#Japan #Tokyo #Takara Leben #SDGs Koshien #High School Projects

Takara Leben Presents SDGs Koshien 2025

The Takara Leben Presents SDGs Koshien 2025 took place on August 21 and 22, a special event showcasing the dedication and innovation of high school students in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized by NPO RES and supported by Takara Leben, this competition not only advances educational initiatives but also fosters community-driven projects aimed at sustainability.

The Essence of SDGs Koshien

Founded in response to the need for cultivating future leaders who can realize a sustainable society, the SDGs Koshien aims to develop problem-solving skills among students. Launched as a part of Takara Leben's 50th-anniversary celebration, the competition encourages participants to explore local challenges through research and activism, enhancing their ability to identify and tackle issues.

Expanding Nationwide Participation

Originally focused on Ehime Prefecture, the initiative has expanded its reach, inviting teams from across Japan. In the latest edition, teams emerged from eight prefectures, with 14 finalists chosen from a pool of applicants. Each team identified a specific local or environmental issue and proposed solutions that aligned with one of the 17 SDGs.

The Exchange Event: A Prelude to Competition

On August 21, the first day of the event, an exchange meeting was held where the top 14 teams gathered. This session included greetings from NPO RES, introductions from sponsors, and discussions on corporate strategies for achieving SDGs. Students actively engaged in an SDGs-themed card game, allowing them to network and deepen their understanding of sustainable practices through hands-on interaction.

Competition Day: Presentations and Awards

The following day, teams delivered compelling 10-minute presentations to a panel of judges and an audience composed of students and corporate sponsors. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as participants showcased their projects, employing slides and creative storytelling.

Takara Leben's CEO, Shoichi Akizawa, attended and passionately encouraged participants, stating, "You have already gained a treasure through your involvement in this competition. Continue to observe societal challenges and strive to discover solutions. Every small voice contributes to a collective power capable of brightening our communities. Enjoy this experience and leverage it in your future endeavors."

Awards were announced at the conclusion of the event, with the grand prize awarded to the Ethical Club from Tokushima Prefectural Naka High School for their project on sustainable fashion. Their initiative, which promotes the reuse of clothing through workshops and community events, was applauded for its impact in reducing CO2 emissions by 689.2 tons, as well as its sustainability over time.

The Takara Leben Award recognized efforts by the team from Uwajima Higashi High School, who promoted inter-prefectural collaborations and public transit advocacy as part of their regional development research.

Commitment to SDGs Beyond the Event

Takara Leben remains committed to fostering sustainable initiatives beyond this event. They provide housing solutions and participate in renewable energy projects, all while aiming to nurture communities. Their long-term vision includes significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, advocating for innovations like biomass energy solutions both at home and internationally.

As we look toward the future, the foundations laid by events like SDGs Koshien promise to cultivate a generation equipped to implement sustainable strategies within their communities, echoing Takara Leben's mission to contribute to society profoundly through collective efforts.

Conclusion

The Takara Leben Presents SDGs Koshien 2025 not only recognizes the hard work of students across Japan but also serves as a pivotal platform for young leaders committed to sustainability. To relive the inspiring presentations and events, videos will be uploaded to the conference's official YouTube channel, encouraging ongoing engagement in the field of sustainability among youth.

For further details, visit the official website at SDGs Koshien or their YouTube channel.