Okayama University has appointed two Deputy Directors of the Global Engagement Center, effective April 1, 2026: Professor Tatsuya Sakamoto (Vice Chair, UNESCO Chair; Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology; Marine Science Center, Faculty of Science) and Ms. Miki Harada, Senior Global Administrator (UGA). This marks the first time that Deputy Directors have been appointed to the Center.

The appointments were made by Professor Atsufumi Yokoi, Vice President (Global Engagement), Director of the Global Engagement Center, and UNESCO Chairholder.

The establishment of the Deputy Director positions is expected to strengthen the leadership structure supporting the Director and further promote the University’s global engagement strategy as well as the development of UNESCO Chair activities.

The Okayama University Global Engagement Center was established in April 2025 to promote Internationalization in Higher Education for Society (IHES). The Center is responsible for planning and coordinating global engagement strategies and for operating the UNESCO Chair on Research and Education for Sustainable Development, which is recognized by UNESCO. The Center also aims to accelerate global engagement, promote organized education and research activities across the University, strengthen international collaboration and partnerships, and enhance networks. Through these efforts, the Center contributes to strengthening research capacity as a university promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).