Young People from Asia Co-Create “Education for Sustainable Development” in Tokyo
Sophia University hosted the “Global Leadership Program (GLP) 2025” from August 3 to 9, 2025. This program is part of an annual international education initiative organized in rotation by Jesuit Catholic universities in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, Sophia University served as the host, with the theme “Education for Sustainable Development (ESD),” aiming to nurture the next generation of leaders with global perspectives and collaborative skills.
A total of 49 participants from 10 universities affiliated with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) attended, including Sogang University (Korea), Fu Jen Catholic University (Taiwan), Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), and Sanata Dharma University (Indonesia). On the first day, each university introduced itself and gave presentations on ESD, followed by a keynote speech from Sophia University President Miki Sugimura. In the evening, a welcome party was held to promote cultural exchange, featuring traditional performances and games from various countries, helping participants build friendships.
On the second day, participants experienced global issues firsthand through a workshop at JICA Global Plaza. The third day included field visits to educational institutions and international organizations, such as Ina Gakuen Junior High School in Saitama, Hadano City in Kanagawa, and the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, where they learned about ESD practices across different educational phases.
On the fourth day, groups shared insights gained from the previous day’s visits. In the afternoon, they deepened their understanding of Japanese culture through a tea ceremony experience. On the final day, mixed-university groups presented creative proposals under the theme “Designing Educational Programs for Sustainable Development.” Each group explored topics such as promoting ESD, connecting it to concrete actions, fostering empathy alongside knowledge-sharing, and addressing current challenges in ESD. Their presentations offered unique perspectives on achieving a sustainable society through ESD.
At the closing ceremony and farewell party, participants reflected on the week’s learning and friendships, pledging to apply what they had gained to their future endeavors. Through GLP, students from different countries not only deepened mutual understanding but also demonstrated the potential of young leaders to shape the future with vision and insight.
