Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
As one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 16 seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensure access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.
This goal emphasizes transparency, ethical governance, and the rule of law as foundations for sustainable development. Universities contribute to these aims by advancing research on peace and governance, fostering human rights education, and strengthening trust between institutions and communities.
Guided by this global mission, Hokkaido University promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through education, research, and social collaboration.
The University integrates ethics, human rights, and social responsibility into its curricula, nurturing citizens who contribute to a fair and inclusive society. Through interdisciplinary research on law, international relations, and public policy, Hokkaido University works toward solutions to social and global challenges. The University also collaborates with governments, local communities, and international partners to promote transparent governance, civic engagement, and mutual understanding across societies.
University governance measures
16.2.1: Elected representation
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through transparent and inclusive university governance. By ensuring elected representation from faculty and staff (non-faculty employees) on its highest governing bodies, the university maintains accountability and participatory decision-making. In addition, the university continues to improve its governance and compliance systems in line with the National University Corporation Governance Code. These efforts support a shared sense of responsibility and trust within the institution.
Key Initiatives
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The President Selection and Audit Council operates under defined regulations, with faculty and staff representatives elected to participate in the selection and oversight of the university president. This process ensures fairness and transparency in university governance.
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The Council of Education and Research consists of the president, executive directors, and representatives elected from each faculty and department.
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Hokkaido University strengthens its governance and compliance framework through internal and external audits, a whistleblowing system, and clearly defined lines of accountability. These measures support transparent operations and sound decision-making.
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Hokkaido University collects and utilizes student feedback to improve university operations.
Through surveys and proposals gathered from students, the university has implemented improvements in campus facilities and student support systems.
These initiatives help ensure that student perspectives are considered in matters related to university life and management.
Impact
Through these initiatives, Hokkaido University incorporates elected representatives from faculty and staff (non-faculty employees) into its highest decision-making bodies and continues to reinforce its governance and compliance framework. This approach promotes transparency, accountability, and integrity in university management. By involving diverse members of the university community in governance, the university contributes to building trust and ensuring responsible institutional operation.
16.2.2: Students’ union
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and participatory campus environment by recognizing and supporting independent student unions and organizations. Through a variety of governance participation opportunities, support systems, and social activities, the university ensures that students have a strong voice in institutional decision-making and access to resources that enhance their well-being. These efforts are integral to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions within the university community.
Key Initiatives
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The Hokkaido University CO-OP is a collaborative organization composed of students, graduate students, faculty, and staff. The CO-OP Student Committee plays a central role in managing operations and business activities, emphasizing the importance of connection, participation, and mutual support among all members. This structure empowers students to contribute to the university’s development and daily life.
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HUISA promotes the well-being and interaction of international students, offering support and representing their interests in matters of common welfare and concern. The association organizes social activities and advocates for the needs of the international student community, fostering a diverse and inclusive campus culture.
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At Keiteki Dormitory, students practice a long-standing tradition of self-governance. Through an independent dormitory council and resident committees, students manage daily operations, mediate issues, and organize cultural and community activities. This initiative embodies autonomy, mutual support, and democratic participation, reinforcing students’ capacity to shape their own living environment and community values.
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The Peer Support Unit, operated by students for students, provides comprehensive support services to address academic, social, and personal challenges. This initiative strengthens the sense of community and ensures that students have access to peer-led assistance and guidance.
Impact
These initiatives have significantly enhanced student engagement, governance participation, and support systems at Hokkaido University. By recognizing independent student unions and integrating student voices into institutional decision-making, the university has cultivated a culture of transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect. The provision of support services and social activities further strengthens the university community, ensuring that all students—domestic and international-can thrive academically and personally. Collectively, these efforts exemplify Hokkaido University’s commitment to building strong institutions through student empowerment and inclusive governance.
16.2.3: Identify and engage with local stakeholders
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions by identifying and engaging with local stakeholders through transparent policies and cooperative frameworks. The university emphasizes inclusive governance that integrates perspectives from communities, industry, government, and alumni. Through systematic stakeholder mapping and the implementation of engagement guidelines, the university strengthens its stakeholders’ policy and advances its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
Key Initiatives
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The university’s Management Council includes external members from business, government, education, alumni, and other specialized fields. This structure ensures that diverse stakeholder perspectives are reflected in university governance and strategic planning.
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The organizational chart of the Hokkaido University Institute for Sustainability includes a wide range of stakeholders—such as the United Nations, the Japanese government, local authorities, industry, educational institutions, students, faculty, alumni associations, and citizens, including primary and secondary school students. It also clarifies specific engagement forms such as international collaboration, regional partnerships, inter-university cooperation, industry-academia collaboration, and citizen participation.
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Hokkaido University, since its founding as Sapporo Agricultural College, has developed in partnership with local communities and industries under the vision of “Contributing to the resolution of global issues.” To clarify its approach to disseminating knowledge, proposing social transformation, and creating new value through external collaboration, the university established the Basic Policy on Social Collaboration (2022) as its framework for stakeholder engagement. This serves as the university’s stakeholders’ policy, defining structured relationships with diverse external stakeholders. Furthermore, the Hokkaido University Sustainability Declaration (August 2024) reinforces this policy by committing to promote sustainability through engagement with all internal and external stakeholders.
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Hokkaido University launched the Global PR Ambassador Program (HUPRA) in 2024, appointing overseas alumni and partners as PR Ambassadors. They promote the university by sharing information internationally, supporting student recruitment, collaborating with alumni associations, and assisting in local events. Through these activities, the program enhances the university’s global presence and strengthens engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.
Impact
Through these initiatives, Hokkaido University has enhanced its capacity to identify, map, and engage with local stakeholders, realizing more inclusive and transparent governance. By embedding engagement guidelines and policies into its institutional framework, external perspectives are actively reflected in decision-making. The strategic use of alumni and ambassador networks, the mechanisms for diverse sustainability participation, and the positioning of the Basic Policy on Social Collaboration (2022) and the Sustainability Declaration (2024) as the university’s stakeholders’ policy have strengthened accountability and social impact. These efforts demonstrate Hokkaido University’s leadership in advancing peace, justice, and strong institutions, contributing to sustainable development locally and globally.
16.2.4: Participatory bodies for stakeholder engagement
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University promotes inclusive representation and collaborative decision-making through active local stakeholder engagement. The university has established participatory bodies that involve local residents, government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society members. By integrating diverse perspectives into its governance and planning, the university ensures that its activities align with community needs and aspirations.
Key Initiatives
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Commitment to a Sustainable Future: Centered on Stakeholder Engagement
In the Sustainability Declaration (2024), Hokkaido University expressed its determination to contribute more significantly to solving global challenges through stakeholder engagement inside and outside the university, while enhancing its social impact.
In addition, through its Stakeholder Engagement initiatives, the university engages in regular dialogue with various stakeholders—including local communities, government bodies, private companies, and university members—to incorporate their opinions and suggestions into its sustainability activities. This ongoing engagement ensures that the university’s initiatives align with the expectations and needs of society.
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The Management Council, a key decision-making body, includes external committee members selected from business, government, education, alumni, and other specialized sectors. This structure ensures the incorporation of diverse expertise and perspectives into university governance.
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The Institute emphasizes engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. Feedback and requests from various groups are reflected in SDGs-related projects and sustainable campus management, ensuring that initiatives are inclusive and responsive to community needs.
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Hokkaido Prime Bio Community
environmentally responsible production technologies, and the creation of a regional bio-brand through inclusive participation and shared decision-making.
Learn more (External Site)
Impact
Through these initiatives, Hokkaido University has fostered inclusive representation and collaborative decision-making that strengthen trust and cooperation with its stakeholders. Participatory structures and ongoing engagement ensure that local stakeholder participation is not merely recognized but actively practiced. By incorporating the perspectives of local residents, government, private sector, and civil society, the university supports the development of strong institutions and sustainable regional growth.
16.2.5: University principles on corruption and bribery
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University is dedicated to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct across all its operations. The university has established and continues to maintain comprehensive principles and commitments to prevent organized crime, corruption, and bribery, ensuring a safe and fair environment for all members of its community. Through clear policies, robust compliance systems, and accessible reporting mechanisms, Hokkaido University promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions in alignment with global best practices.
Key Initiatives
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Hokkaido University Code of Conduct and Sustainability Declaration
The university has developed a Code of Conduct that outlines the ethical principles and compliance standards expected of all members. This code emphasizes the importance of anti-corruption policy, ethical principles, and a strong commitment against bribery and organized crime.
In addition, the Hokkaido University Sustainability Declaration reinforces these values, articulating the university’s ethical stance and long-term commitment to social responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.
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Hokkaido University Educational Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct for Scientists
The university has established the Educational Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct for Scientists to ensure that all members share the university’s fundamental values and ethical standards. These charters are distributed to faculty and staff as part of orientation programs and are accessible online. They outline the moral responsibilities of educators and researchers, emphasizing integrity, fairness, and a firm commitment against corruption, bribery, and organized crime.
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Hokkaido University has implemented a general policy to ensure research integrity, requiring transparent reporting and management of research activities. This policy applies to all researchers and professionals, reinforcing the university’s commitment against corruption and bribery.
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The university has established specific regulations to prevent wrongdoing in research activities and the misuse of research funds. These regulations provide clear guidelines and disciplinary measures to address any violations, supporting a culture of accountability.
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Hokkaido University operates a dedicated whistleblowing and compliance reporting system. This system allows students, faculty, and staff to report concerns related to organized crime, corruption, or bribery confidentially, and ensures that no one will be dismissed or otherwise treated unfavorably for having made such a report.
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The university has adopted a basic policy to prevent any association with anti-social forces, including groups that may promote organized crime or illegal activities. This policy outlines the university’s stance and response procedures, further strengthening its commitment against organized crime.
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Disciplinary Policies for Students and Staff
Comprehensive disciplinary policies are in place for both students and staff, ensuring that any involvement in corruption, bribery, or organized crime is met with appropriate sanctions. These policies reinforce the university’s ethical standards and commitment to a safe academic environment.
Impact
Through these initiatives, Hokkaido University fosters a culture of transparency, ethical responsibility, and institutional integrity. The integration of anti-corruption policy, ethical principles, and commitments against bribery and organized crime into daily operations has strengthened trust within the university community and with external stakeholders. Accessible compliance and whistleblowing systems empower individuals to act against misconduct, while clear disciplinary measures deter unethical behavior. Collectively, these efforts demonstrate Hokkaido University’s ongoing dedication to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, contributing to a fair and responsible society.
16.2.6: Academic freedom policy
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University upholds academic freedom as a core value and fosters a culture of integrity and shared responsibility. The university’s foundational principles emphasize research freedom, teaching freedom, and protection against reprisal for all academics, while ensuring an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Through comprehensive ethics guidelines and institutional frameworks, Hokkaido University enables every member to pursue knowledge, express ideas, and contribute to society without undue interference.
Key Initiatives
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Hokkaido University explicitly supports academic freedom, research freedom, and teaching freedom, ensuring that all members, regardless of position, can freely choose their research fields and share or teach their findings. The Code also promotes an environment free from discrimination and harassment and affirms independence and fairness as ethical foundations of education and research.
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Hokkaido University Educational Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct for Scientists
The Educational Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct for Scientists set forth the ethical standards and social responsibilities of all educators and researchers at Hokkaido University. They call for the cultivation of intellectual and human integrity, respect for human rights, transparency, and accountability in research. These charters, once distributed as a physical card to all new faculty, represent a shared ethical compass across the university. Together with the Hokkaido University Sustainability Declaration, they embody Hokkaido University’s commitment to fostering a cohesive and responsible academic community.
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The Hokkaido University’s Statement on the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion highlights the university’s responsibility to create new knowledge collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds and to tackle global challenges based on academic freedom and mutual respect. It expresses the university’s ongoing effort to maintain an inclusive environment where academic freedom is safeguarded.
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All-Round Education, Human Rights, and Sustainability Culture
As part of its University Philosophies, Hokkaido University continues to promote all-round education that cultivates both intellectual and human qualities. The university fosters independence, creativity based on free ideas and respect for human rights. The Hokkaido University Sustainability Declaration further commits the university to building a campus culture of empathy, unity, and integrity, strengthening institutional well-being. These principles form the foundation of a culture that values academic freedom, integrity, and sustainable development.
Impact
Through these initiatives, Hokkaido University ensures that academic freedom is consistently protected and ethically grounded. The integration of the Educational Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Code of Conduct for Scientists establishes a clear ethical framework that guides education and research with transparency and responsibility. The promotion of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability has strengthened institutional coherence, while All-Round Education continues to nurture individuals capable of contributing to society with integrity and creativity. Collectively, these continuous efforts demonstrate Hokkaido University’s enduring commitment to peace, justice, and strong institutions through the protection and advancement of academic freedom.
16.2.7: Publish financial data
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University is dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability through the regular publication of comprehensive university financial data. By making financial reports accessible to the public, the university ensures that stakeholders—including students, faculty, and the broader community—can review and understand the institution’s financial operations. This commitment to openness strengthens trust and supports the university’s mission to foster peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Key Initiatives
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Annual Publication of Financial Data
Hokkaido University publishes detailed financial data, including financial statements and financial reports, on the university’s official website. These reports clearly present the university’s financial status, including income, expenditures, and budget allocations.
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Integrated Report Publication
Since 2022, Hokkaido University has issued an Integrated Report annually, which includes a dedicated section on financial information. This report provides stakeholders with a comprehensive view of the university’s financial health, strategic priorities, and governance practices, thereby further enhancing transparency.
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Ensuring Accessibility and Transparency
All financial data and reports are published in easily accessible formats on the university’s website. This approach guarantees that financial information is available to anyone interested, supporting the university’s commitment to openness and accountability.
Impact
Through the consistent publication of financial data, Hokkaido University has significantly enhanced transparency and stakeholder engagement. The availability of comprehensive financial reports fosters a culture of trust and accountability within the university community and beyond. By prioritizing accessibility and clarity in its financial disclosures, the university sets a strong example of responsible governance and supports the advancement of peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Working with government
16.3.1: Provide expert advice to government
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University is dedicated to fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions by actively engaging with local, regional, and national governments. Through providing expert advice to governments, policy guidance, and participation in committees, the university leverages its academic expertise to address societal challenges and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. These efforts ensure that government decisions are informed by research and best practices, strengthening resilient and inclusive communities through sustained engagement with government.
Key Initiatives
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Comprehensive Collaboration with Hokkaido and Related Agencies
Hokkaido University has established a comprehensive partnership agreement with the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. This collaboration covers SDG promotion, human resource development, economic revitalization, and the realization of Society 5.0. Through this framework, the university provides expert advice and policy guidance to align regional strategies with sustainable development goals. In 2024, the university maintained this comprehensive agreement and carried out various initiatives in cooperation with related agencies.
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Recommendations on Hokkaido’s Comprehensive Plan
The president of Hokkaido University, as chairmen of the Hokkaido Comprehensive Development Committee, works on formulating and promoting an integrated plan for the effective use of Hokkaido’s abundant resources, industrial promotion, and improvement of living and cultural standards. In 2024, the Committee submitted recommendations on Hokkaido’s comprehensive plan to the Governor of Hokkaido, contributing to policy formulation for sustainable regional development.
Learn more (External Sites):
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Participation in Expert Committees and Policy Guidance
Faculty members participate in various expert committees at the local and regional levels, such as the Hokkaido Environmental Impact Assessment Council and the Hokkaido Regional Forest Management Bureau’s Protected Forest Management Committee. These committees address issues ranging from environmental conservation to regional planning, with university experts providing policy guidance and technical advice to governments.
Learn more (External Sites):
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Fieldwork-based Contributions to Policy and Society
Through initiatives such as the Hokkaido University Public Policy school’s fieldwork program, Hokkaido University offers practical, evidence-based input to policymakers. Students and faculty collaborate with local governments to analyze pressing issues and present concrete policy recommendations, strengthening the university’s engagement with municipalities through direct evidence provision.
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Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Hokkaido University works with the Hokkaido District Agriculture Office, a branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This agreement enables cooperation in the agricultural and food sectors, with the university providing expert advice to support sustainable rural development and resource management.
Learn more (External Site)
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Collaboration with Municipalities for Local Policy and Community Development
Hokkaido University concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement with Sapporo City in 2022, and as of 2024 continues to deepen collaboration under this framework. The agreement links the university’s expertise and human resources with the city’s community development efforts to address regional and social challenges. Cooperation has advanced across a wide range of fields, including human resource development, industrial promotion, and health and welfare. The university has provided specialized knowledge while promoting mutual development through dialogue and joint initiatives.
Impact
Through these initiatives, Hokkaido University has significantly strengthened its engagement with government by providing expert advice to local, regional, and national authorities. The university’s active participation in committees and provision of policy guidance ensures that public policies are based on scientific evidence and best practices. This sustained collaboration demonstrates the university’s leadership in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions through committees, policy guidance, and expert engagement with government.
16.3.2: Policy- and lawmakers outreach and education
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University is committed to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions by delivering targeted educational programs for policymakers and lawmakers. Through a wide range of initiatives, the university supports upskilling and capacity-building in economics, law, technology, migration, and climate change. These efforts empower government officials, legislators, and public servants to make informed decisions that contribute to sustainable and equitable societies.
Key Initiatives
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HOPS Summer School for Local Legislators and Public Officials
The Graduate School of Public Policy (HOPS) regularly organizes summer schools for local assembly members and public officials, providing opportunities for capacity development and skills enhancement.
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Symposiums and Open Events
The university hosts numerous symposiums and open events that address political, legal, and economic issues. These outreach training programs provide opportunities for dialogue and learning among policymakers, experts, and citizens, deepening understanding of migration, technology, and climate change. Notable examples include:
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Expert Advisory Roles and Committee Participation
Faculty members serve as advisors to governmental committees on climate change adaptation, environmental policy, and land use, ensuring that cutting-edge academic insights inform legislative and policy-making processes.
Learn more (External Sites):
Impact
Through these comprehensive outreach training programs, Hokkaido University has significantly contributed to the upskilling of policymakers and lawmakers at local, national, and international levels. By integrating advanced expertise in economics, law, technology, migration, and climate change, the university equips decision-makers with the capacity to respond to complex societal challenges. These initiatives demonstrate the university’s leadership in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions through inclusive and practical education, supporting effective governance and sustainable development.
16.3.3: Participation in government research
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University is committed to advancing peace, justice, and strong institutions through policy-focused research collaboration with government departments. By fostering robust partnerships with national and local government agencies, the university contributes to evidence-based policymaking and innovative solutions for societal challenges. These initiatives cultivate a culture of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, supporting resilient and sustainable communities. The university emphasizes active participation in research that directly addresses social and policy challenges.
Key Initiatives
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Research Hub Formation and Contribution to Social Issue Resolution in Collaboration with the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
The university promotes policy-focused research in collaboration with the Cabinet Office and MEXT. As a base selected under the Cabinet Office’s “Local University and Regional Industry Revitalization Grant,” it has established the Regional Fisheries Co-Creation Center, contributing to the sustainable use of marine resources and regional industrial development. Furthermore, it has been selected for the MEXT/JST “COI-NEXT” program and recognized as a joint usage and joint research center in multiple fields including low-temperature science, infectious diseases, catalysis, Slavic and Eurasian studies, zoonosis, electronic science, and information infrastructure. Through these efforts, Hokkaido University builds research foundations across diverse disciplines, contributing to the resolution of academic and societal issues in alignment with government policies.
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Collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment
Hokkaido University collaborates with the Ministry of the Environment on biodiversity conservation under Japan’s “30 by 30” initiative. In June 2022, it became the first national university to join the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity. From 2023 to 2024, the university applied for and obtained “Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites” certification for its Uryu Experimental Forest and Sapporo Campus, contributing to the establishment of a national framework for registering such sites. The university worked with the Ministry of the Environment in developing the registration framework and served as one of the early university cases applying for and obtaining certification under the system. In 2024, these sites were registered in the international OECM database, enhancing Japan’s global contribution to biodiversity protection.
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Arctic Research Acceleration Project (ArCS Ⅱ / ArCS Ⅲ)
Hokkaido University has been engaged in Japan’s flagship Arctic research projects in successive phases. From 2020 to 2025, the university has been participating in the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability Ⅱ (ArCS Ⅱ) in collaboration with the National Institute of Polar Research and JAMSTEC. Under ArCS Ⅱ, interdisciplinary research integrating natural and social sciences has been conducted to understand Arctic environmental and societal changes and to provide evidence-based policy insights.
Learn more (External Site)
Arctic Challenge for Sustainability Ⅲ (ArCS Ⅲ) will build upon and expand these efforts, aiming to generate comprehensive policy-relevant knowledge for addressing climate and community challenges in the Arctic.
Learn more (External Site)
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Participation in Local Government Policy Planning
The university provides expert input and recommendations for local government action plans, such as Sapporo City’s Climate Change Action Plan. Faculty members serve as council members, conducting impact assessments and offering policy advice on issues like climate change and its effects on local industries.
Learn more (External Site)
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Selected under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)
Hokkaido University was selected by JSPS, an independent administrative institution under the jurisdiction of MEXT, for its initiative “Building a Regenerative Agri-Fishery System for Sustainable Food Production and Global Well-being Based on Field Science.” Through this program, the university aims to regenerate the global environment, strengthen the research capacity of regional core universities, and contribute to innovation and social reform through science-based policy development.
Learn more (External Site)
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Collaboration with Rapidus Corporation on National Semiconductor Strategy
In June 2024, Hokkaido University concluded a comprehensive collaboration agreement with Rapidus Corporation, a key player in Japan’s national semiconductor strategy. The agreement covers human resource development, semiconductor research, and joint use of facilities and equipment. This partnership serves as a model of academia-industry cooperation within Japan’s semiconductor policy, contributing to innovation and the advancement of national science and technology goals.
Learn more (External Site)
Impact
Through these ongoing and policy-focused research collaborations, Hokkaido University has contributed significantly to government policymaking addressing social, environmental, and technological challenges. By integrating scientific research with practical policy applications - including biodiversity governance through the 30by30 initiative and interdisciplinary Arctic research through ArCS Ⅱ and ArCS Ⅲ — the university enhances the effectiveness of public administration and supports the creation of resilient, sustainable communities. Its consistent collaboration with government ensures that research outcomes are relevant to policy needs, fostering innovation and strengthening institutional capacity at both local and national levels.
16.3.4: Neutral platform to discuss issues
Overview (2024)
Hokkaido University is dedicated to fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions by providing neutral platforms and safe environments for open political discussions. Through a range of initiatives, the university brings together different political stakeholders and individuals with diverse political perspectives, enabling frank dialogue on pressing societal challenges. These efforts are designed to encourage opposition, embrace opposite opinions, and promote constructive political discussions, both within the university and the broader community.
Key Initiatives
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Operated by the East Asia Media Research Center, this forum brings together researchers and activists from Japan and Korea to discuss new approaches to bilateral relations. The forum is grounded in peace research and offers a neutral space for political stakeholders to address sensitive issues and propose solutions from a civil society perspective.
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Hokkaido University established the “Regional Economic and Business Network Research Center” to strengthen contributions and outreach to local communities through interdisciplinary collaboration. The center emphasizes the idea of an “autonomous decentralized network,” in which each region connects independently without relying on a centralized system. It functions as a neutral space where researchers and stakeholders with diverse perspectives can engage in frank discussions, while also aiming to enhance the research and educational capacity of the Graduate School of Economics.
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The Slavic-Eurasian Research Center hosts co-creation research seminars that facilitate dialogue among researchers, citizens, media, industry, and policymakers. These seminars provide a safe environment for discussing sensitive topics, including international boundaries and political issues, ensuring that all voices and opposite opinions are heard.
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On October 5, 2024, Hokkaido University, together with Yomiuri Shimbun Hokkaido and JICA, convened a public symposium titled “From Hokkaido University: Envisioning a New World – Be Ambitious! Proposals for the Future.” This forum tackled a cascade of global challenges—conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, the clash between democracy and authoritarianism, geopolitical risks, aging societies, climate change—through the lenses of sustainability, innovation, and diversity. With keynote speeches followed by panel discussions including civic representatives and students, the symposium created a shared space to present, contest, and co-develop ideas about the role of higher education in shaping a resilient future.
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In October 2024, Hokkaido University’s Slavic-Eurasian Research Center and the Embassy of Ukraine to Japan co-hosted a lecture by Ambassador Serhii Korsunskyi under the title “Cooperation for the Future of Eurasia: Dialogue between Ukraine and Japan.” The ambassador spoke about the current situation in Ukraine, international relations, and expressed gratitude for Japan’s support. During the Q&A session, he addressed a wide range of questions, including the prospects for peace and regional relations. The event provided a neutral and safe academic space for candid exchanges of views from diverse perspectives.
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On December 14, 2024, the Hokkaido University Museum hosted the 9th session of its Saturday Civic Seminar series, featuring Professor Toshikazu Yokoro from the Graduate School of Law. The seminar took a neutral stance-no judgment, no side-taking-and invited community members to explore how civil disputes such as traffic accidents, business conflicts, and family issues can be resolved beyond conventional court litigation. By demystifying non-court procedures and encouraging questions about how the system works as a whole, the forum enabled participants to engage openly and safely with different perspectives on justice and conflict resolution.
Impact
Through these initiatives, Hokkaido University has significantly enhanced opportunities for open and constructive political discussions. By providing neutral platforms and safe environments, the university empowers different political stakeholders to engage in dialogue, consider opposition, and respect diverse political perspectives. These efforts contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society, reinforcing the university’s leadership in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions through education and community engagement.
