[Okayama University] Alumnus Sota Matsumoto Appointed as UNESCO Chair Youth Ambassador

Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Tomohiro Nasu) appointed Sota Matsumoto, an alumnus currently working at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ukraine Office, as the Okayama University UNESCO Chair Youth Ambassador, effective April 1, 2026. Mr. Matsumoto is the third UNESCO Chair Youth Ambassador from the university and the second Japanese person to be appointed. The appointment ceremony was held on April 27, coinciding with Mr. Matsumoto's temporary return to Japan, where President Tomohiro Nasu presented the certificate of appointment. Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi (in charge of Global Engagement) was also in attendance. Since his time as a student, Mr. Matsumoto has been actively involved in international cooperation and SDG promotion activities. In 2019, he was dispatched as a university representative to 'One Young World,' one of the world's largest global summits for next-generation leaders held in London, UK, and has been active in solving global issues. He is currently engaged in local support and international cooperation work at the JICA Ukraine Office. During his courtesy visit to President Nasu, Mr. Matsumoto reported on the current situation in Ukraine and his activities there, expressing his aspirations to provide opportunities for students to learn about international cooperation, peacebuilding, and global career formation through lectures and seminars as a Youth Ambassador.