“ESD for 2030,” the new framework for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and its ethical framework Earth Charter, which Okayama University is promoting, were adopted by the 40th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Assembly. In response, President MAKINO Hirofumi, Vice President (special mission (overseas strategy)) and UNESCO chair holders YOKOI Atsufumi visited United Nations-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) and Central America. Earth Charter International (ECI) in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, on December 12 and 13.

This visit was held as a meeting to build a relationship between UPEACE and ECI, who co-founded the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development with Earth Charter, to promote the integrated efforts of Earth Charter and ESD for 2030 with a view to achieving the SDGs.

On the first day, President Makino and Vice President Yokoi visited ECI. In conversation with Mirian Vilela Executive Director and UNESCO Chairholders, President Makino introduced the outline of the university, the current ESD initiatives, and the vision and university-wide efforts to promote the UN SDGs. In addition, we reported that our university was the only national university to receive the Special Prize of the 1st Japan SDGs Award, and the university held a university-wide side event at the United Nations High Level Political Forum (HLPF) held in July this year. We also reported that we announced our SDGs initiatives. In response, Vilela Executive Director reported that the commemorative project is scheduled to be held in various parts of the world as the “Earth Charter” celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. We exchanged opinions on cooperation and specific cooperation to promote integrated efforts. After that, President Makino and Vice President Yokoi visited UPEACE. At the meeting with Prof. Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo, the Vice President, he agreed to use the UNESCO Chairs of both universities and to build a wide range of collaborations in education and research exchanges.

On the following day, at a dinner at the residence of the Japanese ambassador to Costa Rica, a meeting was held with ITO Yoshiaki, Ambassador of Japan and Counselor SHIRAKATA Nobuyuki. While referring to the historical relationship between San Jose and Okayama, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of our sister city this year, “Earth Charter” and “ESD for 2030” are integrated by local governments and citizens of both regions, and industry, academia and government including both universities. Exchanged opinions about promoting it.