Shizuoka City SDGs Youth Action Forum

This forum was held in person on Saturday, January 25, 2025,

showcasing the activities of young people engaged in SDGs initiatives in Shizuoka City!

 

  

Overview

Under the theme "Young People Shaping Shizuoka City with Supporting Companies and Organizations!", this event provided a platform for young individuals actively working in fields such as community development and local contribution to present on their activities. With around 80 participants, the forum served as an excellent opportunity for youth and companies/organizations to connect.

Objectives

• Raise awareness among young people and businesses about promoting SDGs in Shizuoka City through youth presentations.
• Facilitate networking between local youth and companies/organizations, encouraging youth-led solutions to regional issues and fostering business opportunities.

Date & Venue

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Coupole Hall, 5th Floor (2-2 Koya-machi, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Presentation Examples (Materials in Japanese)

Presentation slides can be accessed here.

Below are three key examples of initiatives presented at the event:

Ethical Paper Made from Unused Tea Resources

Two high school students collaborated with a company to develop “Chap-Cycle”, an upcycling project using recourses left over when processing green tea (or cha in Japanese). Shizuoka City is known for its green tea culture and this project created eco-friendly paper with the fragrance of green tea, which is now being sold as business cards and bookmarks.

Learning from Disaster: Student-led Support for Noto

A student group from Shizuoka called “Konpas”, shared their efforts in supporting the recovery of areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake (January 2024, Ishikawa Prefecture). The group’s name is inspired by the idea of connecting the 'S' from Shizuoka and the 'N' from Noto, resembling a compass. Their activities include selling Noto's local products, sharing information, and participating in disaster relief volunteering.

Regional Revitalization of Shichiken-cho Using Generative AI & Video Technology

A team of university students and businesses collaborated on "The Video Creative Challenge", a project aimed at revitalizing Shichiken-cho, Shizuoka City's entertainment district. The initiative involved workshops teaching participants how to create videos using generative AI, followed by a video contest showcasing their work. The winning videos were screened at a local cinema in Shichiken-cho.

Event Flow

Part 1: Case Study Presentations

Young presenters and their corporate/organizational partners gave joint presentations. Four groups presented for 8 minutes each.

Part 2: Networking Booths

A 30-minute session where presenters and attendees freely interacted.

 

Feedback from young presenters included:

• "We were happy to share our activities with a wider audience!"

Attendees, including youth, businesses, and organizations, commented:

• "We feel inspired to support them."
• "Seeing the potential of young people was truly motivating!"

 

This event successfully empowered youth and fostered partnerships,

creating a positive impact on both individuals and organizations.