Kobe University UNESCO Chair “Education Program 2025“ “Joining together to reduce disaster – how can we promote safety?” (Theme for 2025)

The Kobe University UNESCO Chair “Gender, Vulnerability and Well-being in Disaster Risk Reduction Support” was begun in 2018 and is a project to create a network with overseas universities for research, training and education pertaining to disaster, gender and well-being. (Further information: About UNESCO Chair ) 

One of the activities of the Kobe University UNESCO Chair is the “Education Program” which is held jointly with our overseas partners.
 In this program, Kobe University students learn about disaster and engage in international exchange with students from Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia. Along with learning about gender and disaster, the experience of working in small groups composed of students from multiple countries enables participants to sharpen their international understanding and communication skills.

We are seeking participants for the 2025 Education Program, so if you are interested please apply. 

Outline of the Education Program

• Date: 6 December (Saturday) –7 December (Sunday)
• Venue: Online
• Theme: “Joining together to reduce disaster risk – how can we promote safety?”
• Language: English
• Content (Tentative)
  • [Day 1] In the morning, students from each university will give presentations about “Disaster, Gender, Vulnerability and Well-being” in their location and/or country. This will be followed by a panel discussion on “Disaster, Environment and Sustainability.” In the afternoon, students will be given a task and then break into small groups composed of students from each of the five participating countries to begin discussion about the task.
  • [Day 2] Groups will use the morning to further deepen their discussion, and in the afternoon each group will report back to the plenary about the results of their work.

*In addition to the Conference itself, there will be several preparatory and follow-up sessions. 
**Kobe University students will meet several times to prepare for the presentation to be given on the first day. Details regarding dates, etc. will be decided according to the needs of the participants. There will also be follow-up sessions. Dates will be announced after consultation with the participants.
***Students who participate in the entire program will receive a “Kobe University UNESCO Chair Certificate of Completion.” 

Application information

• Application period: 6 October 2025 (Monday) – 31 October 2025 (Friday)
• Eligibility: Kobe University students (undergraduate or graduate) who are interested in the theme and want to engage in discussions and presentations in English.
• Number of applicants to be accepted: About 10
• Application method: GEMs Student MyPage

• Further information: Kobe University Gender Equality Division, e-mail: gnrl-unesco(at)office.kobe-u.ac.jp
  *Please change (at) to @ when you send an e-mail.