Okayama University Represents Japan at the 44th Peace Bar Festival in Seoul, 2025
On October 19 and 20, 2025, Okayama University will participate in the 44th Peace Bar Festival (PBF 2025) at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea. This event is themed "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics" and will feature vice president Atsufumi Yokoi, who is also a UNESCO Chair holder in sustainable development research and education, representing Japan. The initiative, established in 1981 by the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) and Kyung Hee University, celebrates the United Nations International Day of Peace every year, serving as a platform for international dialogue about peace, human dignity, and sustainable development.
The conference will be moderated by Kim Wons, senior advisor at Kyung Hee University's Miwon Peace Institute, with notable speakers including Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway's first female Prime Minister and a founding member of The Elders; Paul Schreiberstaur, a co-president of the Club of Rome; Alistair Fernie, CEO of The Elders; Thomas Sedlacek, director of the Václav Havel Library; and Giorgio Sabo, dean at Ubiquitous University and former secretary of the Laszlo New Paradigm Institute. Video messages will be delivered by Maher Nasser, UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Milian Villera, Earth Charter International's secretary general.
During his address, Vice President Yokoi emphasized that today's crises extend beyond mere technical and political issues; they fundamentally question humanity's worldview and ethical frameworks. He highlighted the urgency of climate justice, accountability to future generations, and the necessity of co-creating well-being for both humanity and the planet. Yokoi urged that universities must evolve into transformative educational environments that cultivate justice and responsibility to meet the demands of this era. The discussion sparked significant interest, with many participants, including students, posing questions that illustrated a growing international awareness and resonance regarding these pressing themes.
Moving forward, there will be high expectations for Okayama University's initiatives as a distinctive research university at the regional core, committed to fostering sustainable solutions. This announcement was released by Okayama University on October 15, 2025.
The International Day of Peace, mandated by the United Nations, is celebrated universally to promote the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples. Initially proposed in 1981 at the 6th World Conference of University Presidents in San Jose, Costa Rica, the concept was adapted and pushed forward by Dr. Cho Yong-sik, a prominent advocate of peace and the founding president of the World Association of University Presidents. Since the UN recognized it in 2002, September 21 has been established as a day for global ceasefire and non-violence.
Panel Discussion Insights
The session covered diverse perspectives on how educational institutions can align with global peace efforts.
Session Highlights
Key speakers shared their insights on the intertwining of peace and sustainable development.
Atsufumi Yokoi Speaking Engagement
Atsufumi Yokoi highlighted critical issues facing humanity today and urged for proactive steps towards sustainable solutions.
Notable Attendees
From left to right: Atsufumi Yokoi, Kim Wons, and Thomas Sedlacek.
The conference will be moderated by Kim Wons, senior advisor at Kyung Hee University's Miwon Peace Institute, with notable speakers including Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway's first female Prime Minister and a founding member of The Elders; Paul Schreiberstaur, a co-president of the Club of Rome; Alistair Fernie, CEO of The Elders; Thomas Sedlacek, director of the Václav Havel Library; and Giorgio Sabo, dean at Ubiquitous University and former secretary of the Laszlo New Paradigm Institute. Video messages will be delivered by Maher Nasser, UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Milian Villera, Earth Charter International's secretary general.
During his address, Vice President Yokoi emphasized that today's crises extend beyond mere technical and political issues; they fundamentally question humanity's worldview and ethical frameworks. He highlighted the urgency of climate justice, accountability to future generations, and the necessity of co-creating well-being for both humanity and the planet. Yokoi urged that universities must evolve into transformative educational environments that cultivate justice and responsibility to meet the demands of this era. The discussion sparked significant interest, with many participants, including students, posing questions that illustrated a growing international awareness and resonance regarding these pressing themes.
Moving forward, there will be high expectations for Okayama University's initiatives as a distinctive research university at the regional core, committed to fostering sustainable solutions. This announcement was released by Okayama University on October 15, 2025.
The International Day of Peace, mandated by the United Nations, is celebrated universally to promote the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples. Initially proposed in 1981 at the 6th World Conference of University Presidents in San Jose, Costa Rica, the concept was adapted and pushed forward by Dr. Cho Yong-sik, a prominent advocate of peace and the founding president of the World Association of University Presidents. Since the UN recognized it in 2002, September 21 has been established as a day for global ceasefire and non-violence.
Panel Discussion Insights
The session covered diverse perspectives on how educational institutions can align with global peace efforts.
Session Highlights
Key speakers shared their insights on the intertwining of peace and sustainable development.
Atsufumi Yokoi Speaking Engagement
Atsufumi Yokoi highlighted critical issues facing humanity today and urged for proactive steps towards sustainable solutions.
Notable Attendees
From left to right: Atsufumi Yokoi, Kim Wons, and Thomas Sedlacek.
Topics People & Culture）
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