On December 6, the 17th UNESCO Schools National Conference took place at Sophia University’s Yotsuya Campus.

Schools approved to join the network and implement UNESCO’s principles in their educational settings are called “UNESCO Schools.” Currently, approximately 1,000 schools, ranging from elementary to university level, are active members in Japan, accounting for about 10% of UNESCO Schools worldwide. The objective of the National Conference is to gather and share information to invigorate the UNESCO Schools network and enhance its activities.

Educators, including faculty and staff from member schools, were the primary target of this year’s event. It was held under the theme “Education and Learning Aimed at UNESCO Schools: “Reflections Based on the 2023 UNESCO Recommendation on Education” with respect to ” The Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development,” adopted by UNESCO in November 2023. Attendees explored how UNESCO Associated Schools can approach educational activities in a global context.

The morning session was opened by Ms. Miho Kobayashi, Director of International Strategy Planning at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The introduction of the UNESCO Associated Schools initiatives was led by Ms. Hiromi Ikutame, Assistant Director-General for International Coordination at MEXT, followed by a keynote speech delivered by our university’s president, Miki Sugimura. She was a member of the International Expert Group that drafted the revised proposal for the UNESCO Recommendation in 2022. Mr. Toru Tanigaki, a member of the Youth Committee of Japanese National Commission for UNESCO, led the panel discussion. The panelists were President Sugimura, the principal of　Tama Municipal Renkouji Elementary School, Tokyo, and two students: one from Kyoto Gaidai Nishi High School and the other from Hiroshima Prefectural Hiroshima-Kokutaiji High School.

The afternoon session featured poster presentations by member and prospective member schools, as well as workshops divided into five groups. Our graduate and undergraduate volunteers led a workshop titled “Building Harmony Through Diversity: What International Exchange Means to You,” which provided high school students with an opportunity to explore international exchange.

With over 200 participants in both the morning and afternoon sessions, the event offered everyone a valuable opportunity to consider the ideal future of the international community and the necessary educational approaches to achieve it.

Sophia University established a UNESCO Chair in February 2024. The UNESCO Chair is an international program through which UNESCO collaborates with universities and research institutions worldwide to advance sustainable development and peacebuilding through education, research, and social contribution.

At Sophia University, the UNESCO Chair is dedicated to the theme “Education for Human Dignity, Peace, and Sustainability.” One of its central pillars is the promotion of the 2023 UNESCO Recommendation on Education, which was highlighted in this year’s discussions. The Chair focuses on Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), engaging in partnerships with educational institutions both in Japan and abroad, advancing research projects, and developing practical educational programs.

Participation in the UNESCO Associated Schools National Conference formed part of these ongoing efforts, providing an important opportunity to share UNESCO’s vision with educators and practitioners of development education in Japan, and to reflect together on the future of education.