On September 18, the Global Engagement Center (GEC) of Okayama University concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Future Civilization Research Institute at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The signing ceremony was attended by Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi, Director of GEC, and Kim Won-Soo, Director of the Future Civilization Research Institute at Kyung Hee University. Professor Toshinori Kuwahara of the Faculty of Education, Institute of Academic and Research, was also present.

Through this agreement, the two institutions agreed to integrate their respective educational philosophies—Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at Okayama University and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) at Kyung Hee University—and to develop and promote collaborative programs, including student exchanges as well as joint educational and research activities.

Okayama University has already been selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) program “Support for Creating Social Impact through the Internationalization of Universities,” under which it is implementing the “Integrated Engagement Strategy Program for Fostering Well-being Practitioners Who Co-create the Future of the Region and the Planet.” The two institutions are currently discussing plans to develop this program into an international co-learning educational model through collaboration with Kyung Hee University.

Kyung Hee University has maintained ongoing exchanges with Okayama University, including invitations extended to Vice President Yokoi to participate in the international conference “Peace Bar Festival,” commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace, in 2019, 2023, and 2025. The conclusion of this MoU is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the two institutions.

Okayama University will use this agreement as an opportunity to reinforce its educational foundation for contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to further promote initiatives aimed at co-creating the future of both the region and the planet.