The SDGs, aiming to address increasingly complex social is- sues and to realize a sustainable society, not only present 17 goals and 169 targets but are also intended to highlight the interconnectedness among these goals and targets. They serve as a roadmap to disentangle multifaceted problems that transcend fields and sectors. In contemporary society, addressing social challenges requires not only high-level expertise but also interdisciplinary knowledge, diverse skills, and, above all, strong human connections.

In response to this need, The University of Osaka established the Social Solution Initiative (SSI) in January 2018 with “Inochi” as a central concept. SSI functions as a think tank led by scholars in the humanities and social sciences and provides a space where people engaged in addressing social challenges come together to design and implement projects that aim for real-world impact.

SSI hosts various platforms for collaboration. The “SSI Salon” brings together participants from across academia, business, and NPOs for the exchange of cutting-edge infor- mation and ideas on social issues. Other platforms include the “SSI Roundtable” (Kurumaza), where people from businesses and NPOs gather to co-create solutions and new social ventures beyond organizational boundaries; the “SSI Community and Town-Building Forum,” which brings together municipal stakeholders and experts to exchange insights and collaborate on regional development; and the “SSI Student Forum,” where students engage with faculty and professionals to deepen their self-directed learning.

As part of its academic base, SSI also organizes the “SSI Researcher Forum,” where researchers from various dis- ciplines share knowledge around designated themes and engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue to explore often-over- looked challenges for a sustainable future. Past topics have included “Information Technology,” “Community Norms,” and “Outer Space.” Through such initiatives, SSI has pro- moted the sharing of advanced knowledge from the field and visualized common issues across disciplines, thereby expanding a co-creation network of individuals committed to addressing social issues. This co-creation network—com- prising over 200 organizations and individuals—is a circle of people who care deeply about Inochi and are willing to support one another. The activities of the Inochi Forum are based in this network.

SSI also disseminates its work through its website and SSI Annual Reports in both written and video formats. Fur- thermore, SSI holds internal seminar-style discussions to identify and articulate common issues across different social challenges, building the foundation for future activities.

One of SSI’s essential roles as a think tank is to compile and transmit the knowledge and values nurtured on the field of social issues—through the lens of Inochi and with academic language—in ways that enable broader dialogue and un- derstanding. In this way, SSI seeks to weave and transmit the Words of Inochi. This Inochi Declaration, too, must be continuously discussed, refined, and shared with the world as part of the Words of Inochi.

SSI: Building a future society where every Inochi unleashes its radiant light

Looking ahead, SSI will expand its existing initiatives on a global scale and focus on advancing the creation and dissemination of the Words of Inochi. It will strengthen partnerships with international organizations and overseas academic institutions to globally expand the co-creation network. Initiatives such as publishing a journal centered on Inochi and enhancing outreach through media channels are being planned to help more people engage with the Words of Inochi. Building on the expertise and human networks cultivated through past activities, SSI will also develop and expand educational programs for nurturing future leaders who contribute to a sustainable society—not only for univer- sity students but also for middle/high school students and working adults.

The Inochi Forum will continue its collaboration with SSI, working to expand the co-creation network across univer- sities, businesses, and NPOs. Through these efforts, we aim to weave the Words of Inochi and increase the number of individuals who resonate with the ideals of Inochi and strive together toward a sustainable future society.

[References]

・The University of Osaka Social Solution Initiative (SSI):
https://www.ssi.osaka-u.ac.jp/

・Inochi Forum Action Panel:
https://inochi-forum.org/action-panel/

・OU-SDGs Program:
https://ou-sdgs.celas.osaka-u.ac.jp

[Action Platform]

Education and Children / SDGs+Beyond

[SDGs]