5 - 10 November 2025 -Tokyo, Japan

Forum and Workshop

Gender Equality, Personal Growth, and Nature-Based Education

Program

Nov. 5 - Opening and Orientation

Nov. 6 - Forum and Workshop - Gakushuin University

Nov. 7 - Forum and Workshop - United Nation University Japan

Nov. 8 - Forum and Workshop - Key Note Speakers

Nov. 9 - Forum Workshop - Key Note Speakers

Nov. 10 - Closing

LOCATION: National Olympic Youth Center and Conference Hall

Note: Participation in the program requires fee.

Join our transformative program, designed to integrate sustainability, self-awareness, gender equality, and nature-based education into teaching practices. This program applies to all educators, practitioners, and parents.

What You'll Gain:

✔️ Mindset shifts and personal growth for impactful teaching

✔️ Practical tools to create transformative learning environments

✔️ Collaborative strategies to promote critical thinking and resilience

✔️ Empowerment to guide students as empathetic, proactive change-makers

By exploring the interconnected social, economic, and cultural dimensions of sustainability, we foster a holistic and inclusive approach to education that prepares educators to inspire meaningful change.

Be part of this incredible journey and shape the future of sustainable education in Japan and beyond. Join us this fall and become an empowered educator for a better tomorrow.

Collaborators and Speakers

Collaborators and Speakers

Isachuo Kindergarten

Isachuo Kindergarten believe that the experiences and values a child gains in early childhood shape their lifelong journey. Makoto Education, rooted in Shin Buddhism teachings, children learn the importance of gratitude and develop a deep appreciation for all that sustains, nurtures, and enhances our life. Isachuo also focuses on Creative Co-education, where teachers and children engage in meaningful activities together, encouraging imagination through creative arts, block-building, and hands-on learning. Rather than striving for perfection, the joy of self-expression and the sense of fulfillment that comes from the creative process are celebrated. This approach also promotes dialogue between children and teachers, fostering communication skills, mutual understanding, and critical thinking. Additionally, the school creates an environment where educators observe children’s interests, fostering curiosity and creativity through play. Themes, shaped by the children’s interests, are explored in depth with ample time and diverse approaches. The school actively involves parents and the local community. Children participate in agricultural experiences and excursions to local mountains. These activities help foster a deep connection to and appreciation for their hometown and nature.

Hjallastefnan Model

Founded by Margrét Pála Ólafsdóttir in 1989, the Hjalli Model has evolved into a beacon of educational excellence in Iceland. Today, as an independent scholarly organization, Hjalli Ltd operates16 kindergartens and elementary schools across the country since

Since 1989 an alternative, progressive pedagogy has been evolving in Iceland. At first, the concept was considered ultra-radical, but in recent years it has become more and more popular, and now 8% of all nursery children are in nursery schools run according to this particular pedagogy. This new model promotes a system where the children work in small single-sex groups for the most prominent part of the day. This serves to liberate them from traditional gender roles and stereotypical behavior and to make sure that girls and boys get equal attention and equal opportunities. The children receive training in all human qualities, and the focus is on empowering gender through compensation work, so they become independent and self-assertive individuals, but not least, so they gain a positive, tolerant and compassionate disposition towards themselves and others. Every day the children play in mixed settings where the focus is on mutual respect and positive collaboration.

United Nations University (UNU) Japan is a global academic and research institution dedicated to addressing pressing international challenges, including sustainable development, peace, and human rights. With a focus on gender equality, UNU conducts research and promotes policies that aim to empower women and foster equal opportunities for all genders. Through its initiatives, the university strives to advance social justice and gender equity, aligning with the UN’s broader goals of achieving a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Founded in 1847, is one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions, known for its strong academic tradition. It has produced many notable alumni, including Emperor Naruhito. The university is renowned for its rigorous humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences education, shaping leaders in various fields.

The Embassy of Iceland in Japan serves as the official diplomatic mission representing Iceland in Japan. Located in Tokyo, the embassy fosters bilateral relations between the two countries, promoting cooperation in trade, culture, education, and sustainability. Iceland is known for its progressive policies on gender equality, environmental sustainability, and innovation, and the embassy actively works to strengthen these ties. It also provides consular services to Icelandic citizens in Japan and engages in promoting Iceland’s rich culture, values, and initiatives, including those related to climate action and gender equality.

MACHI-NO-HOIKUEN KODOMOEN

MACHI-NO-HOIKUEN KODOMOEN is a community school centered around children, where families, educators, and local residents grow and learn together. The school believe in embracing differences while fostering unity, creating as pace where children and adults thrive side by side. Beyond the school, the city itself is a place of learning, filled with people, culture, and experiences that shape a child's growth.

Matsuda Kozue Ph.D.

Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education,

Musashino University Associate Professor

Graduated from the Department of Child Studies, Faculty of Home Economics, Ochanomizu University, and gained experience working in both private and public kindergartens. She later completed a doctoral program in Human Developmental Sciences at the Graduate School of Ochanomizu University, specializing in Childcare and Child Studies. Her expertise includes child studies, early childhood education, and international childcare.

Terada Hiroe Ph.D.

Hiroe Terada, born in Sapporo, has a strong background in education both academically and with hands-on experience. Holding a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Iceland, a Master's in International Education from Harvard University, and a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of California at Berkeley, her passion has been on children’s social and emotional well-being. After working on curriculum development and teacher training in an educational NGO, she has spent 15 years at Icelandic preschools. She also runs a publisher that creates books to help young children discuss their feelings.

María Ösp Ómardóttir

Hjallastefnan Preschool Director

María is a preschool director, primary school teacher, and a mother of five children. She excels at imagining innovative solutions for situations that have remained unchanged for a long time and brings a playful approach to both her professional and personal life. Passionate about adapting society to better meet the needs of parents and young children, María is dedicated to creative work with families, always seeking fresh, inspiring ways to support and uplift them

Sakumoto Nayuta

Isachuo Preschool Vice Principal and ICT Advisor

Professionally, Nayuta serves as the vice principal at Isachuo Kindergarten in Yamaguchi, Japan. The school is a Buddhist institution and offers Project-Based Learning (PBL) education, influenced by the Reggio Approach. She also conducts training sessions for teachers, both within and outside the institution, as an instructor on using digital tools for learning that help children express themselves and gain new perspectives.

Ragnar Þorvarðarsson

Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of Iceland Tokyo

The Embassy of Iceland in Japan serves as the official diplomatic mission representing Iceland in Japan. Located in Tokyo, the embassy fosters bilateral relations between the two countries, promoting cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, education, and sustainability. Iceland is known for its progressive policies on gender equality, environmental sustainability, and innovation, and the embassy actively works to strengthen these ties. It also provides consular services to Icelandic citizens in Japan and engages in promoting Iceland’s rich culture, values, and initiatives, including those related to climate action and gender equality.

Higuchi Yukari

Educator and Practitioner

Yukari holds a degree from the Literature Department of Gakushuin University and furthered her studies in education at the University of Iceland . With 11 years of experience teaching in public high schools, she has developed a deep understanding of education and student engagement. Besides her regular teaching , she also leads a hiking club, fostering students’ appreciation for outdoor activities and experiential learning. She has a strong interest in UNESCO Schools and their commitment to global citizenship and sustainable education. In addition to her professional role, Yukari is a dedicated mother to two young children, aged five and three, balancing her passion for education with family life.

Koike Nozomi

Reporter

Nozomi has been a news reporter for Yomiuri News Paper for over ten years. She started her career in Nagano Prefecture, gaining experience across various fields before moving to the political department in Tokyo, where she covered government affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. She earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from Gakushuin University and studied abroad at the University of Iceland from 2012 to 2013. Nozomi is also a mother of two young children, ages two and zero years old.

Hamatsu Margarita

Educator and Practitioner

Margarita’s journey is driven by a deep passion for education, sustainability, languages, cultures, and society. This enthusiasm shaped her academic journey at the University of Iceland, where she earned a master’s degree in educational science with a specialization in Education for Sustainability. She also holds a degree in International Studies in Education and certifications as a Life Coach and a trained facilitator with the Global Village Network, where she actively promotes its ideals.

Professionally, Margarita serves as the Project Manager for Outdoor Education at Hjallastefna Preschool in Selfoss, Iceland. In addition, she is a co founder of Adventures for Students Iceland and Futureroots.education . . Her diverse experience includes a significant role in an Eco-village in Iceland , renowned globally for its commitment to eco-friendly living. There, she led projects focused on ecological conservation, sustainable practices, and economic enhancement, while also managing guest relations.

Beyond her professional achievements, Margarita is dedicated to environmental welfare and fostering meaningful relationships.