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Inochi Forum Kickoff Symposium: “Inochi Forum x SDGs + Beyond – What We Must Do Now for the Future”
2024.3.28 Thu
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Inochi Forum Kickoff Symposium: “Inochi Forum x SDGs + Beyond – What We Must Do Now for the Future”

On Thursday, March 21, a symposium entitled “Inochi Forum x SDGs + Beyond – What We Must Do Now for the Future” was held at Osaka University Nakanoshima Center. The symposium filled its venue almost to capacity and the total number of attendees reached some 250 individuals, including virtual attendees.

In his opening remarks, Osaka University President NISHIO Shojiro (Chairman, Inochi Forum Project Promotion Council) introduced the purpose of the Inochi Forum, the vision for the Inochi Declaration to be announced at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, his expectations for the symposium, and the university’s efforts to make a success of Expo 2025.

Following this, Mr. ISHIGE Hiroyuki (Secretary General, Japan World Exposition Committee) delivered a message to attendees, saying, "The essential elements of the Inochi Forum are fostering interaction and bringing together individuals with shared interests. Since the Inochi Forum is a long-term effort to hold active discussions and exchange from before the start of the EXPO and even after it has finished, I hope that as many people as possible participate in this forum.”

Then, in the keynote speech by Mr. TANAKA Akihiko (President, Japan International Cooperation Agency), while mentioning international cooperation and the progress in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Japan, he mentioned that Inochi Forum was important as a place for various actors in industry, government, academia, and the private sector to discuss action that should be taken “beyond SDGs,” expressing his hope for the forum’s role.

He also said that the Japanese government and JICA should address issues discussed in the Inochi Forum, and expressed his hope that JICA would like to work together with this forum by relaying feedback from people in Japan and abroad through JICA’s network consisting of 15 locations in Japan and 96 locations abroad.

Then, facilitated by Professor DOME Takuo (Executive Assistant to the President of Osaka University/Vice Chairman, Inochi Forum Project Executive Committee), the following representatives from various industries presented topics and discussed what we need and how we should act for the “Future Society for Our Lives.”

  • From an International Organization: NEMOTO Kaoru (Japan Director, United Nations Information Center in Tokyo)
  • From an economic community: KAKUMOTO Keiji (Representative Director, Kansai Association of Corporate Executives)
  • From non-governmental organization: IKEGAMI Kiyoko (Chair of the Board, Plan International Japan)
  • From municipal government: KAWAZOE Yasuhiro (Glocal Coordinator in charge of Ama Town Village Development, Shimane Prefecture)
  • Youth Organizations From a youth organization: KAWAWA Nicola (Policy Advocacy Department, Japan Youth Platform for a Sustainable Society (JYPS))

The panelists reconfirmed the importance of human rights, well-being, and peace and discussed how to spread awareness about and compassion towards people left behind and their voices as well as the need to create a society in which young people are inspired that they can change a society through their successful experiences. The panelists agreed with the idea that more people should be involved in the Inochi Forum project moving forward.

This symposium concluded with the closing remarks by Executive Vice President TANAKA Manabu (Inochi Forum Project Executive Committee).

A more detailed report of this symposium will be posted to the Inochi Forum’s website in the near future.


President Nishio


Mr. Ishige


President Tanaka


Panel Discussion


Symposium Venue

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