Okayama University Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi Discusses Climate Change Education at UNU-UNESCO International Conference Session

July 16, 2026 (Reiwa 8) National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆Overview

From June 22 to 25, 2026, Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi (Global Engagement) of Okayama University participated in the 5th International Conference 'Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026,' held in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia. The conference brought together over 3,000 participants, including academics, government officials, corporate representatives, and members of the general public, to discuss challenges and solutions for achieving a sustainable society.

Vice President Yokoi was invited by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) to participate in the roundtable session 'From Frameworks to Action: Preparing Climate-Ready Teachers,' co-hosted by UNU-IAS and UNESCO, representing the SDG University Partnership Platform (SDG-UP).

During the session, stakeholders provided feedback on the 'Climate Change Competency Framework for Educators (C3FE),' which UNU-IAS is developing to promote climate change education worldwide.

Vice President Yokoi served as a facilitator for one of five discussion stations, focusing on 'How to Support Action.' As the holder of Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), he provided guidance on fostering learner agency and bridging the gap between knowledge and practice, leading discussions among Indonesian students and educator groups from various countries.

The event was attended by over 100 educators and students from the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, Europe, and North America, including Dr. Shinobu Yamaguchi, Director of UNU-IAS, and Dr. Maki Hayashikawa, Director of the UNESCO Jakarta Office, resulting in dynamic and productive discussions.

Okayama University will continue to strengthen collaboration with the United Nations University and UNESCO, guided by its vision of 'realizing a sustainable future for human society through the creation, generation, and inheritance of advanced knowledge.' Through initiatives centered on its UNESCO Chair, the university will advance ESD and contribute to building a sustainable society. We invite continued attention to the efforts of Okayama University, an open, regional core, and distinctive research university.

This information was originally released by Okayama University on July 7, 2026.

○ United Nations University SDG University Partnership Platform (SDG-UP)

The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) established the 'United Nations University SDG University Partnership Platform (SDG-UP)' in 2020 as a collaborative space for Japanese universities actively committed to achieving the SDGs.

The platform aims to strengthen partnerships between the United Nations University and Japanese universities, enhance SDG-related initiatives and human resource development in higher education, and contribute to sustainable development in Japan and globally.

SDG-UP activities promote behavioral change among higher education stakeholders to build more resilient societies and support individuals in taking action to secure a more sustainable future for all.

Students participating in the session

Director Yamaguchi delivering opening remarks

Conference session in progress

Left to right: Director Yamaguchi, Vice President Yokoi, Director Hayashikawa

◆References

· United Nations University SDG University Partnership Platform (SDG-UP)

https://ias.unu.edu/jp/sdg-up

· Okayama University Global Engagement Center

https://globalengagementoffice.okayama-u.ac.jp/

Okayama University Tsushima Campus (Kita-ku, Okayama City)

◆Inquiries

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