In the first part, Professor Ayako Takahashi of the School of Human Science and Environment gave a lecture on “SDGs and International Exchange”, and in the second part, Ms. Yuna Kishida of the School of Human Science and Environment gave a case study presentation on international cooperation.

This event was organized by the Hyogo Prefectural Chapter of the United Nations Association of Japan, Hyogo International Association, and the University of Hyogo as a project related to “Hyogo SDGs WEEK,” which started on October 24, the previous day. The goal of the event was to grasp the overall picture of the SDGs, for which expectations and interest are currently growing, and to communicate that learning from the SDGs can be used for international exchange and contribute to regional development. The event was an opportunity to grasp the overall picture of the SDGs, which are currently the focus of much anticipation and interest.
The event was attended by approximately 150 people, including not only students but also citizens interested in international exchange, and the large conference room was filled to capacity, indicating the high level of interest.

In the first part of the lecture, “SDGs and International Exchange,” Professor Takahashi gave an easy-to-understand explanation of the SDGs, starting with questions, background, history, and overall picture of the SDGs. She also introduced the SDGs initiatives of the Japanese government and local governments, as well as the current status of global initiatives from the aspects of international cooperation, international development, and corporate initiatives. Finally, She introduced multicultural conviviality and the SDGs in Hyogo Prefecture. She presented the goal and vision of creating an inclusive multicultural society in Hyogo, where the citizens of Hyogo Prefecture are connected and work together, making the most of global diversity for the development of the region.

In the second part of the presentation, Ms. Kishida introduced the activities of CHISE, a student international cooperation organization to which she belongs, as a case study of their international cooperation efforts.

CHISE aims to improve the educational environment for children in mountainous areas of Laos. Currently, CHISE is actively engaged in online study tours and other activities that can be done in Japan, such as the Corona Disaster. In Hyogo, Japan, they are also working with children with disabilities, foreign children, and other minorities to foster an inclusive mindset by supporting Laotian children through a variety of activities.

After Ms. Kishida\’s presentation, Mr. Shimada, Counselor of Hyogo International Association, the organizer of the event, gave an overview of Hyogo Prefecture\’s support for Ukrainian refugees.

He shared an interim report on the “Hyogo Ukraine Support Project” – “Hyogo is with Ukraine” – in which Hyogo Prefecture has been supporting 44 groups of 92 displaced persons who have come to the prefecture.

This was followed by a Q&A session between Prof. Takahashi, Ms. Kishida and the participants.

This event was a meaningful opportunity to learn about the SDGs from the perspective of international exchange and to communicate Hyogo Prefecture\’s contribution to regional development.