For the first time, a session organized by members of Action by Students to Promote Innovation and Reform through Education (ASPIRE) was included in the program of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) 2014 Triennial Conference. The conference took place at Pacifico Yokohama from June 11 to June 14, and the ASPIRE students’ session, centered on the theme “Voices of the Future,” was held on the morning of the final day, preceded by several days of preparatory discussions.

The ASPIRE Japan members included students from J. F. Oberlin University, Kobe Design University, Reitaku University, Nanzan University, Kanda University of International Studies, and Soka University. Also participating were students from the UAE, India, Pakistan, UNAI/ASPIRE Korea, UNAI/ASPIRE Austria, and UNAI/ASPIRE Black Sea Universities Network. The students discussed the question, “How can students contribute to world peace?” in connection with the conference theme, “Creating the Future of Higher Education.”

Junya Ogasawara of J. F. Oberlin University’s Graduate Division, a representative of ASPIRE Japan, commented, “The student sessions opened my eyes to the importance of offering educational opportunities to everyone. ASPIRE activities and these sessions have awakened many students. Awakened students will contribute to society and to world peace through their experiences. Awakening students is one of the roles played by higher educational institutes. I believe in the potential of universities, and I hope they will keep waking students up.”