ISC 71 THEME:
"Designing Our Future"
In 2025, Japan will host its first World Expo in 20 years, known as the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This global event will serve as a platform where knowledge and culture transcend borders, showcasing the possibilities of the future. Under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” diverse nations and individuals from various backgrounds will collaborate to tackle global challenges through numerous innovative programs.
In this context, the 71st International Student Conference has chosen Osaka as its venue, aligning its topics with the thematic weeks of the Expo. Through discussions on the complex issues of modern society, participants will envision a better future.
Technological advancements continue to evolve exponentially, making our lives more convenient and prosperous. However, they have also given rise to new challenges such as environmental issues, social inequality, and excessive resource consumption. These problems have accumulated as humanity has pursued progress without fully addressing the consequences of its actions. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 with the commitment to “leave no one behind,” are now approaching their 2030 deadline. Yet, only 16% of these goals are currently on track to be achieved. Faced with this daunting reality, we must ask ourselves: What must we do now? How should we design our future, and how can we make it a reality?
While the evolution of AI and digital technology has brought unprecedented efficiency to our lives, over-reliance on these advancements is diminishing opportunities for people to think and act for themselves. Although technology can solve many problems, there are still complex, multifaceted global challenges that cannot be addressed by technology alone.This is why the power of dialogue—where people come together, exchange diverse perspectives, and generate new ideas—is more crucial than ever. Dialogue is the key to unlocking the future.
Our vision for the “Blueprint for the Future” is not merely a collection of technological solutions but rather a comprehensive and sustainable vision for society. By leveraging the global stage of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, we aim to foster face-to-face discussions among students from different countries, inspiring bold and innovative ideas. Through these meaningful dialogues, we hope to redefine the future, provide new directions for modern society, and create a world where technology and humanity coexist harmoniously—one that belongs to all of us.
ISC 71 TABLE TOPICS
T1
Co-creating Cultures for the Future
What do we need to do for diverse cultures to resonate and co-create cultures for the future?
Table Description：
With the advancement of civilization and technology, as well as the formation of nations and communities, the world has seen the creation of diverse and unique cultures. In modern times, the progress of informatization and globalization has made it easier to access other cultures. However, challenges remain in passing down traditional cultures and reevaluating their significance. This topic will explore ways to preserve the uniqueness of each culture while fostering harmony among diverse cultures and creating new possibilities together.
Keywords：
Traditional performing art, historical heritage, local community revitalisation, tourism, art, music, sports, cultural arts, Cool Japan, manga and anime, Esports, etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes：
Regional experiential programs and internships / platform to promote the fusion of tradition and modernity / Digital preservation of cultural heritage
The Future of Community
and Mobility
What is a community where we can live as we are?
T2
Table Description：
In modern society, advances in mobility technology and digital infrastructure have made it possible for people, goods, and services to move and be utilized across any location. At the same time, remote work, social media, and the metaverse are enabling communities to form beyond physical boundaries. However, challenges remain, such as infrastructure gaps between urban and rural areas, disaster resilience, and ensuring accessibility for all, including the elderly and people with disabilities. This topic explores how digitalization and mobility can create new opportunities for connection and individual expression. We will discuss disaster recovery, aging populations, and the balance between physical and digital spaces to envision a more inclusive future.
Keywords：
Smart cities, digital garden cities, disaster prevention and reconstruction, metaverse, space, robots, EV/FCV, automatic operation, flying cars, cyber security, MaaS etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes :
Connecting Urban and Rural Infrastructure / New Mobility Systems to deal with Unexpected Disaster / Integrating Metaverse and Physical Communities
T3
Necessities of Life- Food, Clothing, and Shelter
What do we need to do to realize a future where everyone has access to food, clothing, and shelter ?
Table Description:
In developed countries, goods and services are easily accessible, yet excessive production and consumption are placing an increasing burden on the environment. At the same time, many people around the world continue to face food shortages and poverty, struggling to secure a decent standard of living, leading to a widening gap in material wealth.Furthermore, changes in social structures, such as the rise of dual-income households and the increase in single-person households, have diversified the ways people live.This topic will focus on envisioning a future where everyone can fully enjoy adequate living conditions, including food, clothing, and shelter. Discussions will explore sustainable consumption and production, mechanisms to address inequality, and the role of technological innovation in achieving a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Keywords :
Food loss, food tech, food education, food culture, smart agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry, sustainable fashion, ethical consumption, etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Achieving agricultural production aligned with population and consumption needs / Transitioning from fast fashion to sustainable fashion / Building a circular system for food waste management / personalized and optimized nutritional management
Learning and Playing
What should humans learn in the era of AI?
T4
Table Description:
In today's society, technological advancements are rapidly transforming the way we learn. AI excels at processing vast amounts of information and facilitating efficient learning. However, creativity, emotional intelligence, and flexible thinking remain uniquely human qualities.
The spread of online education and digital tools has expanded access to learning opportunities. Yet, educational disparities persist, posing a significant challenge.
This topic explores the nature of learning in the AI era. By examining how machines and humans can collaborate to create innovative learning systems, we aim to discuss ways to ensure equal educational opportunities for all.
Examples of Issues:
Lifelong Learning / EdTech / Intellectual Property Utilization / Personalized Learning / Remote Learning / Youth Independence / Educational Disparities / STEAM / Entrepreneurship / Global Play
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Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Development of AI-Human Collaborative Learning Models / Promotion of Creative Thinking / Design of Personalized Curricula / Implementation of Corporate Education Programs
T5
Peace, Human Security, and Dignity
What do we do to realize a world where discrimination is eliminated and people respect each other?
Table Description:
Across the world, poverty and social inequality continue to spread, preventing many people from enjoying their basic rights. Discrimination in employment and education, disparities in living conditions, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities remain serious issues.
To address these challenges, a fundamental review of social structures is necessary. Achieving a society where all individuals are treated equally and respect one another requires policy reforms and a shift in public awareness.
In this topic, we will discuss how to take action against these issues and explore practical solutions that can be implemented.
Keywords :
Hunger, poverty, social inequality, human rights violations, child labor and forced labor, human trafficking, participation of persons with disabilities, gender equality, LGBTQ, promotion of women’s participation and advancement in the workplace, immigration, human security, diversity and inclusion etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Promoting Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion through Education / Promoting Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion through Education / Strengthening Social Security Systems and Poverty Reduction Programs / Advancing Policies to Achieve Gender Equality
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity
What do we do to preserve the earth for future generations with abundant and diverse life?
T6
Table Description:
All living organisms on Earth play a role in maintaining the natural balance through coexistence. However, human activities have disrupted this balance, leading to climate change, deforestation, and marine pollution. These environmental changes threaten many species, pushing them to the brink of extinction.
Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity negatively impacts human society, potentially disrupting food supply, healthcare, and environmental conservation efforts.
In this topic, we will discuss concrete measures to protect and restore biodiversity in order to achieve a sustainable society.
Keywords :
Climate change, decarbonisation, biodiversity, circular economy, renewable energy, hydrogen society, Nature Positive, deforestation, marine pollution, woodland regeneration, freshwater resources, etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Implementation of Biodiversity Restoration Programs / Conservation and Valuation of Ecosystem Services /
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Nature-Based Education