President Nishio attends U7+ Summit

From Tuesday, July 9 ~ Wednesday, July 10, 2019, the U7+ (U7 Alliance of World Universities) Summit was held in Paris, France, with President NISHIO Shojiro, Executive Vice President KAWAHARA Genta, and Executive Assistant to the President ISHIKAWA Mayumi in attendance from Osaka University. In connection with the opening of the 2019 G7 Summit, presided over by France, Sciences Po and other universities in France had called for the holding of a university president conference, U7+.

Because presidents from influential universities in G7 nations were invited, many universities in G7 nations and non-member nations participated in the conference with great anticipation for raising their publicity and reinforcing partnerships with other universities.

This conference was held to discuss issues facing the world (climate change, divided society, etc.) with universities as the proactive global actors and take cooperative action to present their policy proposals to G7 leaders.

On Day 1 of the Summit, university presidents split into working groups to discuss proposals for fundamental rules and action plans to be submitted at the plenary session. President Nishio participated in a discussion about the importance of technological innovation and cross-disciplinary research and education.

On Day 2, a plenary session was held to discuss the 6 Principles of U7+ and specific activities and plans, with the final proposal containing the 6 Principles and action plans for each. Osaka University agreed to all 6 Principles and 3 action plans (Establishment of Guidelines Regarding Global Human Resource Development, Technology Competency Education, and Data Ethics).

A press conference was held following the plenary session, after which the university presidents attended a gala dinner hosted by President Macron at Élysée Palace.

Becoming a founding member of a global alliance of influential universities not limited to Asia or the Pacific region through President Nishio’s participation is of significance for Osaka University.

This has also strengthened cooperation with universities in countries outside of G7, such as those in India and African nations.

While in France for the U7+ Summit, President Nishio also visited Université Paris Saclay, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, and Université de Strasbourg, introducing the university, its strengths, and new ventures in recent years and proposing new opportunities for collaboration. The universities were positive about collaboration with OU, making this visits fruitful and promising for future exchange development.

President Macron and President Nishio	President Nishio and Prof. Ishikawa