#Sustainable Development #Okayama University #Earth Charter

Okayama University Takes Center Stage at Earth Charter 25th Anniversary Conference

On July 1-3, 2025, the Earth Charter +25 Event celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. A delegation from Okayama University, led by Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi, participated as a collaborating organization, showcasing their commitment to transforming higher education and furthering sustainable development initiatives on a global scale.

The conference, rooted in the principles adopted in 2000 at the Earth Summit, brought together over 300 Earth Charter advocates and youth activists from 35 different countries. The event's theme, "Planetary Consciousness, Ethics of Care, and Intergenerational Justice," sparked vibrant discussions about our collective responsibility towards the planet and future generations. Millian Vilera, the Executive Director of Earth Charter International (ECI), emphasized the essential ethical framework of the Earth Charter, encouraging participants to integrate these ideals into their local and global efforts.

Adding a compelling voice to the conference was Severn Suzuki, a member of the ECI Council and activist renowned for her legendary speech at the 1992 Earth Summit. Suzuki underscored the urgency of climate action and the importance of empowering youth as agents of change, delivering a powerful message to inspire the audience.

On the third day of the conference, Vice President Yokoi took the stage during the general session entitled "Seeds of Change: Innovative Approaches to Education with the Earth Charter." He presented Okayama University's initiatives in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), outlining how the university is deepening its efforts to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a comprehensive institutional approach.

Moreover, Yokoi highlighted the university’s ethical framework based on the Earth Charter and showcased collaborative initiatives between different generations, including the introduction of Youth Ambassador Sofia Bermudez. During the 2022 United Nations General Assembly, Bermudez had the honor of delivering a