Three individuals including Tshilidzi Marwala, rector of the United Nations University; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Shinobu Yamaguchi, Director, UNU-IAS（Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability）, Taka Horio, Director of the Graduate Program Office at the same institute, paid a courtesy visit to Saga University, where they were welcomed in the university’s International Exhibition Room on wednesday July 9. President KODAMA Hiroaki delivered a welcome address, to which President Marwala expressed his gratitude at the courtesy visit. Subsequently, President KODAMA presented a commemorative gift of an Arita-yaki porcelain plate, a traditional craft of Saga Prefecture, and a commemorative photograph was taken.

　In the subsequent presentation on the Saga University’s distinctive research, HAYAKAWA Chizuko, Deputy Director of Center for the Promotion of International Exchange, provided an overview of the university, while IKEGAMI Yasuyuki, Director of Institute of Ocean Energy, introduced the “Kumejima Model,” which combines ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), the composite use of deep-sea water used for power generation, and the stable supply of renewable energy to promote sustainable development. Additionally, the mechanism of ocean thermal energy conversion was demonstrated using an educational simulation device. President Marwala and others expressed deep interest in how the university’s research on ocean thermal energy conversion contributes not only to Japan’s but also to the world’s sustainable development.

　At the end of the visit, President Marwala and others held a discussion with Japanese and international students from the university. The international exchange activity organization “STEPs,” composed of students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and “Global Supporters,” which creates opportunities for international exchange led by Japanese and international students, gave presentations in English about their activities. In addition, President Marwala and Director Yamaguchi delivered messages to the students about the importance of young people actively participating in achieving the SDGs. These exchanges further motivated the students to pursue their studies and engage in international activities in the future.

　The courtesy visit took place in a friendly atmosphere, and this visit was a very important opportunity to expand the possibilities for cooperation between our university and the United Nations University.