Overview
As Soka University heads toward its 50th anniversary in 2021, we have formulated the “Soka University Grand Design 2021-2030” as a new 10-year mid- to long-term plan.
Since its founding in 1971 and through continuous reforms, Soka University has worked toward realizing the “founding principles” indicated by the founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. In the Soka University Grand Design announced in 2010, we adopted the goal of being “a university that fosters ‘creative individuals’ based on the founding principles.” Over the past ten years, our efforts have realized the globalization of the campus as symbolized by being selected for the “Top Global University Project,” and the enhancement of the educational environment, such as the construction of Global Square, as well as sending out graduates to play active roles in various fields both domestically and internationally.
In the initiative aimed for 2030, we adopted the theme of “a university that fosters ‘global citizens’ that can create value,” with concepts such as “global citizenship education,” “achievement of the SDGs,” and “creation of a diverse campus.”
In order to continue being a university that creates new values for society while also valuing past philosophies and traditions, we will advance toward 2030, the 100th anniversary of the publication of the “Soka Education System.”
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- Name
- Soka University Grand Design 2021-2030
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- Period
- April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2031 (10-year plan)
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- Objectives of the formulation
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- To establish an education and research system that responds to issues in society affecting our university, such as the declining birthrate and the aging population as well as Society 5.0 (a very smart and intelligent society), in order to send out “global citizens that can create value.”
- While continuing the initiatives under the Top Global University Project, we will lead globalization and build a “hub for global citizenship education.”
- Share the goals toward 2030 with all stakeholders, including ifaculty, staff, students, and alumni, and promote the various initiatives with their support and cooperation.
Founding principles
Be the highest seat of learning for humanistic education
Be the cradle of a new culture
Be a fortress for the peace of humankind
Concept
- Vision for Soka University
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While globalization, coupled with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development, has given rise to various benefits, it has also brought about global problems such as social polarization, poverty, and the global spread of new viruses. Furthermore, this negative chain has created a collision of values, including bringing about a rise in populism and nationalism, leading to conditions under which society has become divided.
Under these circumstances, the United Nations (UN) established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, sharing with international society the goal of achieving a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive society in which no one will be left behind. All stakeholders, including public and private organizations, educational institutions, etc., are expected to support the initiative.
As one of the universities selected as part of the “Top Global University,” we have also taken on the mission of sending out capable individuals who will carry out “fair globalization.”
In order to sincerely tackle the problems facing global and regional society and resolutely take on the challenge of realizing peace, we consider it our mission to foster “global citizens” who will create new value. It is these “global citizens” who will become “creative individuals” — that is, “individuals that can create healthy and sound values, and can give back to society” — as indicated by our founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda when the university was founded.
After reaffirming this starting point, we have adopted “a university that fosters ‘global citizens’ that can create value” as the theme of Soka University’s New Grand Design for 2030 and formulated specific plans in four strategic fields (education, research, SDGs, and diversity). In addition, in order to promote the New Grand Design, we will also take on projects such as a “mid- to long-term financial plan” and “campus improvement” as measures to strengthen our management foundation.
Initiatives
We have formulated a strategy to follow in the five fields of education, research, SDGs, diversity, and creation of a strong and efficient management system.
Soka University Grand Design 2021-2030
Education
We will establish an education system that fosters “global citizens” who will support the changing society.
Research
Along with expanding specialized research, we will create new value for society through interdisciplinary research.
SDGs
Along with achieving the SDGs, we will work to achieve a global society in which “no one will be left behind.”
Diversity
We will aim to realize a campus where diverse values can come together.
Creation of a strong and efficient management system
In order to develop sustainability, we will establish quick and flexible organizational management and a stable financial foundation.