Congratulations on your success in passing the entrance exam for the Faculty of Human Environment. Thank you very much for your interest in the Faculty of Sustainability Studies. My name is Takesada, Dean of the Faculty. Please accept my best regards.
I am sure you are all happy about your success and hopeful about your new life as a university student. At the same time, you may be anxious about your future work and life.
The Faculty of Sustainability Studies has a great goal to contribute to building a sustainable society. At first glance, you may think that you are expected to devote your life to a major social issue. However, we want not only those with such ambitions, but also those who are anxious about their future work, their lives, their families, their surroundings, and many other things.
Of course we need a peaceful world without nuclear weapons, a world without poverty, a world that can cope with climate change. But it is equally important, and in some cases more important, to create a society in which diverse people can live the life they want. Rather, I believe that by extension, a peaceful world and a society without poverty and environmental problems await us.
Even before the Corona, it seemed that our society needed change, although I can't say exactly what . The Corona disaster made that need even clearer. On the other hand, I can't say that we have yet successfully found how to create the mechanisms to make change happen ( for example, on one issue, such as married couples) . The creation of " a society in which no one is left behind," as stated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is the accumulation of such small social changes.
The Faculty of Sustainability Studies brings together faculty, staff, and students with various academic fields, work experiences, and backgrounds to think about how society should be so that each individual can lead a sustainable life . Together, we aim to create the knowledge, methods, experience, and wisdom necessary to make that happen. Due to the Corona disaster, we have been forced to make various changes, such as expanding online classes and reducing opportunities for on-site visits. However, we believe that even in such a situation, there are opportunities to discover what we can control and find great possibilities by collaborating with others.
I am very much looking forward to working with you in April in a learning environment where we can "create together" . Although there are many concerns such as the re-spread of the infection, I hope that you will spend the rest of your high school years in good health and start your university life with a lot of hope. I welcome you all from the bottom of my heart. Congratulations again.
