Okayama University’s Vice President Invited to Speak at Going Global London 2025 Conference

The Upcoming Going Global London 2025 Conference

In a significant contribution to higher education discourse, Atsufumi Yokoi, the Vice President of Okayama University, has been invited to speak at the prestigious Going Global London 2025, a major international conference organized by the British Council. Scheduled to be held from October 28 to 30, 2025, this event will focus on the internationalization of higher education, drawing participants from around the globe.

The British Council, known for its pivotal role in fostering international cultural and educational exchanges, will host key discussions aimed at exploring resilience, values, and innovation amidst current global challenges. The overarching theme of the conference emphasizes the importance of recognizing and enhancing international cooperation for the economic and social development of our societies.

Yokoi’s participation in this event highlights Okayama University’s commitment to global engagement and its role as a representative of Japanese higher education. As part of an esteemed panel discussion titled “Balancing Acts: Free Speech, Inclusion, and the Evolving Role of Universities”, he will join learned colleagues including Rajani Naidoo, Vice President of the University of Exeter, Annick Castiaux, President of the University of Namur in Belgium, and André Keet, Vice President of Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.

Panel Discussion Insights

The session will be moderated by the Rt Hon. Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, further elevating its significance. Discussions will delve into how universities can navigate complexities related to free speech while fostering inclusive environments. Yokoi has emphasized the search for new frameworks that can sustain a healthy relationship between freedom of expression and campus life.

Drawing inspiration from ancient philosophies such as Ubuntu—which embodies compassion and community—he intends to articulate a vision where free speech is understood not in isolation but as a part of interconnected empathy, plurality, and care for the planet.

Yokoi advocates for the role of universities as nurturing spaces that blend individual freedoms with the happiness of the global community, fostering trust, diversity, and belonging through dialogue. This perspective is crucial as institutions of higher education face the dual challenge of respecting freedom of expression while ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere for all students.

Collaborative Future

Okayama University is committed to maintaining international partnerships through its UNESCO chair, promoting the co-creation of desired futures for both local and global communities. They aim to enhance well-being through collaborative initiatives with diverse stakeholders, reinforcing their status as a research-focused university uniquely situated within the region.

As the conference approaches, there is a palpable excitement surrounding the discussions that will take place. It represents a unique opportunity for educational leaders like Yokoi to influence the future of higher education, shaping policies that are both responsive and responsible in a rapidly changing global environment.

Participants and attendees can look forward to engaging with innovative ideas that challenge conventional wisdom and propose collaborative solutions for the challenges that lie ahead in the educational landscape. Expectations are high for Okayama University's contributions to the conference and its ongoing commitment to educational excellence and global citizenship.

For more information about the conference and its program, please visit the British Council’s official website. Further details about Okayama University's Global Engagement Office can also be found here.