Panel Discussion
During the panel presentations, representatives from the University of Sydney, Tohoku University, Miyagi Prefecture, and NGO organisations from both Japan and Australia introduced their respective initiatives to promote a multicultural coexistence society.
As a diverse university, we are committed to inclusion—fostering belonging, ensuring access, and enabling empowerment through inclusive leadership and opportunity.
We want students to see that university is a place where they belong, regardless of background or circumstance. Some of our strongest collaborations begin in rooms just like this, and inclusion is not just a policy—it is a shared responsibility.
We want students to see that university is a place where they belong, regardless of background or circumstance. Some of our strongest collaborations begin in rooms just like this, and inclusion is not just a policy—it is a shared responsibility.
Building an Inclusive University
Prof. Susan Rowland
Vice Provost | University of Sydney
At Tohoku University, we see every student as a changemaker—capable of connecting knowledge and action to create a better future. Young people are not only learners; they are builders of peace, innovation, and community.
Through daily conversations, shared meals, and joint projects, students learn that differences are not barriers but strengths, and that even small impacts can lead to much bigger change. Your generation has the power to redesign how we live, how we work, and how we learn together—and to turn challenges into opportunities.
Empowering Young Changemakers: Tohoku University’s Commitment to Social Impact
Prof. Kazuko Suematsu
Associate Executive Vice President, GLC Director | Tohoku University
To ensure genuine inclusion, we must overcome key barriers—awareness, language, and everyday systems... Our goal is to foster communities where everyone can live with peace of mind and a true sense of belonging, built on trust, attachment, and shared futures.
Miyagi Prefecture’s Initiatives to Promote a Multicultural Society
Mr. Masashi Takahashi
International Affairs Division, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Department | Miyagi Prefectural Government
UNESCO Youth brings young people together to turn culture into connection and dialogue into peace.
Through projects like the Tanabata Peace Project, participants share wishes, stories, and perspectives, building understanding across differences. These encounters spark friendships, broaden worldviews, and strengthen a sense of belonging—laying the foundations for a truly multicultural society
Through projects like the Tanabata Peace Project, participants share wishes, stories, and perspectives, building understanding across differences. These encounters spark friendships, broaden worldviews, and strengthen a sense of belonging—laying the foundations for a truly multicultural society
Multicultural Activities among Youth – Peace Tanabata Project-
Ms. Miyu Sato & Ms. Misaki Tsuruoka
Sendai UNESCO Association Youth Division
Peace starts with us...
...If we are able to show how we can apply our own understanding of peace to the activities that we're doing, we then are able to show leadership in being able to contribute to peace in our community.
Pillars of Positive Peace
Ms. Patricia Garcia AO
Partnership Development Manager | Institue for Economics and Peace
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