OU X UN Future Society ForumThe 6th Osaka University Cyber Sports Complex Symposium"Building a Society Where No One is Left Behind”
Accessible Yoga for All
Speaker: Rodrigo Souza

Adaptive/Accessible Yoga Instructor(Allihopa Accessible & Adaptive Virtual Yoga Studio)

September 13, 2023 (Wed.)
14:00-17:00 (open from 13:30)
Organized by:
ESG Integration Research and Education Center(ESG-IREC), Osaka School of International Public
Policy (OSIPP), Osaka University

Venue: Osaka University
Nakanoshima Center
4-3-53, Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0005,
Japan
Registration
https://eventregist.com/e/esg-irec＊Simultaneous Online Streaming

Special Lecture & Workshop

Rodrigo Souza is a wheelchair-bound yoga
instructor. He is from Brazil and currently
runs "Allihopa Yoga" in Sweden (*Allihopa
means "everyone together" in Swedish).
While working as a DJ in London, he suffereda spinal cord injury due to falling while hewas mountain climbing, and is now in awheelchair. He is committed to practicing andspreading adaptive/accessible yoga, a form ofyoga that helps people of any body type,medical history, athletic ability, and social
background, to adjust their mind and bodythrough yoga that suits their physicalcondition.

Free
Entry

Contact Information:
Email Address: info.esg-irec@osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp

■Overview and Purpose of the Event

Globally, a series of interconnected crises have intensified longstanding obstacles to sustainable development. The convergence of the COVID19 pandemic, climate change, and international conflicts have manifested profound challenges across various sectors. The urgency for decisiveand bold action to preserve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is paramount, with an emphasis on ensuring substantial progress forindividuals and the planet by 2030.
The SDG Summit, scheduled for 18-19 September 2023, represents a significant turning point. Under the convening authority of the President of
the General Assembly, the Summit offers a critical opportunity to strengthen collective endeavors at the halfway mark towards the realization of
the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Its purpose is to reinvigorate a sense of hope, optimism, and drive for the all-encompassing global development
agenda, creating strategic responses to the multifaceted crises that the world faces.
In response, the Osaka School of International Public Policy's ESG Integration Research and Education Center (ESG-IREC) at Osaka University,co-sponsoring with Osaka University's like-minded departments and experts, as well as in collaboration with the United Nations entities, initiates
programs to promote SDGs implementation through the better integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) factors inprivate businesses, by underscoring the principle of Leaving No One Behind. This philosophy, integral to the SDGs and consistent with ESG'ssocial equity framework, goes beyond mere intellectual pursuits. It includes aligning thought and action, transforming diversity into an asset, andmaximizing the potential for tangible outcomes.
A forthcoming event, "Building a Society Where No One is Left Behind," outlined below, hopes to be an illustrative example of how theseprinciples manifest into action. Guided by a distinguished leader with disabilities, this initiative stresses the universal goal of well-being for all.
This initiative reflects forward-thinking strategies in inclusivity and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It stands as a testament to a collective vision
for a future where no individual is left behind, emphasizing the intrinsic value and strength of diverse collaboration. Furthermore, aligning theseefforts with the thematic context of "Designing a Future Society for Our Lives," as espoused by the Osaka-Kansai Exposition 2025, amplifies therelevance and impact of this event.
The event, highlighted by a special lecture by Mr. Rodrigo Souza, a globally reputed advocate for adaptive and accessible yoga, is congruent with
the SDGs' principles. It emphasizes inclusivity, equality, and well-being. Participation spans academic institutions, international organizations, theprivate sector, civil society organizations, and individuals with and without disabilities. Collectively, the event symbolizes unity and shared
responsibility, honoring diversity as a source of strength and affirming the commitment to include every individual. The lecture will be followed
by a hands-on yoga experience guided by Mr. Souza, as well as a roundtable discussion to explore the transformative power of multi-stakeholder
collaborations, engaging government, private-sector, academia, civil society organizations, and the public.

We invite everyone, including people in wheelchairs, to join us.
■

Program 14:00－

Moderator: Toshiya Hoshino

Inspector, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) of the United Nations System.
Professor Emeritus of Osaka University, ESG-IREC Founding Director(former Ambassador of Japan to the UN)

Opening Remarks:
Beverley Anne Yamamoto
Special Video Messages:
H.E. Amb. Luis Gallegos
Rev.Jivana Heyman
Mr. Toshiya Kakiuchi

Executive Director and Vice-President of Osaka University
President, Executive Board, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) andformer Chair of the Working Group that drafted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Founder and Director, Accessible Yoga Association
Founder and President, Mirairo Incorporated

Special Lecture & Workshop:
Mr. Rodrigo Souza Adaptive/Accessible Yoga Instructor, Allihopa Yoga
Roundtable Discussion：Moderated by Professors Toshiya Hoshino and Ken Nakata
Ms. Akiko Ito, Chief
Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, United Nations
Ms. Chikako Hoshino
Instructor, UNSRC Yoga Club and an Accessible Yoga Ambassador
Dr. Yoko Nakano
Director of Art Lounge Clinic and an Accessible Yoga Ambassador
Prof. Koji Yamanaka
Osaka University Graduate School of Human Sciences; UNESCO Chair
Mr. Masaki Tanino
COO, J-Workout Corporation
Closing Remarks:
Ken NakataProfessor, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine*An information exchange session will be held after the event.
◆Co-Hosted by:
Osaka University
Graduate School of Medicine and Hospital Global Health Initiative
Graduate School of Human Sciences; UNESCO Chair
Foundation for the future: Cyber Sports Complex (CSC) Project
Social Solution Initiative (SSI)
Center for Diversity and Inclusion◆United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Accessible Yoga Association
Cooperation by :The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited
Mirairo Inc.
J-workout
Saraya Co., Ltd.,
E.M.I Inc.
BP&CO.