“Global Vision 2040” Kick-off symposium held online

University News | April 01, 2022

The presenters of the talk session. From the left: Deputy Director Aya Takahashi (Institute for International Collaboration), Fernando Ursine (M1, Public Policy School), President Kiyohiro Houkin, Christofora Hanny Wijaya (Hokkaido University Ambassador), Marin Kidachi (B3, School of Agriculture), Executive Vice President Atsushi Yokota, and Associate Professor Chi Hyunjoo Naomi (Public Policy School).


On February 17, 2022, Hokkaido University held an online Kick-off Symposium to introduce and discuss Hokkaido University Global Vision 2040. Global Vision 2040 is a set of visions and strategies to promote the internationalization of the University in all aspects, including research, education, and management, towards the year 2040. It was formulated to carry on the achievements and agenda from the current internationalization initiative called Hokkaido Universal Campus Initiative (HUCI), which will conclude in 2023. 


“Internationalization is vital to strengthen our research capabilities. It is particularly important to update the current strategy to accommodate the changes in the international exchange practices caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Kiyohiro Houkin, the President of the University, at the beginning of the symposium.


Atsushi Yokota, Executive Vice President, then gave an overview of the Global Vision 2040, focusing on three goals and four strategic pillars which the University should follow in the coming decades. “To draw up the Global Vision 2040, we gathered ideas and wisdom from throughout the university, conducting interviews with faculty members and staff from more than 30 departments. So I believe the goals are achievable,” said Atsushi Yokota. He underlined the importance of attracting more graduate students from overseas as a way to advance research and promote an international learning environment on campus.


President Kiyohiro Houkin (left) and Executive Vice President Atsushi Yokota (center) giving addresses at the beginning of the symposium, moderated by Deputy Director Hiroaki Motomura (Institute for International Collaboration, right).


The latter half of the event invited alumni, faculty members, and students to exchange ideas for the internationalization of the University. Moderated by Professor Aya Takahashi of the Institute for International Collaboration, the participants first shared their memories from their experiences of studying abroad, which varied from “making lifelong friends” to “determining research direction.” They also discussed the strengths and challenges the University has in the context of internationalization. Some pointed out the diversity of research fields, the beauty of the campus, and unique educational programs such as the Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP) and Nitobe College as the strengths. On the other hand, improving global visibility and overcoming the distances from major cities were considered challenges. 


Fernando Ursine (M1, Public Policy School) and Marin Kidachi (B3, School of Agriculture) talked about their study abroad experiences.


“This is only the beginning of Global Vision 2040. To realize its visions, I would like to ask everyone to utilize it as a guideline in their everyday activities. We will also form task forces to detail plans and drive our internationalization efforts forward,” said Atsushi Yokota.


The talk session at the symposium.


A link to Global Vision 2040 page: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/about/international-strategy-of-hokkaido-university-toward-the-year-2040/




Written by Naoki Namba



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