Okayama University Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi Invited to UN University Symposium – Contributing to International Dialogue Towards Japan's 70th Anniversary of UN Membership

May 1, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Overview

Atsufumi Yokoi, Vice President (Global Engagement) and UNESCO Chair of National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu), was invited to participate in a special symposium titled “An Eyewitness Account of Japan’s Entry into the United Nations” held at the United Nations University (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) on April 15, 2026, alongside UN ambassadors and government officials from various countries.

The purpose of this symposium was to look back at the historic event of Japan joining the United Nations on December 18, 1956, and to re-examine Japan's role in the international community as it approaches its 70th anniversary of membership.

Mr. Yasushi Akashi, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, spoke at the symposium, recounting the historic moment at the UN General Assembly based on his experiences at the time. From his experience as a young student witnessing the event, valuable insights were shared regarding the significance of Japan's return to the international community and its subsequent responsibilities. Notably, in 2015, he also gave a lecture titled “My Experiences at the United Nations” at Okayama University, sharing his UN experiences and Japan's role in the international community with many faculty, staff, and students of the university.

Furthermore, United Nations University Rector Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized the recognition that international organizations should always be rooted in people and accountable, returning to the principle of “We the Peoples” at the beginning of the UN Charter.

This symposium was organized by the United Nations University, with which Okayama University concluded an inter-university agreement last October. As demonstrated by this invitation, a strong collaborative relationship has continued since the agreement.

Okayama University will continue to contribute to the realization of a peaceful and sustainable society through international collaboration and academic exchange. Please look forward to the ongoing efforts of Okayama University, an open regional core and distinctive research university.

Mr. Akashi giving a lecture Venue scene Mr. Akashi (right) and Vice President Yokoi

◆ References

・United Nations University https://jp.unu.edu/

・United Nations University SDG–University Platform (SDG–UP) https://ias.unu.edu/jp/sdg-up

・Okayama University Global Engagement Center https://globalengagementoffice.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Reference Information 1

・Okayama University FY2015 Global Human Resource Development Special Course Kick-off Lecture https://global.okayama-u.ac.jp/event/event_20150520kickoff/

・Japan and the United Nations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/jp_un/

◆ Reference Information 2

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Presents Activity Results as Representative of Sustainable Campus Subcommittee at UNU SDG University Platform Public Symposium https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003924.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] President Yasutomo Nasu Speaks at UNU SDG University Platform Presidents' Roundtable https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003745.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] President Yasutomo Nasu Receives Courtesy Visit from Speakers of World Conference on Rethinking Learning for a Sustainable Future https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003488.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala Makes First Visit to Okayama University! Lecture Held https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002700.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi Speaks at UNU SDG University Platform Public Symposium https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003054.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Two Faculty Members Participate in UN HESI Action Group "AI and the Future of Higher Education" https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002935.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] President Yasutomo Nasu to Speak at UN HESI Global Forum 2025 – Disseminating Okayama University's International Collaboration and Youth Participation Initiatives to the World