UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala Delivered a Special Lecture on Advancing SDGs at Kumamoto University
On July 8th, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, the Rector of the United Nations University (UNU) and United Nations Under-Secretary-General, visited Kumamoto University to deliver a special lecture titled “UNU and its Role in Advancing SDGs.” He was accompanied by Dr. Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi of the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (IAS) and Ms. Taka Horio, the Head of the Postgraduate Degree and Training Programme at UNU-IAS. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Kumamoto University’s President Hisao Ogawa, Executive Vice President Jun Otani, and Executive Secretary-General Ichiro Kuronuma.In his lecture, Rector Marwala provided an insightful overview of the history and mission of UNU, emphasizing its role in bridging the gap between the United Nations and academia through solutions-focused research. He discussed the critical contributions of UNU toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing these global goals.
Towards the end of his talk, Professor Marwala encouraged young people to actively voice their opinions, take control of their lives, and make decisions that will shape a sustainable future. His call to action resonated deeply with the audience, underlining the crucial role of youth in building a better world for future generations.
The lecture was attended by over 200 participants in-person and over 100 participants online, including students and faculty members of Kumamoto University, as well as many members of the general public. The event sparked engaging many discussions during the Q&A session, further enriching the experience for attendees. Among them, a question from a student from Elementary School Attached to the Faculty of Education, Kumamoto University delighted Rector Marwala!
This special lecture not only enhanced the understanding of UNU’s work in advancing the SDGs but also inspired the next generation to reflect on their own roles in creating a sustainable future. Kumamoto University remains dedicated to integrating the SDGs into its core mission and fostering global collaborations to make a positive impact on society.
Souvenir Exchange between President Ogawa (left) and Rector Marwala
Rector Marwala Delivering the Lecture
Participants Engaged in an Active and Insightful Q&A Session
Together with All the Participants Attended in Person
Commemorative Photo (Front row, from left: Director Yamaguchi, Rector Marwala,
President Ogawa, Executive Vice President Otani, Executive Secretary-General Kuronuma)
Idea Exchange on SDGs Initiatives with Director Ryuji Kakimoto (on the far left) of the Center for
Water Cycle, Marine Environment, and Disaster Management (CWMD) at Kumamoto University
In Front of the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School