Kyushu University and Seoul National University hold the 5th Joint Symposium

 On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Kyushu University and Seoul National University (SNU), one of our high-priority partner institutions in South Korea, jointly hosted the 5th KYUSHU-SNU JOINT SYMPOSIUM in person at Kyushu University's Ito Campus. This symposium, which was launched following the QS-APPLE International Conference in November 2019, alternates between the two universities as the host. This year marked a significant shift from the previous administration-led approach to a new model led by academic units, with the Kyushu University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies (Q-AOS) taking the lead in planning and coordination. In particular, Associate Professor Toshinori Tanaka of Q-AOS played a central role in designing and managing the program. More than 50 participants from both Korea and Japan gathered, engaging in lively discussions that deepened academic exchange and collaborative research between the two universities. Furthermore, this event served as a key opening ceremony for "Asia Week 2025," organized by Q-AOS, demonstrating Kyushu University's commitment to strengthening faculty-driven international collaboration as part of its global strategy.

Plenary Session

The day began with an inspiring plenary session. President Ishibashi of Kyushu University and Professor Taekyoon Kim, Vice President for International Affairs at SNU, opened the discussion by articulating their shared vision for strengthening the partnership between the two universities.
Following this, Associate Professor Toshinori Tanaka of Q-AOS took the stage to highlight collaborative efforts with SNU’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies. In his address, he issued a stark warning about the environmental degradation that accompanied 20th-century economic growth, and the “sixth mass extinction era” confronting us today. Tanaka underscored the urgent need for holistic conservation strategies—ones that safeguard ecosystems not only within protected areas but also across landscapes closely intertwined with human activity.

The session continued with keynote speeches that offered profound insights into building a sustainable future. Professor Emeritus Tetsukazu Yahara of Kyushu University delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Towards a New Future in Harmony with Nature,” while Professor Donghwan An, Vice President for Academic Affairs at SNU, presented “Strategies for Rural Renewal in the New Era.” Both speakers underscored innovative pathways toward a society where development and environmental stewardship coexist.

Parallel Sessions

In the afternoon of the same day, parallel sessions were held focusing on three themes: cities, rural areas, and nature. Participants engaged in lively discussions on each theme. Representatives from both Kyushu University and SNU participated in each session. Here, we introduce the co-chairs from Kyushu University.

Session 1: Green Infrastructure in Urban Areas
Co-Chair: Associate Professor Divigalpitiya Prasanna, Faculty of Human and Environmental Studies

Session 2: New Ruralism: climate change adaptation and sustainable rural model
Co-Chair: Associate Professor Satoshi Watanabe, Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies

Session 3: Biodiversity Conservation in Natural Areas
Co-Chair: Associate Professor Yuichiro Fujioka, Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies

Closing Session

Following the parallel sessions, co-chairs from each session presented reports summarizing the discussions, sharing key outcomes and identifying future challenges. This exchange provided a valuable opportunity for all participants to engage in deeper dialogue and consolidate ideas.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Professor Kenji Iwata, Executive Vice President for International Affairs at Kyushu University, who expressed strong expectations for further expanding collaboration between the two universities, and for accelerating joint research toward realizing a sustainable society.

Biodiversity Conservation Zone Tour

Following the closing session, participants joined a guided tour of the Biodiversity Conservation Zone on Kyushu University’s Ito Campus. The tour was led by Professor Emeritus Tetsukazu Yahara, a renowned expert in plant ecology. Under his detailed explanations, participants experienced firsthand how the campus’s natural environment is carefully preserved and utilized for education and research, gaining valuable insights into Kyushu University’s commitment to sustainability.

The sixth edition of the joint symposium is scheduled for 2026, with Seoul National University serving as the host.

Past Joint Symposium

Reports from previous symposia are available on the Global Gateways website:
KYUSHU-SNU JOINT SYMPOSIUM