SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
Shaping the Future with JICA: The SDGs, Dynamic Realities of Developing Countries, and Our Path Forward
Japan International Cooperation Agency
The year 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the past decade, the circumstances facing developing countries have changed significantly. With less than six years remaining until the target year 2030 for achieving the SDGs, it is crucial to consider what we must focus on to ensure that we can work together toward a sustainable global society. We look forward to a meaningful and engaging discussion with the participants on these vital issues!
This event is hosted by the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development.
※The venue opening time is scheduled to change from 9:30 to 10:00, and the event starting time from 10:00 to 10:30.
Discussion
- SDGs
- post-SDGs
- Developing Countries
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Agenda2025
Participation Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.10.05[Sun]
10:00 ～ 12:00
(Venue Open 09:30)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
10:30-11:00 Keynote Speech "The significance, challenges and future prospects of the SDGs”
・Norichika Kanie, Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
Professor Kanie will speak about the significance of the SDGs in developing countries and the role of development cooperation in today's global context.
11:00-12:20 Discussion "Translating Global Goals into National and Local Actions"
・Haruko Kamei, Director General, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development
・Kei Endo, Senior Research Fellow, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development
・Masako Izukawa, Deputy Director, Advanced City Promotion Division, Policy Planning Department, Toyota City
・3 JICA Scholars from Laos, Uganda and Mozambique
This discussion will explore the current status, challenges, and future directions of SDGs initiatives and its measurement across various countries and regions, focusing on cases from a Japanese local government and developing countries.
12:20-12:30 Closing Remarks "Toward realizing a society where people's lives, livelihoods and dignity are protected"
・Yoichi Mine, Executive Director, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development
Based on the discussion, he wll deliver a message regarding the achievement of the SDGs and the realization of human security.
Reports
【Reflection】
With less than six years remaining until the target year 2030 for achieving the SDGs, this event explored what we must focus on to ensure that we can work together toward a sustainable global society, bringing together diverse perspectives from Japan and around the world.
In the keynote speech, “The Significance, Challenges and Future Prospects of the SDGs, and Beyond 2030: Toward a Future Society for Life”, Professor Kanie Norichika of Keio University emphasized the importance of sustainability across three dimensions; environment, economy, and society. He particularly highlighted the perspective of viewing the funding gap as a business opportunity, the Japanese government's initiatives and leadership, and the necessity of “transformation” to achieve the SDGs.
The discussion, moderated by Kamei Haruko, Director General, JICA Ogata Research Institute for Peace and Development (JICA Ogata Research Institute) centered on the theme “Translating Global Goals into National and Local Actions.” Endo Kei, Senior Research Fellow, JICA Ogata Research Institute, introduced SDG initiatives and their localization by Japanese municipalities. Following this, Izukawa Masako, Deputy Director of Policy Planning Department, Toyota City, presented concrete initiatives in Toyota City, including public-private partnerships and unique indicators. Additionally, three JICA scholarship students from Laos, Uganda, and Mozambique introduced the current progress of SDGs in their respective countries. A forward-looking discussion unfolded on how government, private sector, academia, and different national perspectives can each contribute to achieving the SDGs. In his remarks, Professor Kanie emphasized the importance of the SDGs as a common language. He also stressed that precisely because every country is still “a developing country” in terms of achieving the SDGs, a mindset of mutual learning is crucial.
The closing remarks by Mine Yoichi, Executive Director, JICA Ogata Research Institute, emphasized the importance of visualizing challenges within local communities and promoting resident-led initiatives to achieve the SDGs. He also expressed JICA's commitment to advancing support from a human security perspective. Furthermore, he shared strong hope that this event would serve as a meaningful step toward building a society where no one is left behind.
Books on SDGs and Local Communities:
“SDGs and Japan: Human Security Indicators for Leaving No One Behind”
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/jica_ri/publication/booksandreports/20201117_01.html
“SDGs and Local Communities: How to Create Human Security Indicators in Your Town!”
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/jica_ri/publication/booksandreports/1531176_24204.html
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
The JICA Ogata Research Institute is advancing a research project on developing an indicator framework for the post-2030 international development goals that will follow the SDGs.
There are 17 SDGs with 169 targets, and to measure the progress of each of these targets, the SDG indicator framework sets out 234 indicators. These indicators serve as objective benchmarks for assessing progress toward goal achievement. However, due to the large number of indicators and the significant burden of data collection, sufficient data is often unavailable. This is especially the case in developing countries where the lack of data hinders progress assessment and policy formulation. Recognizing this challenge, the JICA Ogata Research Institute is working on a recommendation to categorize the global indicators into two groups:“global core indicators” and“local indicators.”
Furthermore, as JICA's research institute with the mission of realizing“Human Security,” the JICA Ogata Research Institute will continue its research and disseminate the results to make intellectual contributions toward realizing a society where the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of all people are protected.
To learn more about human security initiatives at the JICA Ogata Research Institute:
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/jica_ri/research/pickup/humansecurity/1546300_56110.html
To learn more about the study on the indicator framework for post-2030 international development goals:
Research Project “Study on the Indicator Framework for Post-2030 International Development Goals”
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/jica_ri/research/environment/1535667_16266.html
Blog “Exploring an Indicator Framework for the Post-2030 International Development Goals that will Follow the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/jica_ri/news/interview/2024/1547622_53347.html
Cast
Moderator
Haruko KAMEI
Director General, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development
She has built a distinguished career at JICA since joining in 1998, holding various significant positions. Her roles have included Director General of the Human Development Department, Chief Representative of the JICA Cambodia Office, and Deputy Director General of the Governance and Peace Building Department, where she was responsible for the Office of Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction. In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Kamei is an accomplished author. Her book, "Mirai wo Hiraku Michi （A Road to the Future）", which explores the history of Japan’s ODA projects to Nepal, was honored with the JSCE （Japan Society of Civil Engineers） Book of the Year award in 2019.
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Speakers
Norichika KANIE
Professor at Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
He is also a representative of xSDG Laboratory, Keio Research Institute at SFC. His research focuses on International Relations, Sustainability Science and Earth System Governance. He has participated in the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the common goals adopted by United Nations, from the conception stage. He is a leading authority on the SDGs, and is striving to balance research and practice. He was one of the 15 Independent Group of Scientists appointed by the UN Secretary General to write the Global Sustainable Development Report 2023.
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Yoichi MINE
Executive Director, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development
While serving for JICA Ogata Research Institute, he has also worked for Osaka University and Doshisha University and is currently Visiting Professor, Graduate School of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University, and Extraordinary Professor, the Department of Political Science, Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He advocates the idea of human security worldwide and write extensively about global issues, modern global history, SDGs, and international relations. His publications include: Connecting Africa and Asia: Afrasia as a Benign Community (Routledge) and An Oral History of Development Cooperation: Japan as a Global Bridging Agent (Springer, forthcoming). He has also translated books on the philosophy of dignity, African women’s literature, and development economics into Japanese.
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Kei ENDO
Senior Research Fellow, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development
After working in the South Asia Department (in charge of India) of JICA, the JICA Indonesia Office, and other departments, he is currently engaged in research on SDGs, sustainable development, and public-private partnerships at the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development. He aims to contribute both practically and academically to the sustainable development of countries all over the world, including developing countries, and Japan.
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Masako IZUKAWA
Deputy Director, Advanced City Promotion Division, Policy Planning Department, Toyota City
She is currently the Deputy Director of SDGs planning and international affairs of the Advanced City Promotion Division of Policy Planning Department at Toyota City Hall.
In her role, she manages the promotion of the SDGs Future City Plan and SDGs monitoring and evaluation in Toyota City.
She has also worked on local SDGs project in collaboration with international organizations and local governments overseas. Especially this fiscal year, she leads the secretariat of the 2025 International Mayors Forum, which Toyota City will co-organize with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs from 14 to 16 of October, 2025 in Toyota city.
She began her career as a public servant in the City of Toyota in 2004. After over 10 years of experience as an official of Toyota City Government, she had been on a secondment to the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) as a researcher from April 2020 to March 2024.
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Monephaeng THETSISOULATH
JICA Scholar from Laos
She is a JICA scholar from Laos, currently studying in Kansai, Japan. In her home country, she served as a technical officer at the Ministry of Finance. She was responsible for state budget planning, monitoring budget execution, and contributing to the development of public finance policies. She also worked in debt management and supported the drafting of legal and regulatory frameworks related to financial governance.
Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Global Studies at Doshisha University, focusing on competency-based human resource development (HRD) and its impact on the performance of public financial management systems in Laos. Her research aims to explore how building public servant capacity can strengthen financial governance, institutional performance, and resilience; particularly in advancing SDGs such as disaster preparedness (SDG 11.b) and effective institutions (SDG 16).
Her academic and professional efforts are committed to building stronger, more transparent, and responsive public institutions in Laos.
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Richard SSEMPALA
JICA Scholar from Uganda
He is a trained economist with a focus on health economics, public finance, macro economics and econometrics. His PhD research is on the taxation of unhealthy commodities as a feasible way of reducing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs); generating more revenues for the government as well as contributing to the broader Sustainable Development Goal 3.
He strives to be "An Element of Change" in his community, country and the world at large using his expertise and strategic networks.
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Denilson JOSÉ
JICA Scholar from Mozambique
JICA scholar from Mozambique, currently studying in Kansai, Japan. In Mozambique, as the Founder and Executive Director of One Click Mozambique, his main focus was Business Development, driving the overall strategic direction and growth of the company. In this capacity, he was responsible for operational management, financial health, ensuring the delivery of high-quality marketing and communication services, and maintaining a positive and productive work environment. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Global Studies at Doshisha University.
Denilson's Master's research at Doshisha University is dedicated to understanding inclusive finance in developing economies, specifically investigating the limitations of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in effectively serving informal and street vendors in urban centers like Maputo. His work critically examines how MFI models may systematically exclude this vital economic segment, drawing on theoretical frameworks including asymmetric information, transaction cost economics, institutional theory, and social capital theory. Through this research, he aims to identify strategies that enhance financial resilience, contribute to poverty reduction for marginalized entrepreneurs, and bridge the gap between formal financial systems and the vibrant Mozambican informal economy.
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SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
Shaping the Future with JICA: The SDGs, Dynamic Realities of Developing Countries, and Our Path Forward
The year 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the past decade, the circumstances facing developing countries have changed significantly. With less than six years remaining until the target year 2030 for achieving the SDGs, it is crucial to consider what we must focus on to ensure that we can work together toward a sustainable global society. We look forward to a meaningful and engaging discussion with the participants on these vital issues!
This event is hosted by the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development.
※The venue opening time is scheduled to change from 9:30 to 10:00, and the event starting time from 10:00 to 10:30.
-
2025.10.05[Sun]
10:00～12:00
(Venue Open 09:30)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
