Okayama University Selected as Writing Committee for RCE Okayama Declaration 2025

Okayama University Takes the Lead in Global Education for Sustainable Development

Okayama University has achieved a significant milestone by being selected as the only representative from Japan in the Writing Committee of the RCE Okayama Declaration 2025. This declaration aims to define a new agenda for the next decade in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The 14th Global RCE Conference, hosted by the United Nations University, will take place in Okayama City from October 21-23, 2025. This occasion marks the 20th anniversary of the RCE network, highlighting the achievements and experiences that have shaped its development.

The Writing Committee is comprised of ten members from around the world, and two prominent figures from Okayama University have been chosen: Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi, who oversees Global Engagement, and Professor Hiroki Fujii from the Graduate School of Education. Their selection underlines Okayama University's commitment to fostering ESD and addressing global challenges.

As the hosts of this pivotal conference, Okayama University aims to reflect the latest international frameworks on ESD within the forthcoming declaration. It seeks to enhance partnerships at both local and global levels to promote sustainable education further. This initiative builds on previous declarations made at RCE gatherings in Tongyeong, South Korea in 2012 and Okayama in 2014, demonstrating a continuous commitment to sustainable development practices.

On May 15, 2025, a kickoff meeting was convened by the United Nations University, where Okayama University contributed to the formation of international dialogue as a member of the Writing Committee. This early involvement sets the stage for robust discussions leading up to the conference.

Emphasizing Sustainable Development Education

Okayama University is focusing deeply on integrating ESD into its educational framework. It recognizes that sustainable development is a critical component of education and endeavors to foster an environment where students are prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Through collaboration with diverse stakeholders, the university aims to create a more coherent and inclusive strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Moreover, Okayama University has received accolades for its initiatives, including a special award at the first Japan SDGs Award, which further validates its efforts in sustainability and education collaboration. As a core regional research university, Okayama University is committed to co-creating solutions that benefit both the local community and the global society.

With an emphasis on both innovation and collaboration, Okayama University is poised to strengthen its role in the international arena, working towards a sustainable future through education. The university encourages interested partners from various sectors to engage in its pioneering research and development initiatives related to SDGs.

As Okayama University looks ahead to the RCE Okayama Declaration 2025, it stands as a beacon of sustainability in education, reinforcing its identity as a regionally-rooted and globally engaged institution.

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For inquiries, contact the Okayama University Global Engagement Center at 086-251-8326 or visit the university’s official site.