Okayama University's International Forum Explores Education's Role in Planetary Health
On August 29, 2026, Okayama University held an international forum in collaboration with the Japan ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) Society, titled "Planetary Health and the Future of Education." This event took place at the university's Tsushima Campus, specifically in the Co-creative Commons (OUX). A total of 183 participants attended, including 22 international attendees, all focused on exploring how human health and the planet's environmental health are interconnected within the educational framework of ESD.
The forum was moderated by Tomoki Ichise, the president of the Japan ESD Society and a professor at Miyagi University of Education. The distinguished speaker lineup included Kartikeya V. Sarabhai, director of the Centre for Environment Education in India, and Okayama University's own President, Yasu Tomo Nasu.
Sarabhai highlighted the importance of participatory and practical learning experiences that can empower everyone to take action towards sustainable and equitable futures. He underscored the significant role that ESD plays in achieving these goals. President Nasu discussed several critical aspects of education and sustainability:
1. The necessity of recognizing the interconnectedness of human and planetary health through the lens of "planetary health."
2. The university's role in implementing sustainability across education, research, healthcare, and administration.
3. The importance of regionally-oriented ESD initiatives that have been cultivated in Okayama over the years.
4. The need to link local educational practices and actions to broader societal and transformational changes.
Following their presentations, an open forum allowed attendees to engage in stimulating discussions on various topics. These included the relationship between ESD and Indigenous Knowledge, the continuous evolution of ESD in response to societal and environmental changes, strategies for global collaboration beyond regional and national borders, and how universities can prioritize ESD within their agendas.
The discussions sparked a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives on these critical issues. Participants were invited to continue engaging with Okayama University, which strives to be an open and innovative research institution that contributes to local and global sustainability.
The Co-creative Commons (OUX), where the forum was held, serves as a hub for collaborative educational practices and research at Okayama University, emphasizing the value of shared knowledge and community partnerships.
As we look to the future, the potential for ESD to address the urgent challenges of our time appears promising. Okayama University, recognized as a core and distinctive research university, remains committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), having received special recognition in the government's first "Japan SDGs Awards.” Their initiatives aim to foster a sustainable future through education and collaboration.
Stay tuned for more updates on Okayama University’s efforts as they continue to work towards creating impactful educational programs that align with the global mission of sustainability and planetary health. With ongoing projects in innovation and open collaboration, they aim to build a research university that resonates on the world stage, contributing to sustainable development and local community engagement.
For further information, please explore the Japan ESD Society's website or visit Okayama University's SDGs homepage.
The forum was moderated by Tomoki Ichise, the president of the Japan ESD Society and a professor at Miyagi University of Education. The distinguished speaker lineup included Kartikeya V. Sarabhai, director of the Centre for Environment Education in India, and Okayama University's own President, Yasu Tomo Nasu.
Sarabhai highlighted the importance of participatory and practical learning experiences that can empower everyone to take action towards sustainable and equitable futures. He underscored the significant role that ESD plays in achieving these goals. President Nasu discussed several critical aspects of education and sustainability:
1. The necessity of recognizing the interconnectedness of human and planetary health through the lens of "planetary health."
2. The university's role in implementing sustainability across education, research, healthcare, and administration.
3. The importance of regionally-oriented ESD initiatives that have been cultivated in Okayama over the years.
4. The need to link local educational practices and actions to broader societal and transformational changes.
Following their presentations, an open forum allowed attendees to engage in stimulating discussions on various topics. These included the relationship between ESD and Indigenous Knowledge, the continuous evolution of ESD in response to societal and environmental changes, strategies for global collaboration beyond regional and national borders, and how universities can prioritize ESD within their agendas.
The discussions sparked a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives on these critical issues. Participants were invited to continue engaging with Okayama University, which strives to be an open and innovative research institution that contributes to local and global sustainability.
The Co-creative Commons (OUX), where the forum was held, serves as a hub for collaborative educational practices and research at Okayama University, emphasizing the value of shared knowledge and community partnerships.
As we look to the future, the potential for ESD to address the urgent challenges of our time appears promising. Okayama University, recognized as a core and distinctive research university, remains committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), having received special recognition in the government's first "Japan SDGs Awards.” Their initiatives aim to foster a sustainable future through education and collaboration.
Stay tuned for more updates on Okayama University’s efforts as they continue to work towards creating impactful educational programs that align with the global mission of sustainability and planetary health. With ongoing projects in innovation and open collaboration, they aim to build a research university that resonates on the world stage, contributing to sustainable development and local community engagement.
For further information, please explore the Japan ESD Society's website or visit Okayama University's SDGs homepage.
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