#Japan #Global Tourism #Okayama #Okayama University #JUEMUN

Okayama University Students Shine at JUEMUN 2025

From June 27 to 29, 2025, a talented group of 14 students from Okayama University participated in the Japan University English Model United Nations (JUEMUN) held at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. This prestigious event brought together students from various universities across Japan to simulate UN discussions in English.

The JUEMUN conference is an annual event where students role-play as representatives of different countries, debating pressing international issues, and ultimately crafting and adopting resolutions. This year, two students from Okayama University served as chairs, while the remaining 12 took on the roles of country representatives.

The focal theme of this year's conference was “Reimagining Global Tourism: Sustaining, Managing and Rebuilding for a Resilient Future.” This theme prompted students to engage in lively debates about inclusive and sustainable tourism practices. Topics such as tourism promotion, environmental protection, and disaster mitigation were at the forefront, spurring discussions that led to innovative solutions encapsulated in the resolutions created.

Leading up to the conference, participants honed their skills through the “English Diplomacy” course offered at Okayama University. This preparatory class provided students with both an international perspective and practical English proficiency, ensuring they were well-prepared for the discussions ahead.

Among the representatives from Okayama University were Rihito Ichimoto from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bianca Walczak-Coelho from the Global Discovery Program, who served as chairs of the conference. Participants also included students from different faculties, each bringing their unique insights and backgrounds to the deliberations. The diverse array of representatives included:

• - Yuzuki Takeuchi (Global Discovery Program)
• - Nanami Matsuura (Faculty of Law)
• - Kotona Kiyomiya (Faculty of Agriculture)
• - Rei Shimizu (Faculty of Science)
• - May Hsu Mon Cho (Global Discovery Program)
• - Sei Suga (Global Discovery Program)
• - Yui Nitta (Global Discovery Program)
• - Nanami Ishibashi (Global Discovery Program)
• - Meryem Verda Kocamaz (Global Discovery Program)
• - Chikina Mori (Global Discovery Program)
• - Pann Wut Yi Thinn (Global Discovery Program) and others.

The experiences shared during discussions highlighted the students' dedication to tackling global issues through collaboration. This event not only emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in tourism but also showcased the capabilities of Okayama University as a hub for global human resource development.

Encouraged by their faculty, the students demonstrated remarkable teamwork and leadership qualities, offering ideas that reflected the urgent need for resilience in the tourism sector. Through their efforts, they contributed to the overarching goals of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Following this successful participation, Okayama University remains committed to fostering student engagement in international discourse and expects further initiatives that contribute to global citizenship and sustainable development. Their participation in JUEMUN is just one of many steps in their journey towards becoming proactive global citizens.

The involvement of Okayama University in events like JUEMUN emphasizes their dedication to enhancing educational experiences that prepare students for the complexities of the global landscape. As a recognized research university, Okayama University looks forward to continuing its efforts to cultivate distinct research initiatives that resonate with local communities and beyond.

For more information on the JUEMUN conference and the initiatives of Okayama University, feel free to explore their official pages.