#Japan #Women in STEM #Okayama #Okayama University #UNCTAD

Okayama University's Vice President Speaks at UN CSTD

On April 7, 2025, Atsufumi Yokoi, the Vice President of Okayama University, represented Japan at the opening ceremony of the CSTD Exhibition during the 28th session of the UN's Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) held in Geneva. This prestigious event featured notable figures such as UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and ambassadors from various nations. Yokoi was uniquely invited as the sole representative from global higher education institutions to deliver his opening statement.

In his speech, Yokoi emphasized the essential collaboration between universities and UN agencies to advance scientific and technological innovations (STIs) that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the critical role of supporting women scientists for nurturing talent in the field and discussed several cooperative initiatives aimed at fostering women researchers from developing countries. The CSTD Exhibition focused on the theme ‘Women in STI,’ showcasing various efforts by countries to empower female researchers.

The exhibition included a booth from Okayama University, overseen by Miki Harada, Chief Officer of the Global Engagement Center, and Yu Tsunami, Global Administrator. They presented a joint research and training program designed for young female researchers from developing countries, which has already seen the participation of 27 young researchers and four doctoral candidates through collaborative programs with UNCTAD, generating significant interest among participants.

Among the attendees was Yoshimi Ishii, Minister at the Japanese Government Mission to the UN in Geneva, who expressed a profound understanding of Okayama University's initiatives in direct cooperation with UN agencies. This interaction highlighted the future roles of universities in aligning efforts with UN institutions.

Throughout the conference, Yokoi also engaged with UN media, discussing the importance of talent development for global society and stressing that societal change begins with personal transformation. He reinforced ideas about re-evaluating the role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a foundation for achieving desired futures for locales and the planet.

These important discussions and messages are set to be featured during the upcoming 16th UNCTAD Ministerial Conference in Vietnam in October 2025, addressing representatives from 195 member countries.

Looking ahead, Okayama University aims to strengthen its collaboration with UNCTAD, a crucial UN agency responsible for implementing STI for SDGs, to enhance its educational programs contributing towards shared futures for regions and the globe. The university continues to be a beacon of innovative research and educational practices, committed to actively promoting its initiatives both domestically and internationally.

About UNCTAD

Established in 1964 and based in Geneva, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) addresses issues related to trade, development, finance, investment, technology, and sustainable development comprehensively. Its mandate includes maximizing trade and investment opportunities for developing countries and supporting them in integrating into the global economy on equal footing.

Conclusion

Okayama University, through its initiatives and the work of Vice President Yokoi, showcases a commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive approach to scientific innovation, while also emphasizing the empowerment of women in science and technology fields globally.