Hokkaido University Sustainability Declaration
In preparation for the 150th anniversary of its founding in 2026, Hokkaido
University formulated the "Future Strategy for the 150th Anniversary of Hokkaido
University" in 2014, and is striving to become "Hokkaido University that contributes
to solving global challenges." The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17
International Goals to be achieved from 2016 to 2030, which were set out in the"2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" and adopted by the United Nations
General Assembly the following year. These goals represent the challenges thatmust be addressed for the sustainable growth of humanity. They are based on core
principles including “Leave no one behind," "Peace, human rights, and well-being,"and "Harmony of economy, society, and environment."
In this context, the University announced the President's Policy, "Aiming to be an
Unparalleled University," in December 2020. In March 2021, the University issued
the "Joint Statement of Global University Leaders" for the 2030 Agenda. In August
2021, the University established the Institute for the Advancement of Sustainability,
a new university-wide entity, to establish a framework for promoting sustainability.
Furthermore, the University set "Contributing to Achieving the SDGs" as one of its
goals for the Fourth Period of Mid-Term Goals and Mid-Term Plan (FY2022-27). In
December 2021, the University issued "Hokkaido Universityʼs Statement on thePromotion of Diversity and Inclusion," expressing its commitment to respect
diversity and practice harmonious coexistence. The "Hokkaido University Global
Vision 2040," formulated in the same month, also includes the "Pursuit ofSustainability" as one of its strategic goals. The "HU VISION 2030," formulated inJuly 2023, further aims to promote "sustainable well-being in society."
Hokkaido University traces its origins to the Sapporo Agricultural College,established in 1876 to develop agricultural technologies for cold regions and foster
human resources for the development of Hokkaido. Dr. William S. Clark, the firstvice principal, laid the foundation of the University by introducing the "Clark Spirit"of "lofty ambition" and a curriculum combining both specialized education andcharacter development. Dr. Shosuke Sato, the first graduate of Sapporo AgriculturalCollege, served as the college principal, dean of the Agricultural College of Tohoku
Imperial University, and president of Hokkaido Imperial University, for nearly 40years until 1930. He modelled the management methods of agricultural andtechnical universities established in every state of the United States, developed
extensive national land into experimental farms and experimental forests to be usedas essential assets for education and research and established the foundation forthe University to become an imperial university with 4 science faculties. Currently,
Hokkaido University is a core comprehensive research university with 12 faculties
and 21 graduate schools, both the largest numbers of all the national university
corporations. This is why the University boasts an extensive and verdant Sapporo
campus and one of the world's largest experimental forests. We recognize that ourcurrent campus and fields are located on land that was once the living grounds ofthe indigenous Ainu people, and we must pursue not only environmental
sustainability but also the restoration and sustainability of cultural diversity.
Building on our history of development and the natural environment of Hokkaido,
the University has developed strengths, particularly in field sciences such as
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as environmental science. We are actively
engaged in world-class education and research in key areas of sustainability
expressed by the SDGs, including food production, biodiversity, environmental
conservation, and climate change. These efforts in education, research, andcommunity engagement are embodied in the Universityʼs four basic guiding
principles of education and research: "Frontier Spirit," "Global Perspectives," "AllRound Education," and "Practical Learning."
Grounded in this history, we will create every opportunity for every member ofthe university community, including students, faculty, staff, and administration toimprove their capabilities through educational programs on sustainability including
on-campus training and systems to support self-development. We encourage
members of our community to realize that their activities are connected tosustainability and strive to create an environment in which they can maximize theirpotential by acting with pride and dignity. Through this we will promote on-campus
unity through sustainability as our common language, to improve the Universityʼsoverall capabilities, and achieve our ambition of becoming "Hokkaido University that
contributes to solving global challenges." We strive to foster ethics of integrity andfairness as critical values to achieving sustainability. Through these efforts, we aim
to deepen our contribution to solving global challenges, to become a core institution
within our community, and to cultivate engagement and empathy with the world
outside of our university gates, thereby further increasing the University's socialimpact. In this spirit, we hereby proclaim the "Hokkaido University Sustainability
Declaration."
August 1st, 2024
President of Hokkaido University,
National University Corporation
August 1st, 2024

Hokkaido University's Aspiration through the Realization of theSustainability Declaration
In the Hokkaido University Sustainability Declaration, we commit to becoming the"Hokkaido University that contributes to solving global challenges." To achieve ouraspiration, we will create every possible opportunity for every member of theuniversity community, including students, faculty, staff and administration, toimprove their capabilities through educational programs on sustainability including
on-campus training and systems to support self-development. We encourage
members of our community to realize that their activities are connected tosustainability and strive to create an environment in which they can maximize theirpotential by acting with pride and dignity. Through this, we will promote on-campus
unity through sustainability as our common language, to improve the Universityʼsoverall capabilities and achieve our ambition of becoming "Hokkaido University that
contributes to solving global challenges." We foster ethics of integrity and fairness
as critical values to achieving sustainability. Through these efforts, we aim todeepen our contribution to solving global challenges, to become a core institution
within our community, and to cultivate engagement and empathy with the world
outside of our university gates, thereby further increasing the University's socialimpact.
Through the realization of this Declaration, Hokkaido University aims to become:・A university with the spirit of Dr. William S. Clark's "Lofty Ambition" as its
backbone. A university that is vibrant, healthy, trustworthy, and deeply engaged
with and respectful of various stakeholders. A university that confronts
challenges with a sense of unity among all members of its community. Auniversity that cultivates interdisciplinarity, leadership, and a diverse andinclusive campus culture grounded in sustainability.
・A university that maintains the shared understanding that many of the lands inwhich the University operates were originally used by the indigenous (Ainu)
people in their daily lives, and conducts its educational and research activities inan environment rooted in the history of indigenous people. A university thatstrives towards restoration of cultural diversity.
・A university that advocates "All-Round Education" and "Global Perspectives" as
its core principles. A university that leads global networks in sustainability,
advances the academic study of sustainability, succeeds in implementing

sustainability practices in the region, nurtures students with knowledge and skills
in sustainability, and continuously produces next-generation leaders whopromote the realization of a sustainable society.
・A university that advocates "Practical Learning" as a core principle. A universitythat achieves the greenhouse gas reduction targets set by the government, andwhile striving to secure the necessary funding, reduces water consumption,
minimizes waste and food loss, decreases plastic usage, opts for environmentallyfriendly commuting methods, and optimizes on-campus transportation systems.
A university that through these efforts to minimize the environmental impact ofcampus life and to promote behavioral change of our members, accelerates afair and equitable transition towards the realization of a sustainable society
including responding to climate change and protecting biodiversity.