Rector of the United Nations University, Professor Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, visits Kyushu University

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Professor Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University(UNU) and UN Under-Secretary-General, visited Kyushu University’s Ito Campus. He was accompanied by Dr. Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi, Director of UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), and Ms. Taka Horio, Director-General of the Postgraduate Programmes at UNU-IAS.

The visit aimed to introduce the UN and UNU’s initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to strengthen collaboration with Japanese universities.

An exchange meeting was held in the Special Reception Room at Shiiki Hall. Attendees included President Tatsuro Ishibashi, Executive Vice President Kenji Iwata, Senior Vice President Johan Lauwereyns, Vice President Natalie Konomi, and Associate Professor Toshinori Tanaka from the Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies (Q-AOS). Executive Vice President Iwata gave a presentation on Kyushu University’s SDG-related initiatives, followed by an introduction to UNU’s activities. This led to an active discussion on the role of universities in building a sustainable society, and the potential for international collaboration.

Afterward, Rector Marwala delivered a lecture titled “UNU and its Role in Advancing SDGs” as part of the “Lecture Series” course offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation. The lecture took place in “Sky Cute.Commons”on the fourth floor of the Central Library.
The lecture introduced the founding history of UNU, its global network, and its research and educational activities related to the SDGs. It also addressed the evolving role of artificial intelligence in advancing SDG efforts and the responsibilities of higher education institutions.

During the Q&A session, students actively asked questions and shared their thoughts, making it a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of global issues and reflect on their own future roles.

This visit provided opportunities for international learning and exchange, and marked an important step forward in Kyushu University’s efforts to promote the SDGs.