Okayama University's Associate Professor Yuki Kagawa Presents SDGs Initiative for Local Future Design

Promoting Community Revitalization through SDGs at Okayama University

Okayama University has recently been recognized with the 2024 SDGs Promotion Award, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. Associate Professor Yuki Kagawa from the Educational Research Management Division was awarded for his exceptional work in the educational category, particularly through the initiative called "Designing the Future of the Community (Practical Edition)."

This initiative, which involves student fieldwork, emphasizes the importance of addressing community revitalization challenges faced in regions experiencing population decline. The program encourages students from Okayama University and other national universities to participate in hands-on education that fosters collaboration and critical thinking about local issues.

The fieldwork program operates over a two-night, three-day period, allowing students to explore and rethink their communities from a tourist's perspective. This unique approach also integrates traditional knowledge, where students interview older residents to gain insights into local history and culture. Additionally, workshops were held in collaboration with students from Okayama Prefectural Ibata High School, further promoting intergenerational dialogue and creativity.

The structured curriculum encourages reflective practices, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the questions they raise before, during, and after their activities. This reflective inquiry not only leads to answers but also alters students' perspectives on the challenges of population decline in rural areas.

During the presentation of the projects, Okayama University President Yasuto Nasu expressed his enthusiasm for the outcomes of the program. He remarked on the importance of understanding how these students will engage with their communities in the future and encouraged continued efforts in supporting regional revitalization. Nasu's optimism reflects Okayama University’s strategic vision as a core institution for research and collaboration aimed at creating a sustainable future for both the local and global communities.

As this initiative progresses, Okayama University is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in contributing to sustainability efforts and addressing local issues through innovative educational practices. The success of this program showcases the potential of academia to impact society positively and fosters a culture of responsibility among future leaders.

Through its dedication to aligning educational programs with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Okayama University exemplifies how higher education can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. The continued focus on community engagement, cooperation, and sustainable development makes it an exemplary model for other institutions aiming to make a difference.

For more information about Okayama University's commitment to the SDGs and its initiatives, please visit the Okayama University SDGs homepage.

This announcement was released by Okayama University on July 29, 2025, further affirming its role as a regional hub for innovative research and collaboration.