The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
"Dialogue between science, technology and diverse
cultures"
Subtitle: "The path of empathy towards a
sustainable future"
Faraday Seminar Organizing Committee
The Earth's rich ecosystem is supported by a diversity
of living organisms, but currently, environmental
destruction and climate change caused by human activities
have become serious problems. Therefore, the concepts of
biodiversity and circular economy are considered important
from the perspective of efficient resource use and reducing
environmental impact.
Considering this situation, this program will hold
discussions on how humanity can bring together the wisdom of
science, technology, and culture to carve out a sustainable
future.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Climate change
- Biodiversity
- Circular economy
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | English |
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Track Programme
-
Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.09.17[Wed]
15:15 ~ 16:30
(Venue Open 15:00)
-
- Venue
- Others (Inside Venue)
- "TEAM EXPO Pavilion"
Programme details
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*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping
audio.
Our Earth is supported by a rich ecosystem where diverse
organisms coexist. However, unregulated human activities are
causing serious environmental destruction and climate change.
In order to address this situation, the concepts of
biodiversity and circular economy have been attracting
attention in recent years. Biodiversity provides us with
resources such as food and water that are essential to our
lives. On the other hand, the circular economy reduces the
environmental burden and contributes to the protection of
biodiversity by efficiently using resources and minimizing
waste. We humans need to combine scientific and technological
progress with cultural diversity to create new solutions and
pave the way for a sustainable future.
This program aims to bring together diverse cultural and
scientific wisdom from around the world and integrate the
technology to utilize them to clarify the core of current
global problems. For all humanity to empathize with each other
and come to a consensus to solve problems, we will also use
environmental music to hold discussions.
Reports
【Reflection】
This event, held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo as part of the
""Life Conference"" project, provided a
valuable opportunity to consider a sustainable future from
various perspectives.
Takuo Doume, Executive Committee Chairman of the
""Life Conference"" project, opened the
event with a speech explaining the purpose and significance of
the event.
Next, Graham Budd, Director of the Faraday Institution in
Cambridge, UK, and Carla Pallett, Researcher, delivered
lectures.
Budd's lecture, titled ""The Faraday
Institution: A Comprehensive Approach to Societal
Challenges,"" and Pallett's, titled
""Sustainability and Conservation: Science and
Dialogue,"" introduced the institute's research
and educational initiatives.
Both lectures shared the latest insights into efficient
resource use and reducing environmental impacts, emphasizing
that biodiversity and the circular economy, in particular,
hold key roles in building a sustainable society.
Specific examples were presented of AI-driven approaches to
tackling challenging challenges through a fusion of science
and technology, as well as natural science, social science,
and humanities.
Furthermore, the presentation pointed out that ethical
considerations and a perspective of social justice are
essential when pursuing such initiatives, providing profound
insights for participants.
To conclude the program, Koichi Hosoi, chair of the Faraday
Seminar Executive Committee, performed his original song,
""Hello—Living for Life."" This song was
created with a message of hope for beautiful seasons and a
sustainable Earth and universe.
Its purpose is for the speaker and participants to encourage
each other and work together to solve problems.
All participants joined in the chorus, creating a moving
moment symbolizing the empathy and solidarity of all
humanity.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
This event, held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, provided a valuable
opportunity to consider a sustainable future from diverse
perspectives. Now that the expo has concluded, we are taking
concrete steps to ensure this experience is not merely a
passing memory, but is instead building on it for future
practical application.
First, based on the perspective presented in the
lecture—namely, the wisdom of integrating the three sciences
of natural science, social science, and humanities—we are
considering introducing interactive programs on sustainability
into educational settings and community activities.
In particular, we are currently developing educational
materials that delve deeper into topics such as AI, the
circular economy, and biodiversity from ethical and social
perspectives.
We have also continued our collaboration with the Faraday
Institute and begun discussions on the possibility of online
seminars and joint research to share international
knowledge.
This will create a forum for researchers, educators, and
citizens from Japan and abroad to learn from each other and
strengthen local responses to global challenges.
Furthermore, we have begun activities to expand the circle of
empathy and solidarity through music, utilizing the song
""Hello—Living for Life,"" which was
performed at the event. Through choral events at schools and
local assemblies, we aim to foster connections that transcend
generations and positions.
This program collaborated with seminars in Osaka, Yokohama,
and Tokyo: the Osaka University think tank “Social Solutions
Initiative (SSI)” Salon on September 18, the Yokohama Shiji
Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan on September
20, and the Aoyama Gakuin University McRae Memorial Hall on
September 22.
At the Osaka University SSI Salon, diverse discussions
unfolded, including the relationship between science and
religion. Key themes centered on: “Is acquiring scientific
knowledge to solve social issues and the motivation to do good
realized through interactions with life at the frontlines of
problem-solving?” and “How are the pursuit of truth and
actions for good related?”
At Yokohama Shiro Church, whose hall is designated a Yokohama
City Historic Building, lectures centered on “The Relationship
Between Science and Religion” were delivered from the
perspectives of modern science and Christian faith by speakers
including the Director of the Faraday Institute affiliated
with St. Edmund's College, University of Cambridge,
UK.
At Aoyama Gakuin University's McLeay Memorial Hall, the
university's Internationalization Promotion Organization
co-hosted a seminar with Osaka University's Social
Solutions Initiative (SSI) and the Aoyama Gakuin Religious
Center. Lectures covered: “Understanding AI and Its Impact on
Society from a Faith Perspective,” exploring the intersection
of technological innovation and ethics; “Environmental
Protection and Christian Hope,” examining the relationship
between environmental crisis, faith, and Christianity; “Toward
a Mutual Aid Society: The Philosophy and Practice of the Life
Forum,” discussing new challenges for realizing a mutual aid
society; and “Creating a Circular Economy,” focusing on the
integration of science, technology, and ethics: Toward
Realizing Society 5.0,“ and the potential of integration
technology for ”connection and separation."
These initiatives are not simply an extension of our past
efforts; they are the first step toward ensuring that the
insights and inspiration gained from these events take root in
society.
We will continue to stand at the crossroads of science,
culture, and ethics, and walk together on the path to a
sustainable future.
Cast
Speakers
Dome Takuo
Osaka University ,Social Solution Initiative (SSI)
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Graham Budd
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
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Cara Parrett
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
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Koichi Hosoi
"Faraday Seminar Organizing Committee (Japan) Osaka University ,Social Solution Initiative (SSI)"
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Co-organiser
Osaka University ,Social Solution Initiative (SSI)
Sanpo Publications, Inc
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
"Dialogue between science, technology and diverse
cultures"
Subtitle: "The path of empathy towards a sustainable
future"
The Earth's rich ecosystem is supported by a diversity of
living organisms, but currently, environmental destruction and
climate change caused by human activities have become serious
problems. Therefore, the concepts of biodiversity and circular
economy are considered important from the perspective of
efficient resource use and reducing environmental impact.
Considering this situation, this program will hold discussions
on how humanity can bring together the wisdom of science,
technology, and culture to carve out a sustainable future.
-
2025.09.17[Wed]
15:15~16:30
(Venue Open 15:00)
- Others (Inside Venue)
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week

