Report

The Inter-Island Sustainability Educational Program Kickoff Symposium was held in Hawaiʻi. Prior to the symposium, a student-organized ice-breaking session took place, fostering connections among participants from Okinawa, Hawaiʻi, and Taiwan in a relaxed atmosphere. The details are as follows:

Ice Breaking Session for Kick-off Symposium 2024

Date and Time: Monday, February 12, 2024, 15:30 – 17:00
Venue: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Program:
　1. Opening Remarks
　2. Self-introduction: Rounding Sushi Game
　3. Communication: Sponge Tower
　4. Free Discussion
　5. Okinawan Dance “Kachashi”

Inter-Island Sustainability Educational Program Kickoff Symposium 2024

Date and Time: Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Moanahōkū
Program:
1. Opening Remarks
Mutsumi Nishida (President, University of the Ryukyus)

2. Keynote Speech
Larry Kimura (Professor, College of Hawaiian Language, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo)
“‘O Ka ‘Ōlelo ka Hoe Uli, Language is the Steering Paddle”

3. Presentations by University of the Ryukyus Students
Presentation Topics:
　- Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture
　- Harmony of Co-existence, Poverty
　- Nature and Environment
　- Health and Longevity, Island Medical Care
　- Harmony of Co-existence, Immigration and Language Conservation

4. Introduction to the Inter-Island Sustainability Educational Program

5. Panel Discussion
Moderator: Masahide Ishihara (Executive Vice President, University of the Ryukyus)
Panelists:
　- Todd Shumway (Director of Global Exchange, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo)
　- Ming-Chien Su (Professor, College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography, National Dong Hwa University)
　- Brian Yamamoto (Professor, Department of Natural Sciences, Kauaʻi Community College)
　- Szu-Meng Wu (Professor, Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University)
　- Brandon Marc Higa (Director of Resource Development, Kapiʻolani Community College)
　- Ikue Kina (Professor, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies, University of the Ryukyus)