Event Report: Conference on the Role of Universities in International Cooperation Based on Multilateralism
The symposium at the University of Tokyo brought together representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations University (UNU), university leadership, researchers, and students to discuss the future of multilateralism, development, technological change, and higher education in an increasingly unstable world. Through keynote speeches and panel discussions, the event explored how universities and international organizations can collaborate to address interconnected global challenges such as conflict, climate change, inequality, and rapid digital transformation.
A major theme throughout the symposium was the growing fragility of the international system despite unprecedented global interconnectedness. Speakers emphasized that regional conflicts, climate shocks, economic crises, and technological disruptions now produce worldwide consequences through supply chains, migration, energy markets, and food systems. Discussions highlighted how geopolitical tensions and declining trust in international institutions are placing increasing pressure on multilateral cooperation at a time when global coordination is most necessary.
In his keynote address, Alexander De Croo, Administrator of UNDP, argued that development and security should no longer be treated as separate issues. He described governance, public trust, and resilient institutions as the foundations of stability, emphasizing that weak institutions allow local crises to escalate into broader regional and global instability. He also stressed that development today is increasingly understood not as one-sided aid, but as long-term partnership, investment, and co-creation between countries, communities, and the private sector.
Several discussions focused on the evolving role of the UN and UNDP in response to changing global conditions. Speakers reflected on how the United Nations has expanded its mission over the past 80 years—from postwar peacebuilding and nation-building to poverty reduction, health crises, sustainable development, and digital governance. Panelists noted that the current international environment requires more integrated and systems-oriented approaches that connect humanitarian assistance, governance reform, economic development, and technological innovation.
Japan’s role within international cooperation was another central topic. Participants emphasized that Japan’s contribution extends beyond financial assistance to include leadership in areas such as human security, long-term partnership building, and knowledge production. Discussions also addressed concerns about Japan’s domestic challenges, including demographic decline and economic stagnation. In response, speakers argued that Japan remains globally influential through its research institutions, cultural contributions, technological innovation, and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Artificial intelligence and digital technology emerged as key themes in discussions about future development and education. Participants explored both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, particularly regarding inequality, governance, data access, and the concentration of technological power. Examples were shared of AI applications in agriculture, environmental management, and disaster prediction, while concerns were raised about bias, privacy, digital dependence, and unequal access to computing resources. Multiple speakers emphasized the need for stronger regulation and interdisciplinary education that combines engineering, public policy, ethics, and international cooperation.
The University of Tokyo leadership highlighted the role of universities as institutions that connect knowledge with societal action. President Teruo Fujii and Executive Vice President Kaori Hayashi emphasized the university’s commitment to international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and partnerships with organizations such as UNDP, UNU, and UNIDO. They described universities as spaces where students and researchers can engage directly with global challenges while contributing to evidence-based policymaking and international dialogue.
Students raised questions about career pathways, international engagement, and the role of young researchers in addressing global issues. Speakers encouraged students to move beyond narrow disciplinary boundaries and engage with broader societal challenges such as climate change, inequality, governance, and technological ethics. Discussions also stressed the importance of maintaining optimism and resisting cynicism in an era often dominated by negative global narratives.
Overall, the symposium presented universities, international organizations, and young researchers as essential actors in strengthening multilateral cooperation and building resilient societies. Across discussions on governance, development, AI, sustainability, and education, participants emphasized that addressing global fragility will require long-term collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and renewed trust in international institutions and scientific knowledge.
A major theme throughout the symposium was the growing fragility of the international system despite unprecedented global interconnectedness. Speakers emphasized that regional conflicts, climate shocks, economic crises, and technological disruptions now produce worldwide consequences through supply chains, migration, energy markets, and food systems. Discussions highlighted how geopolitical tensions and declining trust in international institutions are placing increasing pressure on multilateral cooperation at a time when global coordination is most necessary.
In his keynote address, Alexander De Croo, Administrator of UNDP, argued that development and security should no longer be treated as separate issues. He described governance, public trust, and resilient institutions as the foundations of stability, emphasizing that weak institutions allow local crises to escalate into broader regional and global instability. He also stressed that development today is increasingly understood not as one-sided aid, but as long-term partnership, investment, and co-creation between countries, communities, and the private sector.
Several discussions focused on the evolving role of the UN and UNDP in response to changing global conditions. Speakers reflected on how the United Nations has expanded its mission over the past 80 years—from postwar peacebuilding and nation-building to poverty reduction, health crises, sustainable development, and digital governance. Panelists noted that the current international environment requires more integrated and systems-oriented approaches that connect humanitarian assistance, governance reform, economic development, and technological innovation.
Japan’s role within international cooperation was another central topic. Participants emphasized that Japan’s contribution extends beyond financial assistance to include leadership in areas such as human security, long-term partnership building, and knowledge production. Discussions also addressed concerns about Japan’s domestic challenges, including demographic decline and economic stagnation. In response, speakers argued that Japan remains globally influential through its research institutions, cultural contributions, technological innovation, and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Artificial intelligence and digital technology emerged as key themes in discussions about future development and education. Participants explored both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, particularly regarding inequality, governance, data access, and the concentration of technological power. Examples were shared of AI applications in agriculture, environmental management, and disaster prediction, while concerns were raised about bias, privacy, digital dependence, and unequal access to computing resources. Multiple speakers emphasized the need for stronger regulation and interdisciplinary education that combines engineering, public policy, ethics, and international cooperation.
The University of Tokyo leadership highlighted the role of universities as institutions that connect knowledge with societal action. President Teruo Fujii and Executive Vice President Kaori Hayashi emphasized the university’s commitment to international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and partnerships with organizations such as UNDP, UNU, and UNIDO. They described universities as spaces where students and researchers can engage directly with global challenges while contributing to evidence-based policymaking and international dialogue.
Students raised questions about career pathways, international engagement, and the role of young researchers in addressing global issues. Speakers encouraged students to move beyond narrow disciplinary boundaries and engage with broader societal challenges such as climate change, inequality, governance, and technological ethics. Discussions also stressed the importance of maintaining optimism and resisting cynicism in an era often dominated by negative global narratives.
Overall, the symposium presented universities, international organizations, and young researchers as essential actors in strengthening multilateral cooperation and building resilient societies. Across discussions on governance, development, AI, sustainability, and education, participants emphasized that addressing global fragility will require long-term collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and renewed trust in international institutions and scientific knowledge.
