International Collaboration through the United Nations
At the Forefront of Global Engagement: Longstanding Collaboration with the UN and International Organizations
Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) has long pursued collaboration with the United Nations to foster global citizens who embody our school motto, “Mastery for Service.” In support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), KGU actively engages in joint initiatives with UN agencies, dispatches students to international organizations, and addresses social challenges through education and research—extending its impact beyond the boundaries of academia.
Student Dispatch Programs to UN Agencies
UN Seminar
Students visit the United Nations Headquarters in New York to learn about how international organizations, member states, and NGOs address global issues.
UN and Diplomatic Fieldwork
This hypothesis-driven field research program targets UN agencies, diplomatic institutions, and NGOs in developing countries. Undergraduate students deepen their understanding of themes such as development, peace, human rights, and humanitarian issues while gaining firsthand experience of the roles played by international organizations.
UN Youth Volunteer Program
In this program, students are dispatched for approximately five months to UN offices, government agencies, or NGOs in developing countries. Through activities such as creating websites and posters and supporting project operations, they contribute to initiatives in education, public health, environment, gender, and poverty reduction, while deepening their understanding of global issues.
UNHCR Refugee Higher Education Program (RHEP)
On April 15, 2024, KGU signed a new agreement with the UNHCR Representation in Japan and the Japan Association for UNHCR regarding the Refugee Higher Education Program (RHEP). RHEP is a scholarship program for refugees facing socioeconomic barriers to university admission in Japan. As a pioneer, KGU introduced RHEP in 2006 and has accepted up to three undergraduate scholarship students annually since April 2007. By waiving tuition and providing living support, KGU contributes to expanding higher education opportunities for refugees in Japan. Under the new agreement, graduate students will also be accepted into the Graduate School of Policy Studies starting in 2025, specifically in the newly established “UN System Policy Studies” program.
Joining UN Platforms to Embody Shared Values
United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
UNAI is a global initiative that encourages educational institutions to support the UN’s mission through teaching and research aligned with ten core principles, including human rights, equal access to education, sustainability, and global citizenship. As a member institution, KGU actively promotes UNAI’s values through enhanced SDG-focused curricula, international volunteer programs, and refugee support initiatives.
UN Global Compact Network Japan
The UN Global Compact is an international initiative that encourages businesses and academic institutions to contribute to a sustainable society based on ten principles across four areas: human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. KGU is a member of Network Japan, the national UNGC chapter, and actively collaborates with companies, municipalities, and other universities to advance SDG education, engage with local communities, and nurture the next generation of leaders.