About Global Village Society
Global Village Society, also known as “Glovil,” was founded with the vision of creating a society in which every individual cares for the environment by viewing our planet as one shared community—a “Global Village.”
As globalization brings countries and people closer together, we often hear that the world has become a smaller place. However, we believe that truly bringing people closer means broadening our perspectives, caring for the entire global community, and treating our planet with the same care and responsibility we would give to something of our own.
With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the heart of our mission, we pursue this vision through a variety of activities, both online and in our local communities.
Our logo depicts hands gently embracing the Earth, symbolizing connection, compassion, and unity. The hands represent people—you and me—working together to bring our shared vision to life.
Our Philosophy
"Be Happy, Global Village."
We see the Earth we live on as one shared village.
For everyone in this village to live peacefully and experience genuine happiness, we believe that each of us must envision such a future and take action, however small, to help make it a reality.
“Be Happy, Global Village.” is the motto that brings us together.
To turn this vision into action, Global Village Society focuses its activities on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted at the United Nations Summit in 2015.
In January 2020, the United Nations launched the Decade of Action to accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030.
We continually ask ourselves not only what each of us can do as individuals, but also what we can accomplish together as an organization.
With this in mind, we strive to expand our community activities and build connections with people online and offline.
How Global Village Society Began
Global Village Society began with members of Tokyo Lord's Faith Church (Christian Gospel Mission, or CGM), who had been learning and practicing Christian teachings.
As they discussed how they could care for and love the Earth from God's perspective, they began asking themselves:
“What can we do to contribute to the world around us?”
In 2016, they decided to start with something within their reach: volunteering to pick up litter in their local communities.
Since then, our vision has continued to grow, and Global Village Society has expanded its activities into a variety of fields.
Message from the Representative of Global Village Society
Today, the environment of our planet faces numerous challenges and crises.
Around the world, governments, businesses, and organizations are increasingly taking action to protect the environment. Words such as “sustainability,” “SDGs,” and “veganism” have also become familiar parts of our everyday conversations.
I, too, had long felt that I should do something to help.
Yet the scale of these environmental challenges seemed so overwhelming that I often found myself wondering:
“What difference could one person like me possibly make?”
To be candid, I struggled to see these global issues as something that personally concerned me.
Then, at Tokyo Lord's Faith Church (CGM), the community from which our organization originated, I had an opportunity to hear a story shared by our pastor.
The message was simple yet powerful:
"We should view this vast planet as a Global Village, something close to our hearts, and recognize the importance of each individual taking the first step."
I was deeply moved by this perspective.
Inspired to do what I could for the great “village” we all share, I joined others who shared the same vision. Together, we began taking small but consistent steps, starting with local litter cleanups.
That was how Glovil came to life.
Today, I continue to participate in a variety of activities with Global Village Society, guided by the motto:
“When one person changes, the world begins to change.”
Through these experiences, I have gained valuable insights and met many wonderful people.
I sincerely hope that our activities may inspire you to take a new step of your own.
We are still learning and growing ourselves, but we will continue to devote our sincere efforts to protecting the environment and growing as individuals.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Our Activities
Regular Community Activities, Starting with Litter Cleanups
Litter cleanup activities were the starting point for everything Global Village Society does today.
Guided by our motto, “Be Happy, Global Village,” we wanted to begin by responding to the needs of our own communities.
Since our founding in 2016, we have continued to organize approximately ten community cleanup activities each year.
In addition to our regular volunteers, we welcome junior high school, high school, and university students who join us during school holidays and other opportunities.
Together, we enjoy caring for the parks, streets, and neighborhoods that are part of our everyday lives.
During periods when outdoor activities are difficult, such as the rainy season, we organize indoor study sessions on volunteering and hold meetings among our organizing members to discuss ways to improve our activities.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand our community involvement into even more areas.
Learning About Environmental Issues and Sharing Knowledge Online
We believe that awareness is the first step toward meaningful action.
Global Village Society studies current news, research papers, and other publications related to environmental issues. We then share what we have learned, along with our own reflections and perspectives, through online platforms.
As an organization whose activities center on the SDGs—shared goals of the international community—we believe it is essential to remain curious, continue learning, and stay informed about new developments.
By sharing information, we hope to connect not only with people who already share our concerns and interests, but also with those who may not have previously thought much about these issues.
We believe that exchanging knowledge can help more people become aware of important challenges, understand different perspectives, and develop a shared sense of purpose.
For us, the process is simple but meaningful:
First, learn and understand. Then, put that knowledge into action.
Hosting Study Sessions and Lectures on the SDGs
Global Village Society regularly organizes study sessions and lectures on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global environmental issues.
These events are open to everyone, including people who are not members of Global Village Society.
Participants often share feedback such as:
"Studying on my own is important, but listening to speakers and discussing topics with others helps me deepen my understanding and become more aware of the issues."
For the latest information about study sessions and lectures hosted by Global Village Society, as well as seminars offered by other organizations, companies, and speakers that we recommend, please visit our official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Global Village Society supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).