On May 16, 2025, Soka University in Japan and Earth Charter International (ECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a special online signing ceremony. The event featured remarks by Prof. Mika Suzuki, President of Soka University, who shared the university’s vision of fostering global citizens capable of creating value.
This partnership aims to jointly organize seminars, webinars, study abroad courses on sustainability, global ethics, and global citizenship for Soka University students and the broader community. It also seeks to create opportunities for students and faculty to engage with the Earth Charter, learn about education for sustainability, and explore the work of ECI in Costa Rica.
Representing Soka University at the ceremony were Mr. Yoshihide Akiya Vice Chairperson, Prof. Hideki Tamai, Vice President, Prof. Michiyo Kakegawa, Director of SDGs Promoting Center, Prof. Satoshi Sasaki, Director of Global Citizenship Programme and Assoc. Prof. Taeko Yasutake, Dean of International Affairs, among others.
On behalf of Earth Charter International, participants included Michael Bracken, Chair of the ECI Board; Sam Crowell, Council member and faculty at the Earth Charter Education Center; Alicia Jimenez, Director of Programmes; and Mirian Vilela, Executive Director.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to highlight Soka University’s initiatives related to global citizenship, the SDGs, and humanistic education. Central to the university’s mission is the goal of becoming a leading institution for research and education that fosters global citizens capable of engaging in “value-creation activities”—defined by Daisaku Ikeda and Tsunesaburo Makiguchi as “the capacity to find meaning, to enhance one’s own existence, and to contribute to the well-being of others under any circumstance.”
An overview of the Global Citizenship Programme was offered at this occasion, emphasizing that, since its launch in 2010, it has sought to nurture individuals who embody wisdom, compassion, and courage—qualities essential for promoting peace and the betterment of humanity.
In her remarks, ECI Executive Director Mirian Vilela underscored the importance of creating opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds to come together, exchange perspectives, and broaden their understanding of the human-nature relationship, planetary consciousness, and international collaboration.
Both parties expressed their enthusiasm for this new collaboration and look forward to engaging in fruitful and innovative joint projects.
