Sophia University

Sophia University, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a prestigious academic institution with a strong focus on international education and research. The university's Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Education, is particularly notable for its research in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as defined by UNESCO.

The Department of Education at Sophia University, established in 1952, offers comprehensive programs that examine educational issues from pedagogical, practical, and international perspectives. It aims to cultivate knowledge and practical skills to deliver education that values human dignity, with specialization in basic, practical, and international education areas.

Professor Miki Sugimura, the UNESCO Chairholder on Education for Human Dignity, Peace and Sustainability since 2024, leads research initiatives that create platforms for mutual learning across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Her research focuses on the mobility of people and education in the context of internationalization and globalization, examining education for migrants, refugees, and overseas workers while exploring how knowledge exchange through education can promote a sustainable future.

The department's research approach emphasizes process over results, aiming to learn from history to create paths toward educational ideals. It has produced graduates who have pursued careers in international organizations, educational institutions, and research bodies, working on diverse educational issues from developing countries to multicultural societies.