March 17, 2023
Keio University
On Thursday, March 16, and Friday, March 17, presidents and other representatives of the U7+ Alliance (hereafter, U7+), comprised of more than 40 research universities from G7 and non-G7 countries, gathered at Keio University to hold the fifth annual Presidential Summit. The theme was "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword: Universities as Engines of Innovation for Peace and Security." The Japanese U7+ member universities are the University of Tokyo, Osaka University, Hitotsubashi University, and Keio University.
The U7+, concerned that conflicts around the world are depriving the younger generation of educational opportunities, academic freedom, and freedom of speech, has issued the "U7+ Alliance Tokyo Statement."
■ About the U7+ (U7+ Alliance of World Universities)
The U7+ is a global alliance of universities founded in 2019 on the initiative of Sciences Po (France). As of March 2023, its members include 51 universities from 19 countries (of which about 40 are active) . From Japan, members are Keio University, the University of Tokyo, Osaka University, and Hitotsubashi University. Universities from non-G7 countries such as South Korea, India, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria are also members. At the annual U7+ Alliance Presidential Summit, university presidents engage in direct discussions to address common global challenges and make recommendations to national governments.
For the "U7+ Alliance Tokyo Statement," please see below.