#Japan #Global Summit #Okayama #Okayama University #One Young World

Okayama University Students at One Young World 2025

In December 2025, students from Okayama University represented Japan at the One Young World Global Summit, held in Munich, Germany from November 3-6. Nazyra Tachiara Azla, a fourth-year participant in the Global Discovery Program, and Aimo Ishikawa, a fifth-year medical student, joined other leaders from around the globe to discuss pressing issues around the themes of Circular Economy, Anti-Hate, Responsible Tech, Education, and Peace & Security.

Additionally, Keita Katayama, a senior from Okayama Ichinomiya High School, attended as a representative of Okayama Prefecture, supported by a collaborative initiative with the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education—aiming to inspire the youth in the region.

Since its official partnership in the Bangkok summit in 2015, Okayama University has sent a delegation of students to participate in these annual gatherings. This ongoing commitment has seen participation across ten consecutive summits held in various cities worldwide, including Ottawa, Bogota, and London.

This year, the summit gathered around 2,200 young leaders from over 196 countries, fostering dialogues about key global concerns. The opening ceremony took place at the iconic Olympiahalle, featuring local artist performances, speeches from partners and guests, and a flag ceremony symbolizing international solidarity among diverse cultures.

A pivotal moment of the summit was marked by a speech from Queen Rania of Jordan, highlighting the critical role of youth in addressing global challenges amidst tumultuous international circumstances.

On the second day, a major session addressed the theme “80 Years since the end of the Second World War,” marking the longstanding impacts of war on peace and security. This session featured significant speakers such as Shigemitsu Tanaka, co-representative of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-bomb Sufferers Organizations and a 2024 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, who shared his experiences as a survivor and emphasized the importance of nuclear disarmament and sustained peace-building efforts.

Both Azla and Ishikawa engaged in various sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, conversing with peers from around the world. This experience not only broadened their international perspective but also helped them establish valuable networks that will enhance their educational journeys and future careers.

Looking forward, the next One Young World summit in 2026 is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 3-6. The effort and commitment shown by Okayama University in nurturing future leaders in their ongoing global engagements continue to inspire hopes for active participation and collaboration on international stages.

The One Young World summit, which began as a concept during the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2009, has grown into a significant international platform where young leaders aged 18–30 from over 190 countries gather annually to develop solutions to global issues under the guidance of global experts in various fields, including politics, business, and social leadership. Participants earn the title of 'OYW Ambassador,' connecting with a network of about 17,000 talented young individuals.

For further details, visit the Okayama University One Young World website here and the global site here.