Okayama University Welcomes Students Selected for UNESCO Program

On December 18, 2025, Shion Natsuyama, a graduate student from the Graduate School of Social and Cultural Sciences at Okayama University, paid a formal visit to President Tomotomo Nasu. This meeting celebrates her selection as a participant in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's UNESCO training program.

Present alongside her at the meeting were Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi, who oversees global engagement, and Professor Naosumi Kurokami, Natsuyama's academic advisor from the School of Social and Cultural Sciences.

The UNESCO training program, initiated in fiscal year 2024, offers Japanese youth opportunities for long-term internships (a minimum of six months, up to twelve months) at UNESCO Headquarters, including regional offices. The program aims to enhance understanding of UNESCO activities, nurture globally competent personnel, and contribute to community revitalization through UNESCO initiatives.

Natsuyama is scheduled to depart for France in January 2026, representing Okayama University's UNESCO Chair, which is engaged with the “Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)” initiative. During her year at UNESCO, she will be working in the Education Sector, contributing to the global mission.

President Nasu expressed encouraging words during the meeting, stating, “Working with a UN agency during your student years is a rare and invaluable opportunity. I hope you not only focus on work but also immerse yourself in the culture and arts of Paris while enhancing your learning experience.”

In response, Natsuyama conveyed her gratitude for the support she received, stating, “I am deeply thankful to many who have helped me in this endeavor. I aspire to bring back the insights and experiences from my time at UNESCO to share with my fellow students at Okayama University.”

Okayama University is committed to contributing to the desired future of both the region and the planet through its initiatives related to the UNESCO Chair. The university continues to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to promote global well-being. We invite everyone to keep an eye on Okayama University, a unique research university at the core of regional innovation and engagement.

Formal Visit

For further inquiries about this announcement:

Okayama University Global Engagement Center
2-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan
Phone: +81-86-251-8326
Okayama University Global Engagement

Okayama University also proudly supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has received the Special Award at Japan's First SDGs Award. The university aims to foster collaborative education and innovation through its uniqueness.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding Okayama University's contribution to the sustainable future of both the community and the Earth.