We held the kickoff meeting for International Program on Co-Creative Designer for Realization of SWGs Society in Sub-Saharan Region.

On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the University of Yamanashi, Kitasato University, and the University of Ghana held the kickoff meeting for their collaborative project, ” International Program on Co-Creative Designer for Realization of SWGs Society in Sub-Saharan Region.” The project was selected for the Inter-University Exchange Project  (selected in FY2025) – Promoting Inter-University Exchanges with Universities in India and Africa. The event took place at the Omura Satoshi Memorial Hall on the second floor of the Omura Satoshi Memorial Academic Museum at the University of Yamanashi, with approximately 50 attendees.

In the first part of the kickoff meeting, following a ceremony by representatives from the University of Yamanashi, Kitasato University, and the University of Ghana declaring the launch of the project, opening remarks were delivered by President Kazuhiko Nakamura of the University of Yamanashi. These were followed by remarks from university representatives participating in the program: Professor Sei Kazuari of Kitasato University and Professor Felix Ankomah Asante of the University of Ghana. Furthermore, Project Director and Professor Hiroshi Ishihira of the University of Yamanashi gave an overview of the project, explaining the necessity of a new human resource development program looking ahead to post-SDGs, as well as its three sub-programs: the joint degree program, the short-term experience program, and the faculty and staff training program.

In the second part of the kickoff meeting, a panel discussion was held with project administrators and students participating in the program. Attendees reviewed past achievements in research and educational cooperation between universities in Japan and Ghana, and exchanged views on expectations for the project, which aims to develop human resources oriented toward SWGs.

Through this meeting, CoDeWS officially announced the commencement of its activities to both internal and external stakeholders. Moving forward, the program will promote the development of human resources equipped with specialized skills, co-creation capabilities, and implementation skills who can contribute to a sustainable, well-being-oriented society.