Participants showed great interest and asked many questions.

 

The day before the conference, Vice President Prof. Yokoi visited the Consulate-General of Japan in Hamburg and met with H.E. Mr. TODA Shinsuke. H.E. Mr. Toda explained the history of exchanges between Japan and Hamburg, including universities and local communities. Vice President Prof. Yokoi shared the purpose of his visit and our university’s global engagement strategy, highlighting that, like Okayama, Hamburg has been promoted as a worldwide regional hub for ESD. He also mentioned that a network organization in Hamburg, involving city administration, businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, received the “Okayama ESD Award” in 2022.

 

Okayama University will continue accelerating research, education, and social contribution initiatives through multi-stakeholder and intergenerational solidarity towards co-creating the desired future of our region and the planet.