“Learning SDGs Globally and Locally” Online Intensive Summer Course
The Institute for International Initiatives is pleased to offer "Learning SDGs Globally and Locally" Online Intensive Course (to be held online in August 18-27, 2025) as part of The University of Osaka SDGs Virtual Student Exchange 2025. Through lectures and discussion sessions, students will gain a coherent and situated understanding of SDGs, its global and local implications as well as needs for action.
Since 2022, 250 students from The University of Osaka, its partner universities, as well as APRU member universities (28 universities in 10 countries and regions) have participated in the course.
Class schedule (All classes are at 15:00-16:30 in Japan Standard Time)
Class 1. August 18 (Monday): Orientation to the course
Prof. Ishikawa Mayumi, Dr. Enkhtur Ariunaa, Dr. Mochizuki Mayumi, Institute for International Initiatives, Dr. Zhang Xixi, Institute for Transdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs
Class 2. August 19 (Tuesday): Overview of SDGs
Prof. Uwasu Michinori, Graduate School of Economics
Class 3. August 20 (Wednesday)
Theme 1: Decent work, gender equality, equity
Topic: Goals & Gaps: Work, Leisure & Sustainable Development
Prof. Emeritus Scott North, Graduate School of Human Sciences
Class 4. August 21 (Thursday)
Theme 2: Climate change and energy
Topic: Accelerated Climate Change/Accelerated Decarbonization - Understanding our net-zero future
Prof. Brendan Barrett, Institute for International Initiatives
Class 5. August 22 (Friday)
Theme 3: Circular Economy and Education
Topic: Addressing plastic pollution through circular economy principles and education in wastewater management: A case study from South Asia
Dr. Anupam Khajuria, Research Fellow and Academic Associate, United Nations University (UNU)
Class 6. August 25 (Monday)
Theme 5: Future Design
Topic: Designing social systems to incorporate the preferences of future generations
Prof. Hara Keishiro, Graduate School of Engineering
Class 7. August 26 (Tuesday)
Theme 4: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene
Topic: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH): Leave no one behind
Prof. Sugita Elli, Graduate School of Human Sciences
Class 8. August 27 (Wednesday)
Topic: “Youth involvement in SDGs” Student discussion session}
Guest students’ presentations
Prof. Ishikawa Mayumi, Dr. Enkhtur Ariunaa, Dr. Mochizuki Mayumi, Institute for International Initiatives, Dr. Zhang Xixi, Institute for Transdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs
In addition, we offer the following on-demand lectures for further study:
1) Bioplastics by Prof. Hiroshi Uyama, Graduate School of Engineering
2) Aiming for a Sustainable Society Rooted in Sympathy from the Viewpoint of Economic Thoughts by Prof. Dome Takuo, Social Solution Initiative (SSI)
3) AI Health Care and Stakeholder Involvement by Professor Yamamoto Beverley and Dr.Katirai Amelia
4) Planetary Health and Ageing by Associate Prof. Mohacsi Gergely and Associate Prof. Kimura Yumi
Eligibility: Students at The University of Osaka and its partner universities with virtual exchange agreements including member universities in APRU (https://apru.org/members/). (Note: Special Auditing Students whose enrollment period ends in August or September are not eligible for this course.)
Language of the Course: English
Credit: 1 credit
Prerequisites
- Able to participate in all lectures in real time.
- Communication skills in English (language test score is not required). Students who want to improve their English communication skills are also welcome.
- Interest in SDGs, sustainability, global communication, or creative work production is essential.
Application: Students need to apply through their home universities and APRU Virtual Student Exchange systems
Registration deadline
Please check with your home university or APRU Virtual Student Exchange guidelines before application.
For inquiries regarding the course, please contact:
International Student Affairs Division
Email: contact@cgin.osaka-u.ac.jp