How are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put into practice in local cities? How can approaches such as decarbonisation, the circular economy, and Nature Positive be applied to the future of local communities?
The Kitakyushu SDGs Training Programme, organised by IGES, is an in-person programme conducted in English. Participants will visit leading companies and organisations in Kitakyushu that are working toward sustainable operations and management, and learn about their practical initiatives on site. By visiting places such as one of Japan’s largest offshore wind power projects, the Kitakyushu Eco-Town, and a professional football club, participants will interact with various stakeholders to explore possible solutions to the challenges they face from the perspective of the SDGs.
This programme is open to undergraduate and graduate students living in Japan, regardless of nationality, who have a strong interest in areas such as sustainable societies, environmental policy, decarbonisation, resource circulation, and biodiversity. Over the course of one week, participants from diverse backgrounds will explore together the challenges and the potential of local cities from multiple perspectives. We warmly invite you to join this programme as an opportunity to learn in the field, think together with your peers, and explore how you can contribute to the future.
■ Main Programme
- 1. A pre-briefing session to be held online for two hours in late July 2026,with the date to be determined based on the availability of selected participants;
- 2. A one-week on-site training programme in Kitakyushu City from 24 to 28 August 2026, held in person only.Participants are expected to arrive in Kitakyushu on the afternoon of 23 August.
- 3. Submit a report after the programme.
Please see the programme details below:
■ Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- ● Be undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate students residing in Japan, regardless of nationality;
- ● Have academic interest or expertise in at least one of the following areas；
- ● Zero carbon, climate change mitigation, renewable energy
- ● Circular economy, recycling
- ● Nature-positive approach, forestry, and biodiversity
- ● Have the ambition to become future SDGs leaders;
- ● Have sufficient English proficiency to participate in discussions and activities conducted in English;
- ● Be able to participate in and complete all parts of the programme.
■ Participation fee etc.
Participation is free of charge and includes the following:
- ● Accommodation at JICA Kyushu with breakfast from 23-28/29 August (Participants may choose either 28 or 29 for check-out);
- ● Official programme activities, including lectures, site visits, and workshops
- ● Transportation during the programme;
- ● Interpretation form Japanese to English, as necessary;
- ● Program-related materials
Participants are expected to bear the following costs:
- ● Transportation to JICA Kyushu on 23 August and return from Kitakyushu on 28 or 29 August;
- ● Lunch and dinner;
- ● Travel Insurance;
- ● Internet related cost for online meetings;
- ● Any other personal expenses
■ Required attachments:
- ● Copy of student ID (jpg or png)
- ● Copy of health insurance card (jpg or png)
- ● Proof of English proficiency (if available; e.g., test score certificate, jpg or png)
Event Details
（Participants are required to arrive in Kitakyushu on 23 August PM time）
IGES Kitakyushu Urban Centre, JICA Kyushu Center, and other visiting companies and places in Kitakyushu City of Fukuoka Prefecture.
(IGES Kitakyushu Urban Centre: International Village Center 3F, 1-1-1, Hirano, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 805-0062, Japan )
*Please see the tentative programme
Please apply using the online registration form below.
Application Deadline: Monday, 29 June 2026, 10:00 AM (JST)
https://forms.gle/aqeUo3q8zbYsHoRG9
IGES Kitakyushu Urban Centre
International Village Center 3F 1-1-1, Hirano, Yahata-Higashi-Ku, Kitakyushu City, JAPAN 805-0062
Tel: +81-93-681-1563 | Fax: +81-93-681-1564 | E-mail: [email protected]
Person in charge: Shino Horizono, Junko Ota