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International Academic Summit on the GX Model in Island Regions (IASIR)
The 1st International Academic Summit on
the GX Model in Island Regions ( IASIR )
― Co-creating Sustainable Futures for Energy, Water, Food and Climate Resilience in Island Regions ―
on March 26–27, 2026
at Kumejima, Okinawa, JAPAN
IASIR was successfully held with the generous participation and support of many colleagues and friends from around the world. We sincerely thank everyone who joined us and contributed to making this event meaningful. (March 28)
This is a hybrid event (on-site and online).
Hosted by the Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University.
Participation is free of charge (excluding the Welcome Reception).
On-site registration will close once capacity is reached.
Application Deadline for the Meeting and Tour: 11:59 p.m. (JST), Monday, March 23
Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9)
GX (Green Transformation) refers to the transition toward a decarbonized and sustainable society.
About the Event
The International Academic Summit for the GX Model in Island Regions (IASIR) is a global academic summit convening leading researchers from around the world to advance the realization of sustainable futures for island regions through Green Transformation (GX). The Summit aims to accelerate the societal implementation of innovative GX models grounded in scientific excellence and international academic collaboration.
IASIR serves as a global intellectual platform, bringing together academia as its core, in close partnership with international organizations, universities, governmental institutions, and industry leaders. The Summit promotes the development and societal deployment of GX models based on rigorous scientific knowledge, and fosters the formation of an international alliance that integrates academic research with policy, technology, and real-world applications. Through this collaborative framework, IASIR seeks to co-create integrated solutions to the interconnected challenges of energy, water, food security, and climate resilience in island regions.
Distinguished participants from leading universities and research institutions worldwide, together with representatives from international organizations, governments, and industry, will engage in strategic dialogue and collaboration to bridge academic excellence and practical implementation. This process will help establish a durable international framework through which academic achievements and visions can be translated into practical solutions for nowadays societies and sustainable regional development.
Kumejima Island has emerged as a pioneering example of sustainable island development, integrating Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and deep-ocean water utilization into its local socio-economic and environmental systems. Internationally recognized as a leading case of academic research and civil institutions cooperation for the benefit of the society, Kumejima provides a valuable real-world reference for advancing GX in island regions. IASIR will provide participants with the opportunity to learn from this experience on site, while collaboratively exploring and shaping optimal GX models tailored to the unique conditions and aspirations of island communities worldwide.
Through this process, IASIR aims to serve as a historic turning point in establishing and advancing a new International GX Alliance, led by academic leadership and strengthened through collaboration with international organizations, governments, and industry, to support and accelerate the realization of sustainable and resilient futures for island regions globally.
We Cordially Invite Your Participation
This Summit will be held on Kumejima, an island blessed with one of the world’s most remarkable natural environments. Its pristine ocean, deep-sea water resources, and sustainability-oriented island community offer invaluable insights into the future of island regions.
Participants will engage in high-level academic dialogue with global leaders from academia, international organizations, government, and industry, while also experiencing firsthand the real-world setting where GX initiatives are being explored and implemented.
We warmly invite you to join us in this unique environment, where nature, knowledge, and international collaboration converge to shape a sustainable future for island regions.
Dress Code
Business Casual or Okinawan Kariyushi Wear
Kariyushi Wear is a traditional formal attire in Okinawa, similar to an aloha shirt but worn in business and official settings. It is recommended for comfort in the local climate.
Light layers are recommended as it may be slightly cool in the mornings and evenings.
Language
The official language of the conference is English.
Simultaneous interpretation (Japanese–English) equipment will be available on-site.
Please note that the number of interpretation devices is limited.
Keynote Speaker
Tshilidzi
Marwala
Rector of the United Nations University; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
Tishka Hope
Francis
Senior Programme Management Officer (SIDS Team Lead)
Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States
Masayuki Mac
Takahashi
President, Japan Science Society (JSS)
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Endorsed by
Kumejima Town
Kumejima Deep Sea Water Council
National Ocean Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Okinawa Prefectural Government
Saga Prefectural Government
Imari City
Ocean Policy Research Institute, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation
The Japan Science Society
Ocean Energy Association-Japan
Deep Ocean Water Applications Society (DOWAS)