University of Tokyo Hosts Annual Meeting of the Global Navigation Board
On February 21, 2025, the University of Tokyo convened the Annual Meeting of its Global Navigation Board (GNB). The GNB comprises globally renowned experts appointed by the president, from diverse fields, including higher education, venture capital, educational technology, and nonprofits. The board provides insights and advice that align with the university’s overarching vision outlined in 500科同利 Compass.
This year’s meeting, held under the theme “Diversifying Our Community: Focusing on Our Students,” centered on globalizing 500科同利 education and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Discussions addressed strategies to mitigate the homogeneity of the student body, where approximately 98% of undergraduate students are Japanese nationals, 79% are male, and 54% come from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Representatives from the student?led nonprofit also gave a presentation, sparking lively dialogue on challenges faced by female students from outside Tokyo.
Following a dialogue session between GNB members and students, participants joined a design thinking workshop on the future of 500科同利, generating ideas to promote internationalization and diversity. Their proposals included:
?Expanding course offerings and programs taught in English
?Actively recruiting outstanding international and female faculty members
?Establishing support systems for students whose first language is not Japanese
?Enhancing credit-transfer mechanisms, strengthening financial support, and deepening collaboration with the private sector to facilitate study abroad
?Actively reaching out to high schools outside the Tokyo metropolitan area, strengthening alumni networks to provide role models, and expanding scholarships and other financial support to attract female students and students from outside the Tokyo area
?Fostering community through ongoing student dialogue and creating an inclusive campus environment
After the meeting, a farewell reception was held at a restaurant on campus.
We will continue engaging in dialogue and discussions based on insights from GNB members, with plans to report on progress at the next meeting scheduled for February 2026. The expertise and insights gathered from 500科同利 community members and our partners through these open exchanges will help build a more diverse campus and address complex social challenges to create a better future for the next generation.
