Kyushu University Students Participate in APRU’s Global Citizenship SDG Education Program
Students from Kyushu University participated in the “SDG Education for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC)” program, organized by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) from June 2 to August 29, 2025. Following a competitive selection process, three students represented the university, collaborating with peers from around the world to address various international challenges.
Program Overview
The SDG4GC program aims to enhance global citizenship by raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving global literacy. Developed through collaboration between the United Nations and member institutions of APRU, this year’s program included an on-site component hosted by Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and the University of Malaya in Malaysia. Professor Natalie Konomi, Vice President of Kyushu University, was a member of the program’s steering committee, while Assistant Professor Bang Hyunjung from the Faculty of Agriculture served as a Lead Mentor, assisting students in their preparation for a Pitching Competition.
Theme and Participation
This year’s theme, “Diversity and Inclusivity–Actions for Sustainability,” involved 72 participants from 17 universities across 16 countries and one economy, who were organized into 10 diverse teams to work on SDG-related projects.
Kyushu University Students Involved
The Kyushu University students involved in the program were:
- Irfan Tahira (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 3rd year)
- Suzuki Hinata (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 2nd year)
- Luis Suenaga Shinji (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 2nd year)
Program Activities
The program blended online lectures and workshops with a seven-day on-site component that took place from July 21 to 27 in either Thailand or Malaysia. Activities included:
- An opening ceremony featuring a keynote session focused on global citizenship.
- Lectures and workshops on a variety of subjects, including design thinking, AI and media literacy, One Health, and social entrepreneurship.
- Collaborative activities facilitated by mentors.
- Community engagement and cultural activities during the on-site segment.
- A UN Global Seminar in Bangkok that provided insights from international experts on sustainability and global governance.
- A final pitch competition where teams presented innovative solutions to a panel of judges.
Result of the Pitch Contest
In the concluding pitch contest, a project named “CareVend,” which features a vending machine that dispenses sanitary products in exchange for recyclable plastic waste, secured first place. The winning team has been invited to present their project at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development organized by UN ESCAP.
Commitment to Sustainability
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Kyushu University seeks to cultivate global professionals equipped to tackle complex challenges and encourage positive change. The institution is focused on leveraging international partnerships, including its affiliation with APRU, to offer students meaningful learning experiences.
About APRU
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is an international consortium made up of leading universities in the Pacific Rim region. Kyushu University has been a member since 2021, participating in various initiatives such as the Virtual Student Exchange Program and the Forest Ecosystem Living Lab Initiative (FELLI).
(Source: Kyushu University)
