Kwansei Gakuin University and the SDGs
Kwansei Gakuin University SDGs Declaration
Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU), based on the school motto “Mastery for Service," contributes to achieving the SDGs through education, research, and management by fostering creative and capable world citizens. The SDGs' principle of “leaving no one behind" deeply resonates with the University's vision of global citizenship, and the commitment to the SDGs embodies the University's mission. Even before the adoption of the SDGs, KGU had been engaged in various activities addressing global issues.
In 2019, the University issued the “Kwansei Gakuin University SDGs Declaration" and established the SDGs Promotion Headquarters (now the Kwansei Gakuin Sustainability Promotion Headquarters). Since 2020, KGU has been a member of the United Nations University SDG–Universities Platform, participating in the development of educational content. Additionally, KGU has launched Japan's first UN-linked programs, including UN volunteer dispatch and refugee support admission systems, and will continue to foster human resources to lead the international community. In addition to collaborating with UN agencies, the University also works with local communities, fulfilling its role as a hub for SDGs promotion.
Towards Achieving a Sustainable Society: Promoting University-wide Activities through Both Education and Research
KGU aims to achieve a sustainable society through the development of educational courses that contribute to the SDGs and multifaceted initiatives in collaboration with industry, government, and academia.
Fostering Human Resources through SDGs Education
To promote a sustainable society, KGU offers educational programs contributing to the SDGs on a university-wide scale. These programs cultivate the ability to perceive social issues as personal matters and take action to solve them.
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Gaining Perspectives as GX Human Resources to Contribute to a Decarbonized Society
The Kwansei Gakuin Sustainability Promotion Headquarters is considering various measures to promote carbon neutrality at KGU. As an educational initiative, the University launched the university-wide course “Project-based Learning Special Seminar 012: Green Innovation" (managed by the Hands-on Learning Center) in the spring semester of 2023. This is KGU’s first course dedicated to decarbonization, offering foundational learning on Green Transformation (GX) and visits to companies engaged in decarbonization projects. Through exchanges with various stakeholders, students develop the multifaceted perspectives and basic understanding required of GX human resources.
The course is taught by KGU alumna Akira Sakano, Director and Co-representative of Green Innovation General Incorporated Association, and others. Sakano majored in environmental policy at KGU's School of Policy Studies during her student days and has been actively involved in KGU’s related activities since graduation.
Promoting Multidimensional Research to Solve Social Issues
In terms of research, KGU positions its Kobe Sanda Campus (KSC) as a “hub for sustainability" and conducts advanced research that connects people, nature, and society. Additionally, the University engages in projects and technological developments through industry-government-academia collaboration.
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Establishment of the "Hydrogen Energy Research Institute (HyERI)"
In April 2025, the "Hydrogen Energy Research Institute (HyERI)" was established.
KGU has established the “Institute System" to create a strong academic, social, and economic impact and contribute to the development of its research brand. HyERI is the third institute under this system. It focuses on research and educational activities related to hydrogen, a next-generation energy source, contributing to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Specifically, KGU will build a co-creation model involving industry, government, and academia, collaborating with various stakeholders such as companies and municipalities to create new social values. The University will also work with Kobe City to establish a research base on Kobe Airport Island, promoting world-class research utilizing liquid hydrogen in a large-scale research environment that could not be accommodated on existing campuses. Furthermore, the University will focus on cultivating specialized human resources capable of working with hydrogen, through doctoral training, reskilling initiatives, and educational programs tailored to regional needs. By further developing the advanced research achievements cultivated at the Kobe Sanda Campus and strengthening collaboration with other campuses, KGU aims to deepen and expand its overall research foundation.
Diverse Student-Led Initiatives to Promote the SDGs
At KGU, many students engage in social contribution activities during their studies, embodying the school motto, “Mastery for Service.” This tradition of self-improvement through service has been passed down to today’s students. Various student organizations are active both domestically and internationally, working to help build a sustainable society.
Examples of Activities
Student Organization “KG SDGs Campus Supporters"
The student organization “KG SDGs Campus Supporters," officially recognized by the Kwansei Gakuin Sustainability Promotion Headquarters, has been promoting the SDGs since its establishment in December 2021. The organization engages in awareness-raising, practical activities, and information dissemination both on and off-campus. On-campus activities include collecting used clothes and providing them for free at the Shingetsusai Campus Festival, while off-campus activities include hosting “Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe SDGs Board Game" experience sessions at companies and local community facilities, emphasizing enjoyable and accessible engagement with the SDGs.
Student Organization "Switch My Angle"
“Switch My Angle" is an international cooperation organization established in 2018, aiming to support impoverished communities in Cebu, Philippines. Key activities include collaborating with Cebu residents to produce and sell embroidered goods, accessories, and baked goods, with proceeds returned to the local community through events in Japan and online sales. The organization has received media coverage and recognition both on and off-campus, including newspaper features, radio interviews, and a meeting with the Mayor of Cebu.
Student Organization “Re.colab KOBE"
“Re.colab KOBE,” founded in 2021 and based in Kobe, is an eco-volunteer organization that focuses on environmental conservation and regional revitalization. The organization engages in various activities, such as the restoration of abandoned farmland and the promotion of blue carbon, emphasizing the connection between nature and people. Since its establishment, the organization has seen an increase in members from other universities, expanding the scale of its activities.
Hosting a Contest to Support Student Activities
Kwansei Gakuin SDGs Youth Ideas – Crescents Go Sustainable!
The Kwansei Gakuin Sustainability Promotion Headquarters hosts a contest to solicit, evaluate, and award ideas from students related to achieving a sustainable society. Winning the contest has led to students' activities evolving into startups and events.
Sustainable Campus Management through Industry-Academia Collaboration
“BiZCAFE,” located in the Academic Commons at the Kobe Sanda Campus, is a café-style learning space aimed at promoting the SDGs and supporting students' career development. “BiZCAFE” is part of the “Shiru Café” brand developed by ENRISSION Inc. and is the first of its kind in Japan to support the business mindset development of science students.
Additionally, the student group “CAMP×US” has collaborated with Snow Peak, Inc. to develop an original reusable bottle aimed at reducing the consumption of plastic bottles on campus. Students who bring this bottle to “BiZCAFE” receive free beverages such as coffee and tea.
At KSC, KGU and two companies have created an ecosystem to achieve a sustainable campus through industry-academia collaboration, promoting changes in students' awareness and behavior.
Engaging with a diverse range of external organizations operating across Hyogo Prefecture, the Kansai region, Japan, and the world
Since issuing the SDGs Declaration in 2019, KGU has participated in various organizations, including the United Nations University SDG–Universities Platform and the Kansai SDGs Platform, promoting collaboration with other universities, companies, and municipalities both domestically and internationally.
Hyogo SDGs Hub
The Hyogo SDGs Hub is a public-private partnership established to promote regional revitalization and address social issues. In December 2022, Kwansei Gakuin became the first comprehensive educational institution in Hyogo Prefecture to join the initiative, fostering collaboration with local governments and businesses.
Kansai SDGs Platform
The Kansai SDGs Platform aims to widely disseminate the importance of the SDGs and promote sustainable society and valuable economic activities through collaboration among various entities in Kansai.
KGU participates in the university subcommittee and serves as a member of the steering committee. The representative faculty member attends monthly online meetings and actively disseminates information about events related to KGU. Within the steering committee, KGU collaborated with Osaka University on activities related to SDGs education. In 2023, the two universities co-hosted a webinar presenting case study reports on international volunteering.
United Nations University SDG–Universities Platform
The United Nations University SDG–Universities Platform is a framework for Japanese universities and the United Nations University to collaborate and promote higher education initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs. KGU joined in 2020. The University serves as a coordinating institution along with International Christian University and Notre Dame Seishin University in the curriculum subcommittee. Since 2022, the three universities have been leading the development of common educational content in collaboration with member schools. The developed content is used in classes at each member school, and at KGU, it is used in the “Introduction to SDGs Studies" course.
University Coalition for Carbon Neutrality
This coalition was established under the leadership of central government ministries as a platform for universities actively working towards carbon neutrality to share and disseminate information. Through participation in the “Regional Zero Carbon” and “Innovation” working groups and involvement in advanced university site visits, KGU leverages these experiences to develop related measures within the University.