#Japan #Osaka #Chocolate #SDGs #JICA

Unveiling the Hidden Truths of Chocolate and Sustainability

The upcoming seminar titled "Not Just Delicious! The Deep Connection Between Chocolate and SDGs" will take place on February 28, 2026, hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kansai and the Osaka International Exchange Center. This event, which will be held at the Osaka International Exchange Center in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, aims to educate participants about the intertwined issues of human rights and environmental challenges associated with chocolate production, like child labor, poverty, and deforestation.

Purpose and Background

In our everyday lives, chocolate is a beloved treat. However, few are aware of the complex processes and challenges that occur from cacao bean to confectionery. This seminar encourages active participation through presentations by high school students on inquiry-based learning and reports by former JICA volunteers who worked in cacao-producing regions like Ghana. Together, attendees will deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by producers and the connections we share with them while discussing practical solutions for a sustainable future.

Interestingly, this seminar follows an event that took place in August 2025 during the "Peace and Human Rights" themed week at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue, which focused on sustainable practices in cacao production. Whispers about the uncertainties in the cacao industry were ignited, leading JICA Kansai to focus next on chocolate as a theme for their educational seminars.

Event Details

• - Name: Development Education and International Education Seminar: “Not Just Delicious! The Deep Connection Between Chocolate and SDGs”
• - Date: February 28, 2026 (Saturday) from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Registration starts at 1:00 PM)
• - Venue: Osaka International Exchange Center, 3rd Floor (Ichou), 8-2-6 Uehonmachi, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0001
• - Target Audience: Educators, students, and anyone interested in international cooperation
• - Capacity: 40 participants (Pre-registration required, ends once the limit is reached)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Registration Deadline: February 26, 2026 (Thursday)
• - Co-Organizers: JICA Kansai, Osaka International Exchange Center
• - Supported by: Development Education Association (DEAR)
• - Endorsed by: Osaka Prefectural Board of Education, Osaka City Board of Education

Program Schedule for the Day

1. Workshop: “The Journey of Chocolate”
Led by Yuki Sato, the representative director of DEAR, this workshop invites participants to share their curiosities and gaps in knowledge about chocolate from various perspectives.

2. “A Future Beyond Shells — Transforming Chocolate ‘Fragments’ into Employment Opportunities”
Presented by six first-year students from Takatsuki High School, this inquiry-based presentation will explore how the younger generation perceives the ongoing issues and what actions they aim to take.

3. “Ghana: The Land of Cacao - Insights from JICA Volunteers”
Former JICA volunteer Hayato Ozaki will share his firsthand experiences from Ghana, illuminating the lives of the people and the realities of cacao production.

4. Workshop: “Let’s Use Chocolate as a Starting Point — A World We Want to Achieve through SDGs”
Once again moderated by Yuki Sato, this workshop will revolve around participants sharing insights gained throughout the seminar, fostering dialogue on how to take action aligned with SDGs.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this event, feel free to reach out to:

• - JICA Kansai, Citizen Participation Cooperation Division

Phone: 078-261-0341
(Available Hours: Weekdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
Email: [email protected]

Join us in this important dialogue on chocolate and sustainability to explore how we can contribute to a better and more equitable world through our choices and actions. Together we can engage in thoughtful discussions that underscore the importance of accountability in the food industry and empower each other towards sustainable practices.