Four students from Kyushu University participated in the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU*) SDG Education for Global Citizenship program. The program lasted for three months, during which the students completed a series of activities. Selected through an internal screening process, the students overcame difficulties in this demanding program and achieved significant learning outcomes, closely collaborating with fellow students from six participating universities**.<\/p>\n
This program, co-designed with the UN and participating universities, aims to foster global citizenship and build students\u2019 knowledge of global issues and student literacy. Natalie Konomi, Vice President for International Affairs, played a key role in the program development and operation. This year, following last year’s first implementation, the program was held under the overarching theme of \u201cShaping the Future of Health & Wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>\n
60 students and mentors from 10 countries and territories participated in the program. Students were split into eight teams and worked on their projects. Each team identified global issues to be addressed and set themes related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They explored the concept of well-being in terms of society, culture, and the economy, deepening their learning through these activities.<\/p>\n
The program started on June 1, 2024, and ended on August 30. It was a hybrid format, primarily online, with an on-site component for around 10 days during the latter half of the program. For the on-site portion, participating students traveled to Thailand or Malaysia to join the practical sessions. Despite the unfamiliar environment, they immersed themselves in local communities, mingled with local people, and gained valuable insights. At the end of the program, they delivered final presentations on solutions to global challenges based on their chosen themes. The presentations were in a pitch contest format, adjudicated by judges, including UN executives. Honorably, a team that included Kyushu University student, Ms. Dzhini Nadhifa (from the Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences), won the best prize among eight teams in this highly competitive pitch contest.<\/p>\n
After students completed the program, they shared their impressions and reflections.<\/p>\n
\u30fbIt was a truly enriching journey filled with challenges, inspiring moments, and personal growth. Visiting the indigenous community was particularly impactful. The lectures, discussions, workshops, and visits to cultural sites significantly boosted my self-confidence for the future. (Dzhini Nadhifa, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences)
\n\u30fbThis program, particularly the on-site component, significantly enhanced my capacity for collaborative engagement. It equipped me with practical skills in cross-cultural communication, empathetic listening, and community-based research. More importantly, it cultivated in me a mindset of openness, respect, and genuine curiosity about different ways of life. (Masato Okura, School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation)
\nIn the future, participating students are expected to continue playing an active role in solving global issues.<\/p>\n
Kyushu University aims to contribute to people\u2019s well-being and sustainable social development. With this vision, Kyushu University continues to work on educating globally competent, value-creating professionals capable of designing a new society and solving social issues, leveraging international consortia represented by APRU.<\/p>\n
*APRU
\nThe Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is a network of leading universities linking the Americas, Asia, and Australasia. It was established in 1997 to strengthen cooperation in higher education for the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to solving pressing issues, especially in terms of education and research. Kyushu University has been a member since 2021. In 2022, Kyushu organized a webinar series titled \u201cA Carbon Neutral Society \u2013 Action Month\u201d as a pilot program relating to decarbonization. Kyushu University engages in various programs at APRU, including the Virtual Student Exchange (VSE) Program and the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership Program (APWiL).<\/p>\n
** Participating Universities:<\/p>\n
\u30fbChulalongkorn University
\n\u30fbUniversiti Malaya
\n\u30fbThe Chinese University of Hong Kong
\n\u30fbKyushu University
\n\u30fbShanghai Jiao Tong University
\n\u30fbSimon Fraser University<\/p>\n\n\t\t