- UNITAR gathered young leaders from universities across China to strengthen leadership skills and deepen understanding of the SDGs
- The participants explored roles in tracking SDG progress, identifying challenges, and proposing actionable solutions
- The programme highlighted Japan’s commitment to sustainability and international cooperation, inspiring participants to link global goals with local action
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21 August 2025, Hiroshima, Japan - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) concluded the Prosperity Unleashed: Empowering Young Innovators - Youth Leadership for SDGs Workshop in Tokyo on 9-11 July. This youth development programme features a three-day workshop, gathered 88 aspiring young leaders from universities across China, providing them with a platform to deepen their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The individuals learned how to strengthen leadership capacities, explore how young people can contribute to tracking SDG progress, identify challenges, and propose meaningful actions to achieve the SDGs.
Tokyo Workshop: Learning Session Highlights
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Over the first two days of the Tokyo workshop, held at the United Nations University Headquarters in Tokyo, participants took part in expert-led lectures and discussions led by representatives from the UN system, academia, and civil society.
Sessions focused on SDG evaluation, public engagement and communication, and youth-led approaches to inclusive community development. Notable guest speakers included Mr. Tetsuo Kondo, UNITAR Division for Prosperity Board Member and former Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representation Office in Tokyo, and Ms. Kaoru Nemoto, Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Tokyo.
The workshop also showcased good practices from community initiatives in Japan, with discussions led by Ms. Jue Wang, Project Assistant Professor in Developmental Psychology at the University of Tokyo, and Mr. Hiroaki Ishikawa, Founder of General Incorporated Association Community and Social Support for Childcare and Youth. Six university and high school students from Japan presented their community initiatives and engaged in lively cross-cultural dialogue with the Chinese participants through a panel discussion.
A special session on careers in the UN system was also delivered by Ms. Manuela Morelli, a global human resources consultant, who joined online from Geneva to share insights on career-building and opportunities in international organizations.
Throughout the workshop, students participated in hands-on group work and exchanged perspectives on how to apply SDG concepts within their local contexts.
On the final day, participants presented group projects showcasing their proposal for a youth-led SDG evaluation initiative. Proposals addressed real-world issues such as food waste, accessible public transportation, deforestation, and clean energy. A panel of experts from UNITAR and university faculty evaluated the presentations for relevance, potential impact, feasibility, and presentation quality.
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Group Achievements and Awards
The following teams were recognized as the top three performing groups:
- 1st Place - Judge’s Choice Award:
Group 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Members: Tong Shan, Li Yuheng, Liu Sirui, Chen Ruike, Zhang Ruixin - 2nd Place - Judge’s Choice Award:
Group 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Members: Zhang Shuyuan, Peng Xinrui, Zhou Yingcan, Chen Yifei, Zou Xinyi - 3rd Place - Judge’s Choice Award:
Group 15 – Life on Land
Members: Zhang Junru, Lyu Minwei, Yang Mengyao, Yu Zixuan, Lin Jiachun
Participants also voted for the Peer-Choice Awards, with the following groups receiving recognition:
- Most Creative:
Members: Xue Shiwen, Chen Haonan, Jin Zemei, ZhangZegang, Chen Jinghan - Most Inspiring:
Members: ZhiBinliang, Liu Yu, LiYuanshi, Yang Jinyan, Duan Bofeng - Best Presentation Style:
Members: Huang Jiayan, Shangguan Zhili, Jiang Yinjuan, Liang Cangming, Zhang Hongding
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The Tokyo workshop is part of UNITAR’s broader commitment to empowering youth worldwide through leadership training, international exchange, and SDG capacity-building. By combining academic learning, practical exposure, and global networking, the programme fosters the next generation of changemakers who will drive impact in their communities and beyond.
About the Programme - Prosperity Unleashed: Empowering Young Innovators
Prosperity Unleashed: Empowering Young Innovators is a UNITAR-led youth leadership programme that equips university students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Through dynamic lectures, group-based innovation challenges, and interactive dialogues with UN experts, the programme explores the vital role of youth in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on evaluation, community impact, and prosperity-driven innovation, this initiative empowers young leaders to become catalysts for change—locally and globally.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2024, UNITAR trained approximately 550,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world. Find out more at www.unitar.org