On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University (UNU; Administration: Tokyo) and concurrently UN Under-Secretary, visited Ehime University. He paid a courtesy visit to President Nishina Hiroshige and delivered a special lecture.
During the courtesy visit, accompanied by Director Yamaguchi Shinobu of the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and Ms. Horio Taka, head of the Postgraduate Degree and Training Program, the delegation was welcomed by President Nishina of Ehime University, Executive Director and Vice President Mitsunobu Kazuhiro of the Office of International Relations, and Special Aide to the President Kobayashi Osamu.
During the meeting, President Nishina delivered a welcoming address, followed by Rector Marwala, who introduced the mission of the United Nations University and its global network of centers, as well as the activities of the UNU SDG-Universities Platform (UNU SDG-UP).
Following the meeting, Rector Marwala toured the Ehime University Museum. Museum Director Nishimura Katsushi and Prof. Yoshida Hiroshi explained the university’s history in establishing the museum and provided details about the exhibits. Rector Marwala listened attentively and was deeply engaged by the explanations of the exhibits and panels.
Next, the venue was moved to the Nanka Memorial Hall for a special lecture by Rector Marwala.
The lecture, titled “Creating a Sustainable Society: the new roles of universities dealing with AI”, drew on international trends and his own research experience. It emphasized that universities are key players in societal development for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that they must actively engage with social challenges beyond the boundaries of education and research. It specifically proposed that universities should utilize AI while correctly assessing the ethical and environmental impacts brought about by its rapid advancement.
He also explained the history and mission of the United Nations University, calling on individuals to forge their own paths and make decisions to build a sustainable future.
After the lecture, a panel discussion was held with three participants: an international student, an undergraduate student, and a high school student. They exchanged questions and opinions regarding their respective areas of interest. In response to a question about how to interact with AI, Rector Marwala stated, “While AI is a convenient tool, it cannot create anything new. It is crucial to verify the answers AI provides and not become absorbed by AI.” Furthermore, it is important not to leave everything to AI, but to have your own thoughts and evaluate the answers AI provides. He thus reemphasized the importance of how we interact with AI. This special lecture was attended by 80 participants (including 25 online attendees), comprising 22 university students and 21 high school students. The attendees listened intently to Rector Marwala’s lecture. Questions continued even after the lecture ended, demonstrating the high level of interest in AI.
This visit provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Rector Marwala, who is active at the forefront of the international community and possesses extensive experience, particularly in the long-standing field of AI research and in supporting the achievement of the SDGs. We discussed the new role of universities in a society undergoing rapid change driven by AI across all fields.
Moving forward, our university will further strengthen its collaboration with the United Nations University, enhance education and research from an international perspective, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
＜SDGs Promotion Office / Institute for International Relations＞