Kyushu University students join APRU’s “SDG Education for Global Citizenship” Program

Kyushu University students completed the “SDG Education for Global Citizenship (SDG4GC)” program, conducted within the framework of APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities), from June 2 to August 29, 2025. After a competitive internal selection process, three students represented the university, collaborating with peers from around the world to tackle global challenges through innovative solutions.

Program overview

This program aims to foster global citizenship by enhancing knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving global literacy. It was jointly developed by the United Nations and APRU member universities, with this year’s on-site component hosted by Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) and University of Malaya (Malaysia). Professor Natalie Konomi, Vice President of Kyushu University, continued to serve as a core member of the program’s steering committee. As a Lead Mentor, Assistant Professor Bang Hyunjung from the Faculty of Agriculture provided expert guidance to the student teams and supported their preparation for the Pitching Competition.

Theme：Diversity and Inclusivity–Actions for Sustainability

Participants：72 students from 17 universities across 16 countries and one economy formed 10 diverse teams to work on SDG-related projects.

Students from Kyushu University (at the time of participation)

• IRFAN Tahira (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 3rd year)
• SUZUKI Hinata (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 2nd year)
• LUIS SUENAGA Shinji (Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, 2nd year)

Program structure： The program combined online lectures and workshops with a seven-day on-site component held from July 21 to 27 in Thailand or Malaysia.

Activities：

• Opening Ceremony & Keynote Session—Panel discussion on global citizenship awareness
• Lectures & Workshops on SDGs—Topics included design thinking, AI and media literacy, One Health, and social entrepreneurship
• Team Activities with Lead Mentors—Collaborative project development and guidance
• On-site Program in Malaysia and Thailand—Community engagement and cultural activities
• UN Global Seminar (Bangkok)—Insights from international experts on sustainability and global governance
• Final Pitch Competition & Award Ceremony—Presentation of innovative solutions to an international judging panel

Student reflections and key achievements

• “Collaborating with peers from different cultural backgrounds broadened my perspective.” (student comment)
• “Experiencing sustainability challenges firsthand made me realize both the difficulties and possibilities of implementing SDGs.” (student comment)

In the final pitch contest, the project “CareVend”—a vending machine that dispenses sanitary products in exchange for recyclable plastic waste—won first place. The winning team has been invited to present at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (UN ESCAP).

Kyushu University’s Commitment and Future Initiatives

Kyushu University, guided by its long-term vision “Kyushu University VISION 2030,” is committed to contributing to the development of a sustainable society, and to the realization of diverse well-being for all. The university strives to nurture value-creating global professionals who can address complex challenges and lead positive change. Moving forward, Kyushu University will continue to leverage international networks, such as APRU, to provide students with diverse and impactful learning opportunities.

▶APRU Official Website
▶Kyushu University Global Gateways Website (About APRU)