Aiko Sakurai

Professor, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies [GSICS], Kobe University

Dr. Aiko Sakurai has extensive experience in international development, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and global education initiatives. She brings a unique blend of practical expertise and academic insight to her research and teaching. Her professional journey spans roles at the World Bank, international NGOs like Save the Children, and top-tier development consulting firms. Since transitioning to academia, she has dedicated her career to advancing disaster-resilient education systems and school-community collaboration both in Japan and globally.

As a passionate educator and researcher, her work seeks to bridge the gap between policy and practice, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration that combines social sciences, engineering, and environmental sciences.