On May 20–21, 2026, Saga University representatives attended the Japan UNESCO 75th Anniversary Celebration Forum and the UNU Conversation Series, held at the United Nations University (UNU) in Shibuya, Tokyo. Participants from the University included Maiko Sakamoto, Vice President for International Affairs, and Hiromi Yada, Director of the International Planning Office, International Division, Academic Research Cooperation Department.
The UNESCO Anniversary Forum, held on May 20, brought together leading figures from Japan and around the world, including UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Yohei Matsumoto, and UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala.
The forum reaffirmed UNESCO’s important role in promoting education, science, and culture as a foundation for international peace, and in advancing a sustainable and inclusive society. Participants also discussed future directions for international cooperation.
At the reception following the forum, Vice President Sakamoto met with Akio Fujiwara, Advisor to MEXT and former Vice Minister of MEXT. They discussed the “International Island GX Model Academic Summit (IASIR),” held in March by Institute of Ocean Energy Saga University in Kumejima, Okinawa. During the conversation, it was shared that Rector Marwala had been particularly impressed by a local high school student’s question on regional revitalization. Advisor Fujiwara expressed strong interest in the University’s approach of linking local communities with the international community while promoting international collaboration, human resource development, and regional revitalization.
On May 21, Director Yada attended the UNU Conversation Series titled “Addressing the Triple Global Crisis.” The session featured a dialogue between Rector Marwala and Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The discussion focused on the “triple planetary crisis”—climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution—and emphasized how closely these challenges are interconnected. Executive Director Andersen highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing issues that cross national borders. While progress has been made in areas such as renewable energy, she noted that global efforts must accelerate further.
These events provided a valuable opportunity for Saga University as it continues to strengthen its international engagement. The University also exchanged views with key stakeholders, including Shinobu Yamaguchi, Director of the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), and confirmed its commitment to deeper collaboration.
Saga University is also planning to join the “UNU SDG University Platform (SDG-UP),” chaired by Director Yamaguchi. Through this platform, the University aims to strengthen collaboration with international organizations and further expand its global education and research activities.
【Contact】Ms. Yada: Head of Office for International Planning, Saga University
TEL: 0952-28-8166 Email: kokusai@mail.admin.saga-u.ac.jp