Tohoku University organized the University Presidents' Meeting at the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum* 2019 Annual Meeting. It was held at the Kyoto International Conference Center on October 6 under the theme "How Universities Engage with and Contribute to Social Issues such as SDGs with respect to Education and Research." Approximately 70 university presidents or their representatives from around the world attended the meeting. President Hideo Ohno acted as co-chair with University College London (UCL) President & Provost, Michael Arthur. Tohoku University and UCL maintain a university-level academic exchange agreement.
President Ohno opened the meeting by discussing the devastating economic losses caused by natural disasters, and he spoke of Tohoku University's efforts to help the recovery of the Tohoku Region following the Great East Japan Earthquake. He also noted the university's collaborations with international organizations and mentioned UCL's "Grand Challenges", which address social issues in a similar way. Those in attendance were asked to consider how universities can contribute to the challenges faced by humanity and to the creation of a sustainable society. Following group discussions, a representative from each group shared their initiatives and ideas.
The responses included: "Individual researchers do not necessarily show a great deal of interest in the SDGs, and we need to raise awareness of them;" "For the creation of new knowledge, the promotion of diversity and the mobility of younger generations must be improved;" "Because universities play a leading role in creating initiatives, it is necessary to strengthen collaboration among us;" and "In societies with ever-increasing life expectancies, it is important to provide lifelong education to a wide range of age groups."
Koji Omi, chairman of the STS Forum, visited the meeting and told the assembled presidents: "The role played by universities with respect to promoting the contributions that science and technology make to society has become more important than ever, and I have high expectations for this Presidents' Meeting."
* STS Forum
The STS Forum (NPO) was established to bring together scientists, politicians, businesspeople, and journalists from around the world to discuss the future of humanity's relationship with science and technology, with the aim of contributing to the development of science and technology in harmony with the development of humankind.
An annual meeting is held in Kyoto every October, and approximately 1,000 people from around the world participate.
Contact:
Tohoku University Global Engagement DivisionTel: +81 22 217-4844
Email: kokusai-rgrp.tohoku.ac.jp