#Japan #Kyoto #Kyoto University Consortium #DEI Practices #Active Bystander

Envisioning a Society with No One Left Behind

The phrase “Leave no one behind” has become synonymous with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It represents a universal value reiterated across various beliefs, philosophies, and laws. However, in practice, it is often treated merely as an idealistic notion, with many dismissing its feasibility.

The Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium is dedicated to ensuring this phrase transcends mere rhetoric. The consortium aims to embed the ideals of DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) within societal practices through active collaboration among universities, corporations, NGOs, and individuals. By confronting real-world challenges around the concept of ‘communication design,’ this consortium is committed to a ‘true challenge’ that strives toward inching closer to this ideal.

This initiative seeks to foster a gathering of diverse individuals to cultivate ‘collective knowledge’ and interactive dialogues that generate new possibilities and relationships. It invites not only corporate partners and regional entities but also local citizens and children to contribute to this evolving dialogue, shifting the focus from “reasons why it can’t be done” to “innovative solutions on how we can do it.”

Vision for the Future

According to a diagram by Professor Seki (Ritsumeikan University) titled ‘Development of a Co-creation System for a Society Tolerant of Diversity’ (August 2023), the consortium envisions a society where people of varied backgrounds—be it race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or ethnicity—recognize and appreciate each other’s differences, living together in harmony. In today’s society, issues are often discussed in terms of ‘stakeholders’ versus ‘non-stakeholders,’ which can lead to divisions and hinder collaborative solutions.

Our aim is to transcend these categorizations and create an environment where individuals connect as unique entities, not boxed into defined categories. Here, various societal challenges are viewed not as someone else’s problem, but as collective responsibilities that involve each of us. Through intertwining personal experiences and backgrounds with a commitment to unity, we seek to build a community that honors the individuality of each participant—each individuality contributing to the collective.

Our Activities for Ideal Realization

The consortium focuses on three broad initiatives aimed at achieving this vision:

1. DE&I Talent Development

Emphasizing ‘communication design,’ our efforts center around nurturing individuals who can drive societal change from the ground up. We define the individuals who can identify challenges and take action amid adversity as “Active Bystanders.” To foster a growing community of such individuals, we provide platforms for learning and practical experience. Furthermore, we are committed to cultivating two types of effective human resources:

• - Leader Talent: Who create spaces for dialogue and connect people through facilitation.
• - Designer Talent: Who design systems that ensure sustainable functionality and self-sufficiency of those spaces.

Our goal is for these empowered individuals to operate autonomously across regions, thereby expanding the practice of DE&I. Currently, we offer two training programs: the Kansai University Social Communication Leader Training Course for developing leaders, and the Kyoto University Social Communication Designer Training Course for aspiring designers, with plans to extend these programs nationwide by 2026.

2. Generation of Collective Knowledge

Addressing the evolving challenges of DE&I necessitates a collective approach. Relying solely on the insights of a single organization is insufficient. Our consortium believes in the power of shared experiences, bringing together individuals from diverse sectors—corporate giants, small businesses, NGOs, and individuals—to exchange success stories, failures, and challenges, thereby cultivating ‘collective knowledge.’
Every year, we hold symposiums at Kyoto University and other crossover dialogue events in cities like Tokyo and Fukuoka, where practical knowledge rooted in real-world experiences can be exchanged, continuously giving rise to new collective insights, enhancing social practices.

One notable event is the scheduled poster presentation at the symposium on June 13, 2025, at Kyoto University, showcasing the collective endeavor of our consortium.

3. Research and Individual Consultations

Promoting DE&I is an ongoing journey tailored to each organization’s context. We assist select members by providing academic insights and hands-on support, encompassing everything from needs assessment through surveys to strategic implementation and evaluation of DE&I initiatives. Beyond merely training, we curate events and create opportunities for dialogues involving diverse stakeholders within and beyond organizations, responding flexibly to specific needs.

Through this process, we aim to accumulate practical insights that align with each organization's unique context, contributing the gathered distributed wisdom back into society as academic knowledge.

Looking Ahead

Launching Training Courses in Tokyo
Starting May 2026, the Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium will continuously host the aforementioned talent development courses in Tokyo. These courses include the Kansai University Social Communication Leader Training Course focusing on creating dialogue spaces and the Kyoto University Social Communication Designer Training Course focusing on system development, each offering completion certificates.

Participants will undergo a trajectory of learning blended in theory and practice, examining communication through both artistic and scientific lenses, aiming to acquire applicable skills for real-world scenarios. The program will unfold from May to October 2026, primarily in venues close to Tokyo Station.

Additionally, the Kansai sessions are planned for the following fall, with further details to be disclosed in June 2026.

Symposium in June

On June 19, 2026, we plan to hold the Kyoto University Communication Design and DE&I Consortium Symposium 2026 (tentative) at the International Exchange Hall of Kyoto University’s Centennial Clock Tower Memorial Hall. This event aims to foster practical exchanges through dialogue among diverse participants, contributing to our efforts in generating collective knowledge. Details are forthcoming, and those interested in receiving updates can register via our event announcement mailing list.

The journey of transforming the ideal of “Leave no one behind” into a reality is still ongoing. The contributions of every participant shape the social fabric of our future.

We invite everyone interested in joining this transformative path to participate and connect with us.