\u201cSDG Education for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC)<\/a>\u201d program, conducted within the framework of APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities), from June 2 to August 29, 2025. After a competitive internal selection process, three students represented the university, collaborating with peers from around the world to tackle global challenges through innovative solutions.<\/p>\nProgram overview<\/h4>\n
This program aims to foster global citizenship by enhancing knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving global literacy. It was jointly developed by the United Nations and APRU member universities, with this year\u2019s on-site component hosted by Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) and University of Malaya (Malaysia). Professor Natalie Konomi, Vice President of Kyushu University, continued to serve as a core member of the program\u2019s steering committee. As a Lead Mentor, Assistant Professor Bang Hyunjung from the Faculty of Agriculture provided expert guidance to the student teams and supported their preparation for the Pitching Competition.<\/p>\n
Theme<\/b>\uff1aDiversity and Inclusivity\u2013Actions for Sustainability
\nParticipants<\/b>\uff1a72 students from 17 universities across 16 countries and one economy formed 10 diverse teams to work on SDG-related projects.
\nStudents from Kyushu University (at the time of participation)<\/b>
\n\u30fbIRFAN Tahira (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 3rd year)
\n\u30fbSUZUKI Hinata (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 2nd year)
\n\u30fbLUIS SUENAGA Shinji (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 2nd year)
\nProgram structure\uff1a<\/b> The program combined online lectures and workshops with a seven-day on-site component held from July 21 to 27 in Thailand or Malaysia.
\nActivities<\/b>\uff1a
\n\u30fbOpening Ceremony & Keynote Session\u2014Panel discussion on global citizenship awareness
\n\u30fbLectures & Workshops on SDGs\u2014Topics included design thinking, AI and media literacy, One Health, and social entrepreneurship
\n\u30fbTeam Activities with Lead Mentors\u2014Collaborative project development and guidance
\n\u30fbOn-site Program in Malaysia and Thailand\u2014Community engagement and cultural activities
\n\u30fbUN Global Seminar (Bangkok)\u2014Insights from international experts on sustainability and global governance
\n\u30fbFinal Pitch Competition & Award Ceremony\u2014Presentation of innovative solutions to an international judging panel<\/p>\nStudent reflections and key achievements<\/h4>\n
\u30fb\u201cCollaborating with peers from different cultural backgrounds broadened my perspective.\u201d (student comment)
\n\u30fb\u201cExperiencing sustainability challenges firsthand made me realize both the difficulties and possibilities of implementing SDGs.\u201d (student comment)<\/p>\n
In the final pitch contest, the project \u201cCareVend\u201d\u2014a vending machine that dispenses sanitary products in exchange for recyclable plastic waste\u2014won first place. The winning team has been invited to present at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (UN ESCAP).<\/p>\n
Kyushu University\u2019s Commitment and Future Initiatives<\/h4>\n
Kyushu University, guided by its long-term vision \u201cKyushu University VISION 2030,<\/a>\u201d is committed to contributing to the development of a sustainable society, and to the realization of diverse well-being for all. The university strives to nurture value-creating global professionals who can address complex challenges and lead positive change. Moving forward, Kyushu University will continue to leverage international networks, such as APRU, to provide students with diverse and impactful learning opportunities.<\/p>\nAbout APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities)<\/b>
\nAPRU is an international consortium of leading universities across the Pacific Rim region. Kyushu University has been a member since 2021, actively participating in various programs such as the Virtual Student Exchange Program and the Forest Ecosystem Living Lab Initiative (FELLI), among others.\n<\/div>\n<\/h4>\n\n\t\t